3 minute read

Sam King found the winner of Ayr’s feature race yesterday and he returns with three selections for a fine Thursday’s racing…

There's a high-quality six-race card at Sandown this evening featuring Group 3 action and all eyes will be on last year's Epsom Derby Hero Desert Crown as he makes his eagerly awaited reappearance…

Although the likes of Desert Crown and Enemy obviously make plenty of appeal in the Group 3 contests, they don't appeal much from a betting perspective.

However, the finale at the Esher venue looks like an interesting mile handicap for the three-year-olds and I'm fairly sweet on the chances of Greek Order.

The son of Kingman looked like he'd sharpen up plenty for the run when third in a 7f novice event at Salisbury. The form looks solid with the winner following up impressively under a penalty at Newmarket last week and the runner-up had already shown a good level of form at two.

The Charlton-trained colt finished just a neck behind the 96-rated Regal Honour in a Newmarket novice race towards the backend of last season and it's easy to see how an opening mark of 80 looks lenient for the Juddmonte-owned runner.

Stepping up to a mile for the first time should unlock some improvement and if taking a step forward as anticipated for his reappearance effort, I'd expect him to take a bit of beating.

Selection: Greek Order – General 9/4

Charlie Appleby has sent just three horses to Catterick in his career thus far (1-3) and it's hard to believe Star Guest is making the journey north for some fresh air in the British EBF 40th Anniversary Fillies' Handicap at 4.40.

The daughter of Dubawi looks to be going the right way and only cracked late on over the stiff mile at Newmarket last week. She probably did well to finish in contention at all given how hard she pulled throughout the early stages, and it even looked as if success was likely entering the final furlong.

Harry Davies now takes off a valuable 3lb and with the drop back to 7f expected to suit I'd be disappointed if she couldn't regain the winning thread in what looks a very winnable affair.

Selection: Star Guest – General 15/8

There's some interesting afternoon racing from Haydock and I'm hopeful for another Juddmonte-owned winner in the shape of Chasseral at 3.30.

Although ultimately beaten by five-and-a-half lengths when fourth on her handicap debut at Newmarket nineteen days ago she shaped miles better than the bare result.

Andrew Balding's charge raced alone on the far side and that looked to be a huge disadvantage with the majority of the winners that day coming more towards the near side rail. The fact she was only beaten around five lengths by a horse that looks destined to run in the Commonwealth Cup at Ascot is surely a testament to her raw ability.

There should be no such bias at Haydock this afternoon regarding positioning and with a 1lb drop in the weights certainly no harm either a bold bid should be on the cards from this unexposed filly.

Selection: Chasseral – General 15/8