DOUBLE HANDFUL

John Shaw’s racing betting column in association with

WHAT a day of sport we have in store for us today with one of the most intriguing renewals of the Coraleclipses I can remember, followed by something going on with the football.

Despite Derby winner Masar being declared a non-runner last night, Guineas winner Saxon Warrior takes on Dante winner Roaring Lion along with a top-class filly in Happily.

Add in the older horses and we have ourselves one helluva race.

Cold, hard logic dictates Roaring Lion will win this race but then logic and horseracing don’t always make for good bedfellows. Nor do I with anybody else, for that matter.

The Qatar Racing colt was impressive at York then wasn’t beaten by much at Epsom with Saxon Warrior behind.

Only two fillies have ever won this race, so I don’t find the 7-1 about Happily particularly enticing.

Happily gets an age and sex allowance, something I’ve long advocated should be available to humans. She prefers soft ground, though, and has been well beaten by other fillies. I really can’t see her springing a surprise over this set of top-class types.

My brain says Roaring Lion offers the best chance of a winner, but my heart is with SAXON WARRIOR who beat him convincingly over a mile at Newmarket.

To say Saxon Warrior runs today is a bigger shock than a debate on Brexit not featuring on the BBC’S Question Time.

After all, he trailed home third in the Irish Derby only seven days ago. There were no excuses for Saxon Warrior that day and following on from his disappointing run in the Derby many are starting to believe he’s simply not as good as we first thought.

But I can’t shake the memory of that thrilling Guineas win, when the son of Deep Impact left the field for dead in a mere matter of strides.

I’m staying with Saxon Warrior for one more race as it’s over what could be his ideal trip.