Saturday 26th July 2014

Loads of racing to go at this afternoon, it’s tough to know where to start but hopefully the below can give us a run for our money:

2:45 Newmarket – First Flight. 9-4

I think the step up in trip will get this Godolphin runner back into the winner’s enclosure. The horse has been running consistently well in highly competitive big field handicaps but today’s race looks a bit easier on paper. First Flight has been finishing off his races well over a mile so the extra two furlongs “on paper” look ideal although he’s got to prove he stays this far.

If First Flight gets home he should take a bit of beating, the obvious danger is the other boys in blue runner Tryster, we just don’t know how good this one is but the betting would suggest First Flight is the one to be on.

2:55 York – Windhoek. 5-2

Another Saeed bin Suroor runner, Windhoek looks an improving type, jockey Kieren Fallon went on record saying the horse has plenty more to give and will have no trouble stepping up into Group company.

A few of the other runners didn’t run great last time and maybe are a little exposed whilst the ones that have been running well look outclassed in this Group 2 race. It will need a career best from Windhoek but hopful the horse is on an upward curve and can take this in his stride.

3:15 Ascot – Fort Bastion EW 50-1 & Ayaar 12-1 EW.

29 runners for the Longines Stakes, the lucky pin needs to be working.

Fort Bastion can go well at the huge odds of 50-1, the horse has been running well, races off a nice mark whilst has a lovely draw. With the rain that hit Ascot yesterday the sting will have come out of the ground and it will ride a bit slower. A hectic pace is assured so horses will need to stay the trip well, Fort Bastion stays a mile so a flat out 7 furlongs should be ideal and he will gallop all the way to the line.

With luck Fort Bastion should trade a fair bit shorter in running, a bet to lay at odds of 5.00 in running might just secure a few quid, if betting outright ensure you go with a bookie paying 5 places.

Ayaar had no luck last time, if Frankie Dettori can find a clean path and maybe get the horse across from his low draw Ayaar is more than capable of winning one of these big handicaps.