HORSE RACING boff Graeme Johnston (@GraemeJ_83) picks out his best bets from the action on Saturday 28th July 2018 at Ascot and York.
3:40 Ascot | King George VI And Queen Elizabeth Stakes | ITV
The King George is the highlight of the summer and this is a really strong renewal. The race revolves around what the weather will do as the participation of the favourite depends on it, and I'm of the opinion that if they allow Cracksman (11/4 Betfair) to run, he will win.
Poets World (11/4 Bet365) is a top class colt and a Group 1 winner on his most recent start. He is five but still improving and beat Cracksman last time out. He's won over this trip but I suspect his best trip is 10 furlongs, however if his stamina holds out at the top level, he could win this.
I'm a huge Cracksman fan. He was visually stunning for four wins in a row before stumbling over the line in the Coronation Cup. He then suffered a surprise defeat at Royal Ascot so comes here with question marks about him for the first time.
However, he is a multiple Group 1 winner, has never been out the places in his career, and has the best form on offer. He is well worth backing at the 11/4 (Betfair).
3:15 York | York Stakes | RUK
The York Stakes is a Group 2 over 10 furlongs and has attracted a small yet select field. One three-year-old takes on the older generation here, and he is by far the most interesting runner in the race.
Smart Call was top class in South Africa and finally broke her UK duck at the ninth attempt at Newcastle. She won with a bit to spare that day and there is the prospect of more to come. This is a step up in class but I expect her to run a big race.
Elarqam (15/8 BetVictor), a beautiful bred son of Frankel, is on something of a recovery mission here. He ran well in the 2000 Guineas but was a major disappointment in the Irish equivalent. He is worth forgiving that the extra distance combined with the drop in class should see him get back to winning ways.
Best Bets
3:40 Ascot – Cracksman (11/4 Betfair)
3:15 York – Elarqam (15/8 BetVictor)
