Daily Star Sport tipster Jason Heavey studies the form for the King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes at Ascot on Saturday, calling it a 'crackerjack' race. Last two winners Calandagan (2025) and Goliath (2024) come from France, joined by Irish Derby winner Benvenuto Cellini, last year's runner-up Kalpana, Japanese raiders including Masquerade Ball, and 2025 Oaks winner Minnie Hauk.
Ante-Post Focus
Heavey fancies Minnie Hauk at 7-1, offering value against those ahead in betting. Aidan O'Brien's filly campaigned over 1m2f this season, chasing Ombudsman in the Prince of Wales's Stakes at Royal Ascot. Heavey says the 1m4f trip is her optimum, noting she was second in the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe last autumn after winning three Group Ones over the trip. With 10 entries and Bay City Roller unlikely to run, he hopes for eight runners for a good each-way punt.
This Week
At Catterick on Wednesday, Hamdani Mokhater (2.37) found one too good at Leicester last week and is fancied to go one better. James Horton sends him north and the horse looks on a decent handicap mark. At Lingfield, Romidijo (7.10) has standout form in the nursery; he has not finished off races over six furlongs, so the step back to five should help. Billy Loughnane rides. Also at Lingfield, Hilltop (8.10) is a strong fancy with a good draw.
At Yarmouth on Thursday, Evenfall (5.04) makes his racecourse debut from the George Boughey yard. Albertini Star (4.42) could upset dual winners at Sandown; she stayed on well at Nottingham and the longer trip suits. Empirical, who won that race, has entries on Friday and Saturday and remains well handicapped. For the weekend, Dontlookbackinanga (1.10 Ascot) showed debut promise at Sandown.
Future Winners
Phantom Shadow bolted up at Ayr on Monday and looks miles ahead of the handicapper. Bragbor caught the eye at York recently at a big price and is one to note next time.
