ITV Racing Preview: Can Frankie Dettori win maiden John Smith’s Cup?
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We take a look at the best of Saturday’s live races
There’s plenty more racing to enjoy this weekend as the ITV cameras make their way to York and Newbury.
We’ve got eight exciting races to look forward to, with the John Smith’s Cup the highlight of the day.
Ahead of the action, we’ve taken a look at the key runners and riders.
York
13:55 The Silver Cup Stakes (Group 3)
14:30 The John Smith’s Cup Handicap Stakes
15:05 The City Walls Stakes (Listed)
15:40 The Extra Places Every Day Handicap Stakes
Newbury
14:15 The Rose Bowl Stakes (Listed)
14:50 The British EBF Premier Fillies’ Handicap Stakes
15:25 The Aphrodite Fillies’ Stakes (Listed)
16:00 The Hackwood Stakes (Group 3)
In a small field, Communique could be the one to watch after finishing second in a Group 2 at Newmarket recently. Joe Fanning’s ride also won two Group 2 contests last year and could get back to winning ways here.
But the pair will face stiff competition from Moonlight Spirit, who is looking to bounce back after struggling to keep up in the Ascot Gold Cup.
Elsewhere, Universal Order will aim to continue his good form after notching five wins in 10 starts.
Caradoc heads the betting and for good reason, having beaten rival Great Example at Newbury in one of three wins last year. James Doyle’s ride impressed in a recent reappearance at Epsom and should go well.
Great Example will want to avenge that defeat to Caradoc in what was his last start. He’s now 3lb lighter and he could be one to keep an eye on.
Frankie Dettori has never won this race and will look to impress on Harrovian despite being given a 6lb rise by the handicapper. John Gosden’s gelding enjoyed a strong second on reappearance before improving to win at Doncaster just over three weeks ago.
Oisin Murphy and The Tin Man won this race in 2016 and will look to repeat history this weekend. The gelding has won three Group 1s and held his own on return in the Diamond Jubilee at Royal Ascot.
Dakota Gold enjoyed a successful 2019 with five wins, including Listed races at York and Ascot. He’ll have to improve after a slow return but he could go well.
Meanwhile, Judicial has been well backed after finishing second in the Palace House at Newmarket on his return. He followed that up with a Group 3 win at Newcastle and he’ll be among the frontrunners despite a 3lb penalty.
View the latest horse racing odds.
All odds and markets correct as of date of publication
