Our tipster Karl Hedley tells you where to put your money this week
WEDNESDAY
SANDOWN
7.40, RYMAN THE STATIONER HANDICAP (1M 14YDS)
Billingsgate improved for the better ground when last seen out at Doncaster. He was delivered from off a strong pace and Adam Kirby timed his run to perfection. Godolphin landed this race last year with Ehtedaam who had a similar profile to the selection in that he was lightly raced. It will come as no surprise if they can do so again with this improving three-year-old.
Directorship has developed a liking for this one-mile trip and he is a dual course and distance winner. He is the highest rated of these runners and may prove the biggest threat to Billingsgate. George Cinq had a tough race when winning at Ascot the other day and this race may come too soon. Ishikawa would prefer it softer whilst Tigers Tale would be shortlisted if this were a polytrack surface. Receiving weight from all bar one of his rivals should stand Billingsgate in good stead.
8.15, GRANBY HANDICAP (1M 2F 7YDS)
Golden Journey was obviously in need of his first run when beaten 18 lengths by Chatez at Epsom. With the cobwebs blown away he was seen to better effect when winning at Goodwood and landing a massive gamble just a few weeks later. This is a slight rise in grade but Ryan Tate unlocked his potential last time and can do so again this evening.
Rapid Advance won on his handicap debut for Sir Michael Stoute and has only been raised two pounds by the handicapper. He could still be well treated and with Ryan Moore taking over in the saddle, the combination could prove the biggest danger.
High Church represents an in-form Roger Charlton yard and he could be thrown in off his current mark. Loving Home was disappointing on fast ground last time and is passed over here. Clive Cox has his yard in good form and Golden Journey can go close here.
THURSDAY
7.35, TERRY BELLAS MEMORIAL CLASSIFIED STAKES (7 F)
King Torus comes here looking for a third straight victory and if the rain stays away has a decent chance. Ruth Carr has managed to work the oracle with him and he has shown a glimpse of the form that he displayed in his juvenile days. He is still very well handicapped based on his old form and he has proven himself at this track in the past.
Smarty Socks is a seven furlong specialist and usually comes to hand around this time of year. David O’Meara and Daniel Tudhope have a decent strike rate when teaming up and he looks the main threat.
Tenor won well at Kempton last time out but he is unproven at this seven furlong trip. He may appreciate further rather than shorter, so is passed over on here. King Torus can confirm recent form with Smarty Socks and he commands respect.
FRIDAY
NEWBURY
3.05, AL BASTI EQUIWORLD TBA FILLIES HANDICAP (1M 2F 6YDS)
Sea The Bloom made the most of a drop in trip to win at Carlisle recently. She won by an easy four and a half lengths suggesting this 10 furlongs is well within her capabilities. Ryan Moore has been booked to ride and that suggests she remains in good form. Surprisingly this is the first time he has ridden her in a competitive race and the combination should prove difficult to beat.
Hoop Of Colour won over this course and distance last time out and Richard Hughes is once again in the plate. She will have learned a lot from that previous success and she can provide the main opposition. Wohja and Rewaaya both won on soft ground last time and would only enter calculations if the rains came. Sea The Bloom is still open to further improvement and she can go onto better things after this.
