MR WAGYU is fancied to hand trainer John Quinn another big sprint success by beating 24 rivals for the Virgin Bet Ayr Gold Cup (3.40).
Quinn has garnered his fair share of headlines this summer, thanks to the exploits of three-time Group 1 winner Highfield Princess. Mr Wagyu operates at a lower level to his illustrious stablemate – but there are similarities.
Highfield Princess has progressed from a basement British Horseracing Authority handicap mark of 57 to triumph at the highest level. And Mr Wagyu has gone up 39lb in the ratings – he competes from 103 today – since scoring over this course and distance in June 2020.
My selection has continued his progress this summer, netting big prizes at Epsom on Derby day and on the Curragh’s Irish Oaks undercard in the middle of July. Last Sunday, the seven-year-old ran right up to his best with a third, beaten a neck and a head, to Dexter Belle at the home of the Irish Classics.
A quick return to the fray is no issue for this hard-as-iron campaigner, and Jason Hart’s mount looks sure to give another good account as he seeks to improve on last year’s third to Bielsa.
SHOULDVEBEENARING can continue his rise through the ranks to lift the Group 2 Dubai Duty Free Mill Reef Stakes (2.50) at Newbury.
After a debut fourth at Goodwood in April – Richard Hannon’s youngster came home strongly having blown the start – Shouldvebeenaring is now unbeaten in three starts.
My selection confirmed the promise of his first start with a win at Ripon the following month before returning from a 95-day absence to land York’s valuable Goffs UK Harry Beeby Premier Yearling Stakes at the Ebor Festival last month.
That head margin from Washington Heights hinted at better to come, and Shouldvebeenaring duly stepped up to Listed level to account for Bolt Action by a neck in the Ripon Two Yrs Old Champion Trophy 11 days later.
This likeable son of Havana Grey is still a fair way from the bottom of the barrel and another rise in class looks within range.
The Dubai Duty Free Handicap (3.25) looks a good opportunity for HAMAKI to rack up a three-timer after scores at Haydock Park and Ascot on his last two attempts. Successful at six and seven furlongs as a juvenile, Churchill’s son marked his first try at a mile and a quarter with a half-length call at the Newton-le-Willows track at the end of June.
And Hamaki proved his stamina over an additional two furlongs with a neck margin at the Shergar Cup six weeks ago. Going back in trip won’t be a problem here and it will be a surprise if trainer William Haggas can’t tease out the progress required to deal with a 4lb rise in the handicap.
He hasn’t seen the inside of a winner’s enclosure since capturing the Group 2 Queen’s Vase at Royal Ascot last year, but KEMARI has run well in the main and deserves a change of luck in the Group 3 Dubai Duty Free Legacy Cup Stakes (1.40).
By contrast, MANACCAN has won two of his last three outings and John Ryan’s three-year-old has plenty going for him in the Group 3 Dubai International Airport World Trophy Stakes (2.15).
At Ayr, QUEEN ME looks the right favourite for the Group 3 Virgin Bet Firth Of Clyde Fillies’ Stakes (3.05). A 20-1 chance for the Lowther Stakes at York, Queen Me got within a neck of emulating her dam, granddam and great-granddam by landing the six-furlong Group 2.
That defeat by Swingalong came on just her race, so there should be plenty more to come from Kevin Ryan’s daughter of Dubawi.
James Horton has made quite a name for himself in his first season with a training licence, and Sir Michael Stoute’s former assistant should claim the Listed Virgin Bet Doonside Cup (1.55) with PHANTOM FLIGHT.
The son of Siyouni was Middleham-based Norton’s first winner as a trainer when landing a handicap at Redcar in April, and he has since gone in at Haydock and York. A five-length handicap supremacy on the Knavemire last time called for a step up to Listed level, and PJ McDonald’s partner should be up to registering a fourth victory of the campaign.
The Virgin Bet Ayr Silver Cup (2.30) has its usual open look, but ASADJUMEIRAH has each-way prospects – at the very least. Antony Brittain’s four-year-old didn’t get the breaks when fourth to Runninwild at Thirsk on his most recent outing and looks dangerous off the same mark of 83.
Just a head separated DIRTYOLDTOWN from doubling his career tally at Doncaster’s St Leger meeting, and compensation is in store in the Virgin Bet Handicap (1.20).
Get a £30 FREE BET if your first Acca loses!
18+, new UK customers only, T&Cs apply
Please Gamble Responsibly
Everyone at Reach is committed to promoting safer gambling. All of our content and recommended bets are advised to those aged 18 or over.
We strongly encourage our readers to only ever bet what they can afford to lose. For more information, please call the National Gambling Helpline on 0808 8020 133 or vi sit begambleaware.org.
