Friday ITV Racing Tips & Preview

The vagaries of the draw again reared its ugly head on day one of the July meeting with some jockeys perceiving the far side rail to be favoured despite no conclusive proof that is the case. Hopefully, William Buick will remain on the stands’ side rail with PARFAIT (Best price 5-2) who brings the best form into this race courtesy of a fine fourth in the Group Three Jersey Stakes last time. The selection had previously hammered a field of decent three-year-old handicappers over today’s course and distance so could still be progressing and I’m hopeful Buick will chart a course on the stands’ rail and outclass his rivals.

Nyaleti arguably set too fierce a gallop in the Chesham Stakes and paid for it late on when picked off late by Ballydoyle runner September and it could be a case of déjà vu this afternoon. The drop back to six furlongs looks sure to suit Mark Johnston’s talented filly, but CLEMMIE (Best price 2-1) is improving rapidly and should enjoy a strong pace to run at judged on her effort at the Curragh. The selection quickened readily clear that day and, although she couldn’t land a blow in the Albany Stakes at the Royal meeting, she has begun to justify the faith of her stable since.

Mark Johnston has won this race for the last four seasons so progressive filly Titi Makfi and Monticello are clearly of interest. The former has gone from a mark of 70 to 93 by way of four victories and won’t mind the juice in the ground, while her stablemate could make a bold sight from the front if nothing else wants to go on. There is a doubt about the stamina of MARZOUQ (Best price 9-1) but he has run highly creditably in a number of strongly-run handicaps this summer, not least at Goodwood last time in a race which is working out well. He could be worth risking at an attractive price as he has finished his races well over a mile this term.

Winter has established herself as the number one three-year-old filly in Europe with a series of scintillating performances this season, but a heavy workload means she is enjoying a well-earned break – a move which leaves the door ajar for stablemate ROLY POLY (Best price 9-4) to take full advantage and pick up a valuable Group One. This is far from a vintage renewal even with French Guineas runner-up Sea Of Grace and the unbeaten Wuheida in opposition and a repeat of Roly Poly’s performance in the Coronation Stakes would be enough to see her secure a precious victory.

I am yet to be won over by the mercurial Mainstream who sports the hood for good reason in the Unibet Handicap. Well fancied for a Royal Ascot handicap, the Queen’s four-year-old appeared late on the scene again looking a far from straightforward ride (again) so at his morning price I’m willing to swerve his obvious chance and side with another enigmatic character in OASIS FANTASY (Best price 9-1). It could be that Mainstream is a better class of thief than Oasis Fantasy but the selection is near enough four times the price and has saved some of his better efforts for the Knavesmire. The decision to make the running at Royal Ascot didn’t appear a particularly clever one but it did at least earn him some respite from the assessor and he could spring a mini surprise.

GRAVITY FLOW (Best price 8-1) posted a sub-standard effort on her return at Haydock behind the likes of Buying Trouble and Sugar Free, but looked a good deal better than that level last year as a juvenile. Her trainer loves a winner at this venue and she could well bounce back with that effort behind her now she tackles faster ground which appeared a requirement last season. Queen Kindly, winner of last year’s Lowther Stakes over today’s course and distance, should appreciate the return to six furlongs and is respected on the back of a decent performance in Listed company at Ayr.