NEWMARKET SATURDAY

3:25 BET365 BUNBURY CUP HANDICAP 7F

Sir Dancealot looked like a horse to follow when winning a six-furlong listed race at York as a juvenile, and he travelled best of all before failing to stay in the Racing Post Trophy. It’s been disappointing that he’s not gone on from that as yet, but he has kept smart company, and might be worth chancing now tackling handicap company for the first time.

His latest effort in the Jersey Stakes was a step in the right direction, and he would have been closer but for missing the break.

4:00 BET365 SUPERLATIVE STAKES (Group 2) 7F

I was impressed by Finniston Farm when he won on debut at Haydock, and while that came over six furlongs, he’s bred to improve for this step up in trip, and he can find enough improvement to deny likely favourite Gustav Klimt, who also comes here on the back of a maiden win.

Finniston Farm is a half-brother to multiple winner Crowley’s Law who was placed in Grade 1 company in the US, and he looks a smart prospect given the ease with which he dispatched his rivals on his debut.

4:35 DARLEY JULY CUP STAKES (Group 1) 6F

Caravaggio is clearly the one to beat in the July Cup, but there is a slight query about how suitable he will find Newmarket having done all his racing at tracks which are largely against the collar, and Newmarket, despite an uphill finish, is not exactly in that mould.

Preference at the prices is for Harry Angel, whose defeats have all come at Ascot, with the most recent a highly creditable second to Caravaggio in the Commonwealth Cup. He has produced a couple of stunning wins away from the Berkshire venue, including when recording an extremely fast time in winning the Temple Stakes at Haydock on his penultimate outing.

His efforts on the clock are consistently excellent, and he has the edge on the favourite strictly on time. He gives the impression that Newmarket will suit, and looks a value bet to gain revenge.

ASCOT SATURDAY

2:10 TOTESCOOP6 HERITAGE HANDICAP 5F

Harry Hurricane was suggested as a bet in the Wokingham at a big price despite stamina concerns, and in the end he failed to last home after travelling well. Back at five furlongs now, and with his previous efforts looking rock solid, he’s just about the pick again. He went very close in the Scottish Sprint Cup at Musselburgh, and the horse who beat him there, Line Of Reason, went on to land the prestigious Gosforth Park Cup at Newcastle. In both those races, Orion’s Bow had no luck in running, and Tim Easterby’s gelding is clearly in very good heart at present. He’s drawn next to the selection, and may be worth a saver, for all his misfortune hasn’t escaped the notice of the odds compilers.

2:40 PLAYBOY CLUB LONDON HANDICAP 1M 1F 212Y

Burguillos is a most consistent performer in handicaps, and despite going up in the weights, he’s never been out of the places in such events. Alan King would have preferred if he had got into the John Smith’s Cup at York, but this slightly easier race should give him an opportunity to enhance his record further. He was trying to concede weight to a subsequent listed winner on his penultimate start and was just edged out back at this trip more recently. He’s clearly thriving on his racing, and can make up for the disappointment of missing out on his intended target by racking up another win here.

YORK SATURDAY

3:05 JOHN SMITH’S CUP HANDICAP 1M 2F 56Y

Big Country is the horse who beat Burguillos over course and distance last month, and a subsequent run in the Old Newton Cup can be ignored as Mick Appleby’s charge seemed to have his stamina stretched at the longer trip. Prior to that he’d looked progressive, and he may be able to pick up the winning thread again, with the trainer entrusting the ride to his promising apprentice Ray Dawson. UAE Prince is also of interest having caught the eye with a cosy win at Ripon on his return. He tackled listed company on his next start, and gives the impression that there is plenty more to come, although stall 20 isn’t ideal for one with limited experience.

HAMILTON SATURDAY

7:05 SUNDAY MAIL HANDICAP 6F 6Y

This is just a modest event, and on the face of it, Baron Run has little chance on recent form, and he is eligible for much lesser races than this. On the other hand, he’s a multiple course and distance winner, and the form book doesn’t contain details of his latest racecourse appearance, when winning a charity race at Doncaster. It wouldn’t do to take the ‘form’ of such races too seriously, but Baron Run had been in a lull and winning a race of any description could well have done his confidence good. He’s very well treated on his best form, and could represent value, assuming most punters aren’t aware of his recent spin.

RECOMMENDED

FINNISTON FARM 4.00 Newmarket – 1pt win @ 7/1 (William Hill)

HARRY ANGEL 4.35 Newmarket – 1pt e/w @ 6/1 (Bet365 - ¼ odds)

HARRY HURRICANE 2.10 Ascot – 1pt e/w @ 16/1 (William Hill)

BURGUILLOS 2.40 Ascot – 1pt win @

BARON RUN 7.05 Hamilton – 1pt win

Winners

Rory’s recommended selections last week included BATTAASH (advised at 3/1) and TISBUTADREAM (advised at 7/1)