Ruling Court has been tipped to win the Gr 3 Tattersalls Acomb Stakes (Picture: Godolphin)
At The Races
1 2:50 PM – Symphony Group Handicap (Heritage Handicap)
PILGRIM has gone from strength to strength this season and, given a rest since landing the Palace Of Holyroodhouse Handicap at Royal Ascot, the son of Havana Grey should be primed for this assignment off an 8lb higher mark. The fact he has won here before is another plus. Goodwood scorer Shagraan and classy top-weight Democracy Dilemma feature on a long list of dangers, while Holkham Bay ran out a comfortable winner at the Shergar Cup meeting and must enter calculations. Last year’s third Jm Jungle and Silky Wilkie are just two more to consider.
Top Tip: Pilgrim (4)
Watch out for: Shagraan (8)
2 3:25 PM – Tattersalls Acomb Stakes (Group 3)
RULING COURT made as impressive a debut as any two-year-old this season when scoring at Sandown and the expensive son of Justify will have plenty more improvement forthcoming. He can land a first win in this contest for trainer Charlie Appleby en route to some loftier targets down the line. The penny dropped late on for The Lion In Winter, but he still comfortably saw off his rivals at the Curragh and appears the main danger to the selection. Taking Redcar winner Diablo Rojo is worth his place in the line-up, while Our Terms made all over 6f at Ascot and is another to consider.
Top Tip: Ruling Court (6)
Watch out for: The Lion In Winter (7)
3 4:00 PM – Sky Bet Great Voltigeur Stakes (Group 2)
With three in the field, including Queen’s Vase scorer Illinois, Aidan O’Brien is likely to make this a test of stamina that would suit Los Angeles. The Irish Derby winner has a 5lb penalty to carry, which will certainly make life tougher, and it may pay to side with KING’S GAMBIT. The improving Saxon Warrior colt was runner-up in a very strong renewal of the York Stakes here last month and has looked like a Group 1 performer in the making. It may be that the step up to 1m4f brings out the best in him.
Top Tip: King’s Gambit (5)
Watch out for: Los Angeles (1)
4 4:35 PM – Juddmonte International Stakes (British Champions Series) (Group 1)
City Of Troy has been sent off favourite for each of his six career starts and has only had his colours lowered once, when flopping in the 2000 Guineas. The son of Justify bounced back in no uncertain terms when beating Ambiente Friendly in the Derby and followed that up with success in the Eclipse. However, his price once again reflects his chance, so he is taken on with ZARAKEM. The French raider outran big odds to produce a career-best effort when filling the runner-up spot behind Auguste Rodin in the Prince Of Wales’s at Royal Ascot, with Alflaila (fourth) and Royal Rhyme (fifth) behind. He proved he is versatile with regards to ground on that occasion and could gain his first success at the top level. Impressive King Edward VII winner Calandagan and gallant King George runner-up Bluestocking are others to note.
Top Tip: Zarakem (8)
Watch out for: City Of Troy (12)
5 5:10 PM – Sky Bet Stayers Handicap (Heritage Handicap)
Forza Orta has failed to reach the heights of his success in this contest last year but if he is judged on his penultimate effort, when sixth in the Northumberland Plate, he has every chance of retaining his crown. However, the less exposed IRON LION makes more appeal. David O’Meara’s four-year-old has improved 15lb since being gelded prior to his 2024 campaign and has shaped as if he would relish this step up in distance. Samui is a fascinating contender under Jamie Spencer and is another to keep an eye on.
Top Tip: Iron Lion (3)
Watch out for: Forza Orta (13)
6 5:45 PM – Visit Irish Yearling Sale With ITM Fillies’ Handicap (Heritage Handicap)
DESIGNER won this race in 2022 and staged a game repeat in a thrilling finish to last year’s renewal. The John Butler-trained five-year-old, who tries a first-time tongue-tie, might be the one to beat again on her belated seasonal debut/first run after wind surgery. Pepsi Cat was too keen to do herself justice at Ascot and should be capable of better, while Azure Angel drops out of Listed company and also appeals on her first start since undergoing a wind op. Miss Attitude and Got To Love A Grey are considered too.
Top Tip: Designer (1)
Watch out for: Pepsi Cat (5)
7 6:20 PM – Sky Bet Nursery
ARTAGNAN was the ready winner of a competitive nursery at Glorious Goodwood, accounting for Cayman Tai, and he is open to any amount of progression on just his second start in a race of this nature so is a highly appealing option in his bid to follow up. There are dangers aplenty and the likes of Scatter Penny, Handcuffed and It Ain’t Two are musts for the shortlist. Invited has been highly consistent so far and can provide some decent each-way value on his handicapping bow.
Top Tip: Artagnan (6)
Watch out for: Invited (8)
