KING RICHARD RULES RIVALS

Pankhurst shocker

JASON HEAVEY under crack Irish jockey Pat Smullen.

Trainer Sir Michael Stoute said Kings Fete might go for the Grand Prix de Deauville.

Frankie Dettori moved on to the 3,001-winner mark after Escobar earned Classic quotes with a striking triumph in the Washington Singer Stakes.

At Ripon Nameitwhatyoulike gave Connor Beasley a major victory with success in the Great St Wilfrid Handicap.

Thirteen months ago, Beasley fractured his skull and spine, suffered bleeding on his brain, lost half of an ear and all his teeth after a fall.

He returned to the saddle in March and said: “I’ve been through a lot and I must thank all the owners and trainers who have supported me.” Just off the placed horses in the Commonwealth Cup at Royal Ascot, LA RIOJA takes a drop in class to contest the Listed fillies’ event at Pontefract (3.45) and can continue the good form of Mick Channon (below).

After Ascot she finished a disappointing third at York in the Summer Stakes but that flat 6f was too sharp for her and the daughter of Hellvelyn should be more at home on this stiff track.

And the ex-England footballer could saddle a double with LIGHTOLLER in the 2.15.

The 6f handicap at 5.20 looks wide open but I shall be having a hefty eachway punt on the lightly raced three-year-old SPIKE who is up against mainly exposed rivals.

At Southwell I am keen on JP McManus’ CERNUNNOS in the feature handicap chase at 3.00 following the defection of Roman Flight.

Deauville stages a superb renewal of the Group One Prix Jacques Le Marois at 2.55 and although Sussex Stakes first and second Galileo Gold and Ribchester are the most likely leading