- All times GMT.
With Royal Ascot next week it’s little surprise that this weekend’s racing is somewhat understated in comparison.
Saturday is particularly quiet with only a couple of minor Stakes races in the UK.
York kicks off with the Queen Mother’s Cup Handicap (13:50) for female amateur jockeys. Not a betting race given the wide range of riding abilities on show, but it’s always a fascinating race to watch – the successful jockey traditionally receives their own weight in champagne, as well as a share of the prizemoney.
The Listed Grand Cup Stakes (15:00) is the highlight on the card and will see the ultra-tough Al Qareem attempt to defeat this small field from the front. He’s got a little class edge over these but carries a penalty and comes here off a rare dull effort at Chester last time out. This may allow Mount Atlas – who finished behind him two back and ahead of him in that Chester run – to take advantage, as this improving sort should enjoy the ground and gets William Buick up for the first time. Don’t rule out Epic Poet either – Ryan Moore aboard takes the eye and this talented sort finally gets a little bit of class relief, dropping back into Listed company having mixed it at Group level for the part year.
There’s Listed action at Sandown, too, with the Scurry Stakes looking a Godolphin benefit on paper. Words Of Truth and Military Code are currently 5/2 joint favourites in the betting but Manatee Mehmas, who clocked impressive splits on debut and ran well despite needing the experience at Listed level last time out, is lurking in the wings.
Sunday’s racing looks a bit better with the Munster Oaks (16:48) at Cork and the Prix Bertrand du Breuil Longines (17:03) at Chantilly. The latter sees Breeders’ Cup Mile fifth Sahlan attempt to bounce back from a moderate effort in the Lockinge last time out.
Race Of The Weekend
An easy one this week with the French Oaks (15:05) – the Prix de Diane – taking place at Chantilly this Sunday. Superstar mare Diamond Necklace is odds-on to defend her unbeaten record and make it three Group 1 wins in a row having landed the French 1000 Guineas last time out. She should be just as effective over this distance and should really be hard to beat. Felicitas, who ran well behind Epsom Oaks runner-up Legacy Link, last time out and Lilt, an unbeaten daughter of Breeders’ Cup Filly & Mare Turf winner Dank, are major dangers, as is English 1000 Guineas runner-up Evolutionist.
Horse To Watch
Tiffany returns for her first run of the season on the Oaks undercard as she looks to get back to winning ways in the Prix Pawneese (15:45). There’s still a sense of unfinished business surrounding this 6-year-old mare, who can hopefully land this race before going on to notch up a deserved Group 1 success.
