The Hon. is diseased and I have run out the Yellow Jack to warn the bumboats, tinkers and itinerant matchstick sellers to stay away. I have had to move a number of appointments, and cancel a Sunday lunch that would have had a range of very splendid wines served alongside delicious food. I have changed the batteries in the Oximeter. I have kept the TV noise levels to a minimum. I have offered Tea very quietly so as not to wake her. I have ordered more test kits. So put aside that muttering about my not being supportive. A nursing job is a vocation, as I have oft-mentioned before, and like Nadhim Zahawi’s support for BoJo – I am here to help!
Talking of our Chancellor, I was very lucky to be able to close my “Next Leader” position with minimal losses. Amongst all the various positionings and manoeuvrings with regard to political futures, Nadhim’s performance was astonishing. What was he thinking? If I were either of Nadhim’s feet I would be terrified of him ever accepting an invitation to go shooting! No, I have transferred my vote to Ben Wallace and with a secondary vote going to the “Anyone but Liz Truss” ticket.
Talking of people who think they know best, and who might be thought slightly swivel-eyed, here are tomorrow’s racing tips
1:15 NEWMARKET (JULY) Weatherbys British EBF Mdn Stakes (Colts & Geldings) Cl3 (2yo) 7f 13 run
If you have to have a punt I’d limit yourself to SIGNCASTLE CITY or LEADMAN.
No Bet
1:50 NEWMARKET (JULY) bet365 Hcap Cl2 (3yo 0-105) 1m2f 12 run
The trends suggest KNIGHTSWOOD, who ran well enough in Ascot’s Golden Gates handicap and who was racing closer to the pace than those who beat him. He only dropped out of second inside the last and ran better than his finishing position suggests. It’s easier to suggest that Mark Johnston rarely fails to win this, rather than give some very impressive stats.
KNIGHTSWOOD 2 pts e/w
2:05 YORK William Hill Best Odds Guaranteed Hcap Cl3 (4yo+ 0-90) 1m4f 8 run
A late-season start for SOUTHERN VOYAGE and his first race since being gelded; GEREMIA dropping back to 12f after running poorly at the last twice; FAIRMAC is wearing cheekpieces for the first time; The favourite is 7/2 and the first six horses are within five points. When in doubt back
BOLLIN JOAN 2 pts e/w
2:25 NEWMARKET (JULY) Duchess Of Cambridge Stakes (G2) Cl1 (2yo) 6f 6 run
I really thought at one point during the Albany Stakes that QUEEN OLLY was going to take the race just after the furlong marker. She got to second but then hung left and started wandering off a true line. Bear in mind she ran from stall 14 and the 6 of the first 7 came from a single-digit draw. MAYLANDSEA wouldn’t be a surprise after her Queen Mary run and she looks progressive.
QUEEN OLLY 2 pts e/w
2:40 YORK William Hill Summer Stakes (G3) (Fillies & Mares) Cl1 (3yo+) 6f 12 run
There are two horses I’m interested in here – in what looks like a very strong renewal of the race. The first is the Commonwealth Cup third FLOTUS which De Sousa probably produced too soon; and UMM KULTHUM whose run in The Platinum Jubilee Stakes was frankly disappointing.
FLOTUS 3 pts Win – UMM KULTHUM 2 pts e/w
3:00 NEWMARKET (JULY) bet365 Trophy Hcap Cl2 (4yo+) 1m6f 16 run
One strange stat from the trends to date, (from the four runnings of this race), is that all 14 of those that last ran at Ascot have been beaten. On that score, Saeed Bin Suroor’s DUBAI WELCOME missed Ascot, but in backing him, you are punting on SbS’ ability at turning around AWT animals that need to progress onto Turf. It will be interesting to see him on this fast ground because I did just wonder when he ran at Kempton LTO whether he looked a bit “backy”. He was somehow unbalanced. SUMMER’S KNIGHT from Sir Mark’s yard would be on my shortlist as would Ascot Stake’s 7th TRIBAL ART, We suggested him for The Northumberland Plate, but he’d pulled up after 2f, having completely missed the start. He’s a very decent price here and I’m going to have a real pop at this race. He is being backed as I write.
DUBAI WELCOME 2pts e/w – SUMMER’S KNIGHT 3 pts e/w – TRIBAL ART 3 pts e/w + 12 x ¼pt CFC All 3 with CANDLEFORD
3:35 NEWMARKET (JULY) Tattersalls Falmouth Stakes (G1) (Fillies & Mares) Cl1 (3yo+) 1m 5 run
INSPIRAL Wins. Too short. betting W/O the favourite? Hmm but which.
No Bet
4:10 NEWMARKET (JULY) Arioneo Hcap Cl3 (3yo+ 0-90) 7f 10 run
MUMS TIPPLE 4 pts e/w – 1 pt RFC with NIZAAKA – CRACK REGIMENT 1 pts e/w (4 places with Skybet) and ¼ pt CFC
4:45 NEWMARKET (JULY) Moet & Chandon Hcap Cl3 (3yo+ 0-90) 5f 14 run
ANCIENT TIMES – TEES SPIRIT Dutch the pair for 5 pts