Architect Tips has four selections covering the ITV races at Ascot and York on Saturday.
13:40 Ascot
The way Jack Channon’s SUKANYA (best price 10/1) was able to overcome a troubled passage to win with plenty up her sleeve on debut at Newbury a month ago suggested she has plenty of ability.
This is a much stiffer task, but she has so much more to come and is worth an each-way interest.
14:00 York
CABURN (best price 25/1) looks overpriced in the Sky Bet Dash Handicap. James Tate has highly tried him since winning last year’s Super Sprint at Newbury, which featured Commonwealth Cup winner Time For Sandals.
This rates as a far more suitable task than when down the field in the Jersey Stakes last time out an opening mark of 94 on handicap debut and shaped well on his return in the Carnavon Stakes beforehand.
If he can get back to his best, then I can see this capable sprinter exceeding his double-figure odds expectation. I think he’s got a cracking each-way chance with most firms paying four places.
14:40 York
Almaqam seems short enough and I’m happy to take a chance on STANHOPE GARDENS (best price 7/2). His narrow second to Delacroix last season is a serious piece of form, and having won his reappearance, I thought his fifth-place finish in the Epsom Derby can be marked up.
I think the trip stretched him, as he looked booked for third until losing two places towards the finish. He’s been saved for this race since and his trainer is in very good form, so the drop in grade may well see him resume winning ways.
16:10 Ascot
It’s hard to see past CALANDAGAN (best price 13/8), who likes this course and ran well behind Jan Brueghel in the Coronation Cup last time out despite not handling the course.
His confidence was boosted when he bolted up in a Group 1 in France last month and was comfortably in front of Rebel’s Romance in the Dubai Sheema Classic earlier this year.
Jan Brueghel is fitted with cheekpieces, which I find strange, and that could backfire. Kalpana might emerge as the biggest danger, but she will need a personal best.
Therefore, I think the French raider will enhance his fine course record and add to Goliath’s success for his handler by landing the feature.
