Skip to content
Britain’s top tipster Sam Turner makes his selections for seven races
- Oisin Murphy and Coltrane will expect to be in contention for Gold Cup glory
- Eldar Eldarov could prove to be the main challenger to Coltrane in the flat race
- Tips and other selections ahead of all seven races at Royal Ascot on Thursday
2.30: ELITE STATUS beat a host of unexposed winning juveniles in the National Stakes at Sandown. He must, of course, translate that form to a very different track, but that looked the strongest two-year-old contest this summer and she is taken to defend her unbeaten record. The return to the minimum trip looks a smart move for NOCHE MAGICA who was narrowly beaten by the Coventry Stakes fourth at the Curragh last time (6f).
GOODFELLOW’S PICK: ELITE STATUS
MAIN DANGER: NOCHE MAGICA
3.05: Tipping STRUTH, a colt by Australia, goes against the grain following events at Edgbaston this week, but he ran commendably at Doncaster behind a live Queen’s Vase contender and represents a yard in great form. DAVIDEO looked a lovely colt in the making at Newmarket when making all and his wide draw could be a plus.
GOODFELLOW’S PICK: STRUTH
MAIN DANGER: DAVIDEO
3.40: Comprehensive victories at Haydock and Goodwood encouraged connections to supplement AL ASIFAH for this race and it could prove a gamble which pays off given the class she has displayed to date. However, this will be her third run in less than a month, so the beautifully bred BLUESTOCKING could be a better-priced alternative.
GOODFELLOW’S PICK: BLUESTOCKING
MAIN DANGER: AL ASIFAH
4.20: The likeable COLTRANE appears to have everything required to win the Gold Cup; speed, stamina and a liking for today’s venue. He seemed as good as ever on his comeback here last month, when he showed a smart turn of foot to win comfortably, and that change of gear may make it hard for his rivals to contain him. There is a stamina doubt regarding ELDAR ELDAROV, but it looks as though today’s test is within his remit and the form of his St Leger win last autumn is working out extremely well. He must surely be involved.
GOODFELLOW’S PICK: COLTRANE
MAIN DANGER: ELDAR ELDAROV
5.00: Trainer Charlie Hills sends SAXON KING back into battle just five days after his Chester victory, but the move can prove a shrewd one providing stall 30 is no barrier to success. DOCKLANDS bolted up on his last start over course and distance and looks a major player as this race has been the target all season.
GOODFELLOW’S PICK: SAXON KING
MAIN DANGER: DOCKLANDS
5.35: Owner George Strawbridge looks to hold a strong hand here with Epictetus, fifth in the French Derby and the Dante, and TORITO who bolted up in an Epsom handicap on Derby day. Stall one may make life a little awkward for the former, but the selection looks handily berthed. BOLD ACT posted a career-best in the London Gold Cup at Newbury when touched off and is a player with the ground drying out.
GOODFELLOW’S PICK: TORITO
MAIN DANGER: BOLD ACT
6.10: TOTALLY CHARMING has not delivered the volume of victories his talent promises, but a strongly run seven furlongs on decent ground appears optimal and there is a lot to like about his chance with a leading apprentice booked. He travelled sweetly in the Hunt Cup here last year before fading. BIGGLES emerged as best of the rest behind runaway Victoria Cup winner Rebel Territory and should be on the scene again.
GOODFELLOW’S PICK: TOTALLY CHARMING
MAIN DANGER: BIGGLES
The Wizard of Odds
THUNDER BLUE (2.30) – Announced himself as a classy juvenile with an impressive Goodwood victory earlier this month and, although this race represents a quick turnaround, he looks a two-year-old going places so could be overpriced for a team that crave winners at this meeting. 25-1
WISE EAGLE (4.20) – It is a little far-fetched to believe Wise Eagle can win this race and turn around the Sagaro Stakes form with leading fancy Coltrane, but an extra four furlongs will suit the six-year-old and he looks an intriguing each-way play in a race where one or two may struggle to get home. 40-1
NORTHERN EXPRESS (6.10) – A strongly-run seven furlongs on a stiff track could produce another big Ascot performance from this northern raider who has posted a couple of career bests already this season and is primed to land a big prize. 18-1
The Placepot Mole – digging for winners
The Tote Placepot involves selecting a horse to finish placed in races one to six, with a chance of winning a large payout for a small stake. All the money staked goes in a pool which, after deductions, is divided among the winners.
If you choose more than one horse per race, that increases the number of bets or permutations you have.
You multiply the number of selections per race to work out how many lines your bet comprises.
Race one
(4) Elite Status.
Race two
(8) Davideo; (10) Burglar; (11) Valiant King.
Race three
(2) Bluestocking; (7) Infinite Cosmos.
Race four
(3) Coltrane; (6) Subjectivist.
Race five
(8) New Endeavour; (14) Carracci; (25) Just An Hour.
Race Six
(2) Drumroll; (14) Torito.
Perm: 72 lines x 10p
TOTAL STAKE: £7.20
