Saturday, 23rd July 2022
I’m sitting out this afternoon’s Sky Bet Dash at York – where I don’t fancy a bet at the prices….
But I am playing at Ascot in the International Stakes (3.00)….
I’m backing ROPEY GUEST at the general 16s….
George Margarson’s 5yo hasn’t been easy to win with – logging just a single victory from 28 runs on the turf flat to date….
But the last twice he’s been at the top of his game in top-level big-field handicaps….
…. finding just one too good in the Buckingham Palace Stakes at Royal Ascot and again in the Bunbury Cup at Newmarket….
Prior to those runs he’d shown up well when 5/27 in the Victoria Cup – another big-field handicap run over tomorrow’s track and trip….
Producing performances like these doesn’t encourage the handicapper to trim your rating….
And Ropey Guest hasn’t gone down for recent defeats – he’s been rated between 92 and 94 for eight of his last nine runs….
On the upside he hasn’t been raised in the handicap for going close – and runs today off 93….
That’s just a pound higher than his mark at Ascot and at Newmarket – and a full 11lb shy of his one-time career-high mark…..
Claimer Callum Hutchinson retains the ride and takes off a useful 5lbs….
Ropey Guest has played bridesmaid in these big handicaps – but his last two performances suggest he’s rated and weighted to play the principal role if or when things fall right….
He’s is in good heart; he likes the track; and he’s certainly got lots of experience in races of this nature….
All things take into account, the 16s is a nice price….
Each-way backers take note: William Hill & Sky Bet are 1/5 the first 7. You can get 1/5 the first 6 generally….
Nick’s Dark Horse….To recap on my idea of the dark horses capable of running big races at tasty prices in the big handicaps this afternoon…. In the International Stakes (3.00 @ Ascot)….
Advised prices are correct at the time my column is submitted for publication. But prices are subject to fluctuation. There’s nothing I can do about that. Be sure to consult Oddschecker – you may find a quote better than advised…. |
That’s all for today. Back next time….
Meanwhile – enjoy the racing. It’s not life and death – it’s a game we play for fun. It’s good sometimes to remind ourselves of that fact….
Stay tuned.
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