Upset on the cards in the Grand Cup Stakes
Published:
Three major tips…
Royal Ascot is just days away, and you’d be forgiven for concentrating your attention on it. But there’s still a handy seven-race card live on ITV today.
The action comes from York, Sandown, and Chester, and Ed Chamberlin and co. will be there to cover the action.
As usual, the Coral News Team pick a trio of top selections and the best subplots of the day’s racing. So, without further ado…
Could be a good Weekender
All eyes are on the Grand Cup Stakes at York where highly-rated Marmelo goes off as favourite in this Listed race.
Hughie Morrison’s charge has had an inconsistent last couple of races. Favourite in the Melbourne Cup, he could only finish 9th. But then put in a superb performance to finish second at Longchamp last time out.
However, it’s John Gosden’s Weekender that catches the eye. This progressive four-year-old was third in a Group 3 at Sandown last time out. But that was at a slightly longer trip.
He was highly impressive at Chelmsford at the 1m 6f distance and the drop back here should suit him. Frankie Dettori is on-board once more and connections are confident of a big run.
Crowley could nab a winner at Sandown
It’s off to Sandown now for the Scurry Stakes and a hopeful victory for Owen Burrows’ Mokaatil.
This three-year-old has been highly-rated for a long time and this is his second appearance since wind surgery at the tail end of 2017.
He was third in the Group Three Cornwallis Stakes at Newmarket in October and last year. And although he faded, finishing 9th, ran strongly on his reappearance at York last month.
Jim Crowley loves him and is on-board again this time around.
Balding stable in fine form
It’s back to York as we finish off with the Pavers Foundation Catherine Memorial Sprint Handicap.
Andrew Balding’s Foxtrot Lady is on a roll having won on her last two outings – the first at Chester in a decent handicap, and then again at Carlisle.
Although the three-year-old has been moved up to a mark of 94, she’s got plenty more to give. Connections reckon she’s going to be a Group class sprinter, and Balding has intimated that he may well run her in the Stewards’ Cup.
The field looks highly competitive but Foxtrot Lady has leading claims to bolt up in this 6f sprint.
1:50 York – Tapis Libre
2:05 Sandown – Mokaatil
2:25 York – Spanish City
2:40 Chester – Austrian School
3:00 York – Weekender
3:15 Sandown – Salt Whistle Bay
3:35 York – Foxtrot Lady
All Odds and Markets correct as of date and publication
