Sam Turner takes you through Friday's live ITV races
13.55 York
Frankie Dettori was keen for trainer William Haggis to keep AL NEKSH (Best price 8-1) in training as a four-year-old and, although events may not have gone that smoothly just yet, his faith may be vindicated this afternoon.
There have been flashes of quality from the Zoffany gelding this summer, not least when he was an honourable runner-up to Master Carpenter in the first big handicap run on the Knavesmire this season. Sadly, he broke a blood vessel when disappointing badly behind Banditry at Newmarket but, given two months to recover from those ailments, he could be a different proposition now he returns to the scene of one of his best career performances.
Although unproven yet at today’s 12-furlong trip, his trainer has been keen to step him up to middle distances and there could be more to come over today’s new distance given his mother was a daughter of Montjeu.
14.25 York
Max Dynamite was successful for Willie Mullins in this race two seasons ago and any horse the Irish maestro runs on the level is worthy of consideration so Thomas Hobson is hugely respected following his narrow failure to complete the Royal Ascot double two months ago.
However, DAL HARRAILD (best price 4-1) posted a classy performance in his own right in Listed company here two starts ago over 14 furlongs and looks like he might find further progression for the step up to two miles. A solid display in the Hardwicke Stakes at Ascot should have set the selection up well for this and his trainer has been itching to run him over today’s trip for a while.
15.00 York
Most firms are betting four places and the odd one is offering five which is a help to punters given this looks one of the hardest puzzles to solve all week. In the hope SO BELOVED (best price 8-1) gains a clearer passage than he enjoyed in the Lennox Stakes at Goodwood behind Breton Rock he is given the nod with his yard back among the winners at this meeting. The selection was beaten by a highly-talented filly in this race 12 months ago and appears in the right frame of mind to go close once more for Adam Kirby who seems to get on well with him. Admittedly, winning days for So Beloved are few and far between, but he is a relatively solid frame contender for a race of this nature which should be run at a strong gallop and looks nicely situated in stall six.
15.35 York
The torrential rain which fell on the Knavesmire earlier in the week threatened to derail the claims of LADY AURELIA (best price 13-8) for today’s feature but a couple of drying days in the north may serve to produce perfect ground for this enthralling Group One event.
Easy ground would have enhanced the claims of Battaash who has become one of the stories of the flat season with three authoritative victories, but a sounder terrain should ensure Lady Aurelia’s brazen speed is not compromised and she looks well drawn to make a bold bid.
The fairer sex has dominated the Coolmore Nunthorpe Stakes in recent times and the King’s Stand winner is reported to have breezed well last week in preparation so narrowly gains the nod over her three-year-old rival in a duel which has the potential to provide the best race of the week.
If pressed for a bigger price selection to upset the two market leaders then Marsha could fit the bill as she is drawn alongside the speedball Take Cover and could be thrusting late on a track where she has enjoyed success in the past.
