4 minutes My four selections today feature in races at Beverley, Sandown, Chester and Lingfield.
2:05 Beverley
William Hill Beverley Bullet Sprint Stakes (Listed Race)
ADRESTIA - 9/2
Adrestia has developed into a high-class sprinting filly this season, announcing herself with victory in the Palace of Holyroodhouse at Royal Ascot before running a stormer in defeat at Glorious Goodwood, where she was beaten just a nose in a big-field handicap. That performance confirmed her ability to mix it at Listed level and beyond and with conditions to suit here she looks well placed to make the step up. Still lightly raced for a sprinter, she has the profile of one who can keep progressing through the ranks.
Regional brings established Group 1 form to the table and rates the obvious danger if the ground stays on the quick side, while Redorange has been a model of consistency and should be respected for a yard that does well in this race. First Instinct is another who could get involved if the race sets up for a closer.
Verdict: ADRESTIA has been knocking on the door in big-field handicaps and now looks ready to strike at Listed level. Regional is the class angle but may be vulnerable back at the minimum trip, while Redorange appeals most of the rest.
3:00 Sandown
Read Meg Nicholls' Blog At betmgm.co.uk Handicap
SADDADD - 5/2
Saddadd looked a colt firmly on the upgrade when landing the prestigious London Gold Cup at Newbury in May, travelling strongly before asserting late to claim a valuable prize on just his fourth career start. That performance suggested he could develop into a Group-class performer and it’s notable that connections still hold him in high regard with entries at the highest level later in the season. Freshened up since that success and with Roger Varian’s yard continuing in fine form, he returns to action with the scope for plenty more progress from a mark of 101.
Dangerman is another progressive three-year-old and arrives here chasing a hat-trick at the track, while Castle Cove will be dangerous if bouncing back from a below-par Goodwood run. Flying Frontier, a dual C&D winner, is also worth a second look at likely bigger odds.
Verdict: SADDADD shaped like a pattern-race performer in the making when winning the London Gold Cup and looks capable of defying this mark on his return. Dangerman is the main threat, with Castle Cove next best.
3:15 Chester
Virgin Bet Supports Safe Gambling Handicap
HAWSKBILL - 4/1
Hawksbill looked back on track when going down narrowly to Sir Paul Ramsey at Haydock three weeks ago, shaping like a horse ready to strike again after two lesser efforts. Gelding appears to have sharpened him up and the application of first-time cheekpieces here could eke out that extra bit of improvement. Well drawn to sit handy and proven at this sort of trip, he looks poised to run a big race at a track that rewards prominent tactics.
Sir Paul Ramsey, who beat him last time, is an obvious danger now returning to action quickly, while El Burhan is a lightly-raced C&D winner who could still have more to offer for George Boughey. Two Tempting, last year’s winner, is another who can’t be ruled out back at his favoured venue.
Verdict: HAWKSBILL went close at Haydock last time and can turn the tables on Sir Paul Ramsey, with El Burhan feared most back over this C&D.
6:55 Lingfield
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SMOOTH SILESIE - 11/4
Smooth Silesie has been in sparkling form this summer, winning three of her last four starts and showing her versatility by scoring from the front at Yarmouth before coming from off the pace to land a competitive fillies’ handicap at Goodwood last week. She effectively races from a 2lbs lower mark here thanks to Tyrese Cameron’s claim and although drawn widest, her tactical speed should allow her to get into a good position. Clearly thriving, she looks the one to beat.
Money Pockets has been knocking firmly on the door and would be a big threat if breaking on terms, while Fiorella Princess returned to form at Ffos Las and shouldn’t be underestimated. Virtue Temperance has something to prove but could sneak into the places if bouncing back.
Verdict: SMOOTH SILESIE is thriving and can continue her winning spree, with Money Pockets and Fiorella Princess looking the main dangers.
