There are a few races to focus on today, firstly the Kilboy Estates Stakes (group2) at the Curragh and the Prix Eugene Adam (group2) at Maison Laffitte.
Dank 3:45 Curragh 11/8 Coral
Dank progressed nicely last season, winning an Ascot handicap then a group 3 race at Sandown. She then achieved his biggest win when beating Chigun over 1m1f at Newmarket in a group 3 on seasonal debut. Annoyingly for Dank supporters, he was painfully close to beating Duntle at Royal Ascot in a group 2 race, that sort of form gives him an outstanding chance of victory today, but his price reflects that. A major danger comes in the form of Fiesolana, a 6f group 3 winner at Leopardstown, and 7f group 3 winner at Fairyhouse. The step up to 1m1f won’t get in her way today, having won over 1m2f in France.
Fascinating race. I like the idea of a Dank – Fiesolana reverse forecast.
Shikarpour 2:40 Maisons-Laffitte 11/8 Wiliam Hill
De Royer-Dupre’s charge was only narrowly denied at Royal Ascot in the Tercentenary Stakes (group 3) behind Remote. Prior to that he ran a respectable 5th of 19 behind Intello at Chantilly (group 1). Shikarpour is a clear pick, he’s capable of improving on the already very high level of form he’s shown so far. Buckwheat for Andre Fabre is the fly in the ointment, he’s completely unexpeosed and due to his powerful connections, he rates the chief danger today. When all is said and done however, i fully expect Shikarpour to win today, i said the same at Royal Ascot too, and he got reasonably unlucky in a better race than this.
Meandre Hoppegarten 15:35 9/4 William Hill
Heres a bonus selection. Meandre has done next to nothing since being well fancied for the Arc last year. Infact, he’s been quite disappointing. Meandre has been well backed all day to win this race for a 2nd time, and he may well be worth a small investment.
Betfair:
Bet on Henrik Stenson to become the BMW PGA Championship Winner.
Paddypower:
Back Australia to take the Ashes home with them.
Betway:
Back Rafael Nadal to become the Mens French Open Winner.
Coral:
Back One For Arthur to win the Grand National.
Bet365:
Back Mexico to win the Confederations Cup.