TUITE’S ACE HAS PRIDE OF PLACE IN RACING FEAST
TAKE Pride in a superb day’s racing.
The action across the country is a bit like one of those sensational wedding buffets when you don’t know where to start.
The lobster at Newmarket, York’s prime rib, the salmon Ascot has served up or even the deliciously satisfying coronation chicken at Chester – there really is something for everyone.
I’m going to start by tucking into SURREY PRIDE (4.05) in the John Smith’s Cup at York.
His trainer Joe Tuite knows how to lay one out for a target and he seems to have aimed this talented four-year-old at this prestigious handicap since he made a winning return over this course and distance in May.
The form of that race has worked out really well and I’ve a feeling Lambourn-based Tuite knows he has a wellhandicapped horse on his hands.
A wide draw might put some people off but the stats say it’s not a bad thing to bag a high stall in this race. Have 2pts to win at 8-1.
Earlier on the same card, ARABIST (2.55) is worth chancing in the John Smith’s Stayers’ Handicap.
Six of his last seven races have come at Chester – presumably at his owner Marwan Koukash’s insistence – but he just doesn’t look suited to the tight turns of that track.
He could easily be very well weighted now he tackles a more galloping course and the likely solid gallop should also help
Ian Williams’ runner.
Have 1pt each-way at 14-1 with William Hill paying out on five places.
The Darley July Cup is the day’s big race and it looks a cracking contest this year. There’s no end of potential sprinting stars in the field and that makes it a tricky puzzle to solve.
I’m more interested in the Bet365 Bunbury Cup, also on Newmarket’s top-class card.
Despite 20 runners lining up there doesn’t look to be much pace in this 7f handicap. That should suit ON A SESSION (3.50).
He did best of those ridden prominently when fourth in the Thirsk Hunt Cup in May when the mile distance stretched his stamina and he’s had excuses since.
He hasn’t been with David Barron (above) long and the hood he wears for the first time should help keep him calm before the race. Have 2pts each-way at 33-1.