Muthmir heads our trio of selections from Ascot and Newmarket
It’s not all about the action across the English Channel at Longchamp this weekend, with some very classy action taking place around the country today.
It looks a competitive day of races, but we have pinpointed a trio of Listed contests that may have a spot of value in.
Whether you back these in singles, doubles or a treble (that pays a very nice 39/1), hopefully we can make your Saturday a profitable one.
The way in which the William Haggas-trained four-year-old won the Portland Handicap last month suggests a decent prize is not far away.
He will probably need to continue on his upward curve here, especially now dropped down to the minimum distance, but the way he came through that time at Doncaster, despite stubling at the start was visually impressive.
With each run he has probably ruined his handicap mark so a step up to Listed company where he will not have to carry a penalty looks just the ticket to score his third win of the season.
Connections swerved an appointment in the Prix De l’Abbaye to line up here so must fancy the horses to repay them.
Shagah – Newmarket 14:55 – 4/1
On paper this doesn’t look like it will take much winning, with Frankie Dettori’s mount at least 5lbs clear of most others on official ratings.
Richard Hannon’s filly was a good third to Agnes Stewart in the Group 2 May Hill Stakes at Doncaster and drops back down to a distance that she was last victorious over.
It normally pays to back one of the leading fancies in this race, with the last three renewals going to horses at 5/1 or shorter.
Godolphin juvenile Yodelling was impressive on debut and likely to have her supporters, but needs to prove herself at a better level, for us to consider backing her at the likely short price.
Al Thakhira – Ascot 16:25 – 3/1
Like Shagah, fellow Al Shaqab racing-owned filly Al Thakhira is clear of the majority of her likely competitors at Ascot on official ratings.
Beaten just over a length by the useful Kiyoshi in a Doncaster Group 3 last month, the step down in class is likely to see her go very close.
Martin Harley won the Rockfel Stakes on her this time last year on their only previous outing together, so the change in jockey looks far from a negative.
She is one of only two horses in the field with any worthwhile form in Group races, so it would be a shock were she not at least amongst the places.
All odds and markets correct as of the date of publishing
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