A number of the principle races of the summer calendar have seen some revisions to the betting following this week’s action in Berkshire. There have been no real changes to the Irish Derby betting: 5/2 Cracksman, Wings Of Eagles 4/1 Waldgeist 7/1 Cliffs Of Moher 12/1 Capri 14/1 War Decree 16/1 Douglas Macarthur, Venice Beach, Yucatan. It looks like most of the field for that one will be coming from Ballydoyle (again)... The Eclipse Stakes betting does look a little different, with some curious additions: 4/1 Cliffs Of Moher 5/1 Barney Roy 8/1 Eminent, Highland Reel 10/1 Churchill 12/1 Cracksman, Decorated Knight, Hawkbill, Ulysses 14/1 Mutakayyef 16/1 So Mi Dar, Shutter Speed, Poets Word 20/1 Jack Hobbs, Rhododendron, Somehow, Winter. The King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes betting has a couple of additions: 2/1 Highland Reel 8/1 Enable 9/1 Frontiersman 10/1 Idaho, Ulysses 12/1 Jack Hobbs, Cracksman 14/1 Eminent, Cliffs Of Moher 16/1 Wings Of Eagles, Dartmouth, Hawkbill, Journey. No real surprise in the shape of the Sussex Stakes betting now: 10/11 Ribchester 4/1 Churchill, Barney Roy 7/1 Mutakayyef 12/1 Winter, Somehow 14/1 Le Brivido, Lightning Spear 16/1 Laugh Aloud, Thunder Snow, Zelzal, Rhododendron, Dabyah. I just wonder whether Ribchester may end up getting routed to France for the Prix Jacques le Marois which could leave Barney Roy as a steal at 4/1. The most obvious changes to the St Leger betting come from the Gosden camp: 5/1 Wings Of Eagles 9/1 Cliffs Of Moher 12/1 Stradivarius 14/1 Coronet, Mori 16/1 Capri, Crystal Ocean, Atty Persse, Benbatl 20/1 Mirage Dancer, Count Octave, Crowned Eagle, Waldgeist, Khalidi. Absolutely no surprises in the July Cup betting: 6/4 Caravaggio 7/1 Limato 8/1 The Tin Man 10/1 Harry Angel 12/1 Tasleet, Blue Point 14/1 Quiet Reflection 16/1 Acapulco 20/1 Brando, Dream Castle, Magical Memory, Profitable. Incidentally, Lady Aurelia is 5/4 favourite for the Nunthorpe.
Amazing to see a Derby winner at 4/1 for the Irish Derby and 16/1 for the King George. You don't see that very often. Bookies obviously think the Derby was a fluke, because of his previous form, but then again Winter had fairly average form going into the Guineas, so he might prove it wasn't a fluke. As far as Ribchester going to France, I think it's possible, as I think Godolphin with the 2 horses they have will fancy their chances at winning both races. I think ground will be the key as to where both go, as Ribchester has proven he goes on firm or soft, where as Barney Roy is only really proven on firm. So whichever of the 2 is looking like soft ground then I think that's where Ribchester will go. Whatever race he runs in though I think he'll win. Not sure I'd be in any rush to back Caravaggio in the July Cup, he's definitely the best horse, but his running style worrys me if your taking that sort of price. Lucky for him the gaps appeared at Ascot, but I think sooner or later he's going to get trouble in running. I'd much rather be on something like Tasleet or the Tin Man at a bigger price, if the ground is quick on the day. Soft ground and id probably avoid the race all together.
Had a big bet on Caravaggio at 10/11 at Ascot but certainly won't be backing at 6/4 for the July Cup, will decide on the day but one of the first three in the Jubilee at a nice price will be my bet.
