“It’s going to be a hot one at Ascot today,” the racecourse stated on Twitter a few minutes ago, alongside a short clip of a foal drinking water from a hosepipe. “Be like this foal and remember to stay hydrated.”
Wise words, given the possibility that Friday could see the UK’s all-time temperature record beaten. With the Met Office having issued a warning of thunderstorms from 2pm until midnight, however, punters with an eye on the field and betting for Saturday’s King George will also be keeping a close watch on the skies above the track, in case the course suddenly receives some natural hydration of its own.
If it does, Cracksman could well line up for Saturday’s King George and would do so as a possible favourite for the Flat season’s midsummer showpiece. It could also upset plenty of calculations elsewhere on the card, which includes the 29-runner Gigaset International Handicap over the straight seven furlongs, but the range of possibilities in terms of rainfall is so wide that for now at least, it makes more sense to ponder at the Friday card and worry about Saturday when it arrives.
The Listed Valiant Stakes for fillies and mares over a mile is the feature event this afternoon and William Haggas’s Beshaayir (3.35) stands out as the likeliest winner and probably the best bet on the card.
She has been brought along carefully so far this season and dropped back to handicaps after failing to justify favouritism on her first step up to this level in early June, but that defeat was more down to inexperience than any lack of talent and Beshaayir really clicked off a mark of 88 at Ascot a couple of weeks ago. She finished more than three lengths clear with plenty in hand and should now be ready to step up to Listed company on the way to Group-class events.
Ascot Racecourse (@Ascot)
It’s going to be a hot one at #Ascot today. Be like this foal and remember to stay hydrated… 🚰 pic.twitter.com/WpxxX0zrAJ
Venturous (4.45) returned to form last time out after a disappointing run on his seasonal debut in May and should outrun his price of around 7-1 in the five-furlong handicap. Speedo Boy (3.00) should also go well at decent odds at Ascot, while Bee Machine (3.10), at Thirsk, and Racemaker (8.00) on the evening card at York are two more to consider closely.
Quick guide
Racing tips for Friday 27 July
Uttoxeter 1.40 Kiruna Peak 2.10 Mountain Rock 2.45 Premier King 3.20 Calarules 3.55 Notnow Seamus 4.30 King’s Reste 5.05 Full Bore
Ascot 1.50 Ceratonia 2.25 Crantock Bay 3.00 Speedo Boy 3.35 Beshaayir (nap) 4.10 Atty Persse 4.45 Venturous (nb) 5.15 Procedure
Thirsk 2.00 Dream Of Honour 2.35 Ascended 3.10 Bee Machine 3.45 Prince Elzaam 4.20 Iron Sky 4.55 Broken Wings 5.25 Semana Santa
Newmarket 5.35 Margie’s Choice 6.10 Lolita Pulido 6.40 Delft Dancer 7.10 Balgair 7.40 Fairlight 8.10 Sleeping Lion 8.40 Starboy
Chepstow 5.50 Junoesque 6.20 Thriving 6.50 Poyle Charlotte 7.20 Glamorous Dream 7.50 Broadhaven Honey 8.20 Timoshenko 8.55 Innoko
York 6.00 Data Protection 6.30 Pennsylvania Dutch 7.00 Persian Moon 7.30 Desert Diamond 8.00 Racemaker 8.30 Airglow
Tips by Greg Wood