A huge day of racing awaits on Saturday with domestic action from five different courses being supplemented by top-class racing in Europe and the United States.
3.05 Doncaster – Gaelic Approach and Study Of Words contest feature
The feature Solar Xpress Handicap on a competitive card at Town Moor sees Gaelic Approach and Study Of Words headline a field of six.
The Charlie Johnston-trained Gaelic Approach doubled his career tally when easily claiming a Redcar handicap last month handling the step up in trip with aplomb. A 3lbs rise demands more but he warrants the upmost respect.
Study Of Words, the ride of William Buick, ended his two-year-old campaign with a staggering 15-length victory at Newmarket and made only a satisfactory return then third at the same venue in May. The form of that race has worked out well however and he could be better over this extra distance.
Lopeo and Killer Whale were both second on their last outings and remain unexposed in handicap company.
4.50 Worcester – Recent winner Castle Ivers fancied
Recent winner Castle Ivers concedes weight all-round in a classy Best Scrap Metal Prices CRS Malvern Handicap Hurdle at Worcester.
Olly Murphy’s seven-year-old was a useful bumper performer and took his tally to two wins from three starts over hurdles when making all at Perth last time. A 6lbs rise might not stop him follow up.
Speed Davis capitalised on a sliding mark to win nicely at Musselburgh in November and returned with an authoritative success at Bangor in April. He is now 7lbs higher but looks capable of progressing further.
Oakley and Presenting Milan are best of the remainder.
6.20 Chepstow – In-form Poetry Of Time and Mighty Vega clash
In-form pair Poetry Of Time and Mighty Vega do battle in a tightly-knit Capital Windscreens Supporting Breast Cancer Handicap at Chepstow.
William Haggas fields Poetry Of Time, who failed to win at two but was always doing enough when getting off the mark at Salisbury in May and looks the type to step up on handicap debut under Cieren Fallon.
Mighty Vega brings in plenty of experience and put that to good use when landing a Lingfield handicap last month. He knuckled down gamely and could have more to offer on the turf.
Oliver Cole’s Aigeas catches the eye on handicap debut, while Electrical and Lyra Lea cannot be ruled out.
Best of the rest
Shipbourne and Flight Control contest a strong Doncaster British Stallion Studs EBF Novice Stakes at 3.45pm, before Khafiz, Billyjoh and last year’s winner Akkadian Thunder feature in the Summer Saturday Series At Doncaster Racecourse Handicap.
At Chepstow, the Richard Hannon-trained Poetry Of Time could set the standard in the 6.20pm Capital Windscreens Supporting Breast Cancer Handicap. Keep an eye on Mighty Vega too, who could go in again despite a 3lbs rise for success at Lingfield the last day.
The Hexham Racecourse Holiday Home & Caravan Park Handicap Chase is headlined by No Regrets, who carries top weight for Nicky Richards after victory over the course and distance.
Stateside…
A huge night of action awaits at Saratoga, with five Grade 1 contests scheduled, including the Belmont Stakes.
The first of the big clashes sees Mandanaba represent Francis-Henri Graffard in the Just A Game Stakes (7.47pm) before Ag Bullet and Reef Runner lock horns in the 9.13pm Jaipur Stakes.
Crude Velocity looks set to go off a hot favourite for the Woody Stephens Stakes at 9.52pm, while Journalism and Nysos are the ones to beat in the 10.32pm Hill ‘N’ Dale Metropolitan Handicap.
Andre Fabre fields Bright Picture in the 11.11pm Manhattan Stakes prior to the likes of Commandment, Renegade and Kentucky Derby hero Golden Tempo going to post for the Belmont Stakes.
