HORSE RACING boff Graeme Johnston (@GraemeJ_83) picks out his best bet from Saturday's action.
1:20pm Ascot | Summer Mile
The Summer mile looks a very interesting race with plenty of group one experience in the line up. Nothing can be completely discounted but there is one in here who is hugely progressive and I think can take this.
Beat the Bank shaped like a horse destined for the top last season winning three in a row before flopping in the QEII when well fancied. He's still a class horse however his limitations have been exposed and he is held by some rivals today.
Eminent has looked like a superstar at times but he has a lot to prove. I feel a mile is possibly his optimum trip, however he is likely to force the pace and make sure this is a true test, which will set things up perfectly for my selection.
Lord Glitters (4/1) put up a huge effort when second under a huge weight in the Lincoln earlier in the season before taking his form to a new level when second in the Queen Anne at Royal Ascot. He is improving all the time and I suspect he has more left in the tank. With a strong pace likely he will be played late by Jamie Spencer and is my selection here.
2:15pm Newmarket | July Cup
The July Cup is the highlight of the racing weekend and this looks fiercely competitive. 14 go to post and the majority look to hold chances, but I'm backing one on a recovery mission at a huge price.
US Navy Flag was the Champion 2 year old last season and he's shown us two things so far this season. 1) He retains ability and 2) He's not a miler. He's interesting back over 6 furlongs and he wouldn't be a surprise winner, however I feel this is a tough ask with a muddled prep against proven sprinters.
Blue Point is a high class sprinter and after running behind some exceptional horses last season he got his group one win in the Kings Stand last time out. He was impressive there and it makes you wonder if 5 furlongs is his best trip, so the return to 6 raises a slight question. He's a horse I like but I'm taking him on with a bold each way alternative.
Invincible Army (20/1) ran below par at Royal Ascot, however prior to that he was very progressive and I see no reason why he won't run better here. He didn't look right prior to the start at Ascot and if you put a line through that he would be half his current odds. He was well backed that day and connections believe he's top class. A previous course winner, he looks the value option to me here in what looks a very good race.
Best Bets
1:20pm Ascot- Lord Glitters (4/1 Betfair)
2:15pm Newmarket – Invincible Army (25/1 Bet365)
