Steve Jones, who tipped 17-2 Super Sprint winner Zigazig Ah last Saturday, has four each-way recommendations from the cards at Ascot and York.
Ascot selections
STELLAR SUNRISE (2.55) is tipped in Ascot’s Moet & Chandon International Handicap. Andrew Balding’s three-year-old struggled on softer ground in the Listed Surrey Stakes at Epsom on Oaks day but earlier bolted up in a competitive Newbury contest on his first start of the season. That was only his second handicap run, having also impressed when landing a York nursery at last summer’s Ebor Festival. He stays 7f well and likes to race prominently. With no obvious frontrunners, that could be an advantage. Have 1pt each-way at 18-1, with most bookies paying five places.
Later, course specialist HICKORY (4.45) is worth chancing. He twice won competitive races at Ascot last season but hasn’t shown his best this year. His blindfold came off late at Newmarket three weeks ago, putting him on the back foot, and he ran into trouble when making ground from the rear. This race should pan out better for Jamie Osborne’s runner. Have 1pt each-way at 16-1, with Sky Bet offering four places.
York selections
York’s card opens with the Sky Bet Jump Jockeys Nunthorpe. Trainer Paul Midgley has an excellent record in the race, and VENTURA EXPRESS (1.30) looks the pick of his three runners. He didn’t see much daylight at Pontefract last month and will appreciate this sprint test. Have 1pt each-way at 25-1, with plenty of firms going five places.
APOLLO ONE (2.00) has become extremely well weighted. He hasn’t had the rub of the green since a promising return from Dubai when third behind Double Rush at Newmarket in May. That was his first handicap start since finishing runner-up in the Portland at Doncaster’s St Leger meeting, before being beaten a shorthead in the Group 2 Bengough Stakes at Ascot. His slide down the weights has been more dramatic than it should have been. Have 1pt each-way at 16-1, with a few firms offering six places.
