With Royal Ascot set to steal the show next week, we’ve still got some excellent racing to look forward to this weekend, including some quality action at York and Sandown. I have a couple of selections to back – a confident fancy in the Scurry Stakes at Sandown, plus an each-way punt at BIG odds at Sandown.
2:40 Sandown – STAR OF MEHMAS (5/2 generally)
The Scurry Stakes has been won by some notable names in recent years, including Battaash, Lazuli and Mitbaahy, and I’m backing STAR OF MEHMAS to add himself to that list on Saturday.
His record over the minimum trip reads 1112, with the runner-up effort coming last time out at York, where he was only a head behind the winner. The winner, Tropical Storm, could be running in Group 1’s at Royal Ascot next week, which shows you how highly regarded he is by his trainer, so Star Of Mehmas lost nothing by going down to him at York last month. He has already beaten Coto De Caza over this trip last season, and although he finished behind Hold A Dream on his seasonal reappearance this year, he’s much more effective over this trip, and I’d be confident he will be able to reverse that form over this shorter distance.
Ryan Moore remains on board, having been on board for the last two races, which is a major plus point considering how well he is riding currently. I think Star Of Mehmas is the one they all have to beat, and he has the biggest potential to become a Group level performer in the future, so he gets a confident vote in here.
3:35 York – DARK CLOUD RISING (20/1 generally)
This race has been won by some at big odds in recent years, with four of the last ten winners coming home at double-figure odds (including 20/1 + 25/1). It’s also worth noting that eight of the last ten renewals have been won by a horse drawn in stalls 1-3, so with both of those factors in mind, I’m willing to take a bit of a punt on one of the outsiders – DARK CLOUD RISING.
Having run well as a two-year-old, he’s certainly improved this year, recording a win and two close efforts in his other races so far this season. His third-placed effort last time out was a career best effort, and with the swing in the weights he receives here, he’s got a good chance to reverse form with the two who finished ahead of him that day (Marchogion and American Style).
David O’Meara has his yard in flying form currently, and it’s good to see Daniel Tudhope back on board the selection, who was on board for his win at Pontefract on seasonal reappearance. I think he’s more than capable of making his presence felt in this field, and he looks overpriced. With plenty of bookies offering five places (some are even offering six places), Dark Cloud Rising looks a good each way bet in the race.
SATURDAY SELECTIONS
2:40 Sandown – STAR OF MEHMAS (5/2 generally)
3:35 York – DARK CLOUD RISING (20/1 generally)
*Odds correct at time of posting – 12pm Friday 13th June
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Please note that although Tom has uploaded the tips, he is not our Racing Club Insider – the insider will remain anonymous!
