Saturday 7th July 2018



12:20 Sandown

 Muthmir and Judicial finished first and eighth respectively over course and distance at the beginning of last month and I think the latter has a good chance of turning that form on it's head. He had the door slammed in his face on numerous occasions in that contest and the passage only cleared when it was all too late. Also, the form of his seasonal debut, a neck second to Mabs Cross in a group 3 at Newmarket, has been franked with the winner going on to finish third in the King's Stand at Royal Ascot. Julie Camacho's gelding looks to have his optimal conditions and can hopefully get the blog July's first winner.

Judicial 9/2 - 2 Points Win


12:35 Haydock

 Ghostwatch is clearly progressing with racing and must continue to if he is to take up his group 2 entry later this season. He relished the step up to 1m6f last time but based purely on what he has achieved so far this mark of 90 looks steep enough. Similar comments apply to Rude Awakening who was impressive last time out but has been hit with a 10lb rise by the handicapper, without wheeling out the usual Sir Mark Prescott clichés it would be no surprise if he was to defy that rise but I don't want to find out at 3/1. Instead I fancy the chance of Making Miracles, who could take another step forward here upped in trip. He bolted up on his penultimate start at Leicester and then ran a very good race when poorly positioned off his revised mark in the King George handicap at Royal Ascot. It must also be seen as a huge positive that Richard Kingscote has been booked for the ride, given how well he rides this track.

 Making Miracles 11/2 - 1 Point Win


12:55 Sandown

 Eight of the last ten winners of this contest have been drawn in a single figure stall which must be factored into the analysis of the race. Of those drawn low I like the chances of Chiefofchiefs in stall 3, a course and distance winner two starts ago I think he has a chance of going in again at the Esher venue. He made smooth headway, hit the front soon enough and probably won with more in hand the the winning margin suggests when winning here. He then ran a big race of his revised mark over the same course and distance on his next start, he was poorly positioned and forced to make his challenge widest of all whereas the winner Via Serendipity had the rail to help. That rival is now 4lb worse off with Charlie Fellowes'  charge and with a better ride that form should be reversed. Manson was another from that race who was probably given too much to do and still managed to finish second and is worth a small play at bigger odds. SkyBet are paying 5 places so make the most of that if you are able to.

 Chiefofchiefs 8/1 - 1 Point Each-Way

Manson 16/1 - 0.5 Points Each-way

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