Good afternoon folks
I have had a look at a handful of races tomorrow, mainly at Ascot. I half liked both our unlucky tip last time True Legend & Burdett Road but this time of year, especially traditionally this Ascot Friday meeting, is mainly a 3 year old benefit! They get a whopping 11lb weight for age so are at a significant advantage, especially receiving weight as well! There wasn’t a lot of juice in both the above s prices to warrant tipping so keep half an eye out if wanting some action.
I also had a long look at the big 7F handicap at that track on Saturday and the 2 I like strongly are below. Nothing further this evening for Friday. Back throughout the day tomorrow for Saturdays action.
3:00 Ascot (Sat 27th July)
METAL MERCHANT – 1.25 Pt EW @ 18/1 boost Will Hill & Lads 5 places, 16/1 6 places Skybet, 16/1 5 places generally
NEW IMAGE – 3/4 Pt Win @ 10/1 Bet365 & Vbet, 8/1 generally
Some of our old warriors in this (Aalto being a good winner for us) but on handicap terms he can’t beat New Image who looks an improver and worth a cover bet. The main selection is Metal Merchant, who loves this course, and if you recall, I tipped him at The Royal meeting in the Hunt Cup where he travelled supremely the best horse only to be on the wrong side/not enough of a lead into the race. I also said that a strongly run 7F (as I did with Aalto @ Newmarket) looks right up his street. I hope (fingers crossed) he gets a decent pace to chase. He has shown ALL year in the top handicaps he is a 4 year old on the up and has travelled smoothly in EVERY one of them. IMO he doesn’t see out the 1mile trip strongly enough (has won over it though) so a drop to a strong 7F (slight concern), to my mind’s eye, on a stiff track looks tailor-made?? Draw always plays a part, and I have no control over either that or the pace, but he looks nicely berthed and he reproducing any of his runs this season then he looks sure to run a massive race for us at a cracking price and I would be most disappointed if he didn’t place at the very least!