15:15
Ayr
Odds correct as of 11:28am 04th Jul
We’ve got just the three meetings to look forward to across Britain on Sunday but there’s some quality stuff on the continent, with the Grand Prix de Saint-Cloud in France and the German Derby over in Hamburg. Trainer Jedd O’Keeffe has an unblemished record at Market Rasen so far this season so we’ve assessed the chance of his sole representative and George Boughey sends two on a 720-mile round trip to Ayr. Take a look at our free tips page for daily content across British and Irish racing.
Newmarket-based trainer could have sent his runners to a track much closer to home so the fact that he sends two on the 720-mile round trip to Ayr could be significant. Connections won’t want to go home empty-handed and a winner or two would make the trip worthwhile.
The lightly raced Leonato produced an improved performance to finish second on handicap debut at Yarmouth last month and perhaps the drop back in trip will suit. it’s likely that there’s plenty more to come from him in this sphere so victory can’t be ruled out.
Celeborn clearly isn’t the easiest to train, given the fact that the four-year-old has had just six starts in three seasons, but he won a Leicester maiden on debut, as well as an Epsom handicap last term. Progress seems likely at some point and this race looks like a good opportunity.
Calandagan will be looking to get back on track after a disappointing display in the Coronation Cup but the soft ground could be an issue for him once again. A rating of 130 suggests he’s significantly better than this field though and a return to winning ways will be anticipated.
There’s British interest too, with Andrew Balding sending over Eydon and Pride Of Arras will represent Ralph Beckett and Rossa Ryan. It’ll take some performance from the latter though, as he’s rated 15lb inferior to Calandagan and is making his first start of the season, whilst Eydon probably isn’t up to this.
Aidan O’Brien also sends a runner over but dual-Derby hero Lambourn let himself down at Royal Ascot and will need to get back to his best in order to compete here, which doesn’t seem likely.
Jedd O’Keeffe has two winners from two runners at Market Rasen so far this season and there’s a good chance that Fringill Dike will extend the unbeaten run. He was an impressive course and distance winner last time out and he has the form in the book to suggest that victory could be on the cards.