Sport

Karl Hedley's racing tips: Saturday at Ascot and Newmarket

ASCOT

3-10 JOHN GUEST BENGOUGH STAKES (GROUP 3) – 6 FURLONGS

Interception has made the frame in both of her previous starts at Ascot including when winning the Wokingham at the Royal Meeting back in June. Genuine good ground looks to be firmly in her favour and George Baker once again in the saddle, the duo look capable of producing a bold showing in what may not be the toughest of Group Three races. She receives weight from all of her male counterparts this afternoon and that can also work in her favour.

Polybius returned to winning ways in a listed race at Newmarket last time and is a stablemate of the winner. He seems to have improved with each start so far this season and must rate as a likely danger. It is worth bearing in mind that the last time that they met, that Interception was far too strong and beat him by no fewer than eight lengths. Eastern Impact will appreciate the return to a sounder surface and is fully entitled to make the frame. Twilight Son was far too strong for him in a Group One at Haydock last time so this ease in grade should suit. With Richard Fahey in red hot form this four-year-old cannot be written off.

Interception has maintained a decent level of form throughout the summer and this looks a fine opportunity to finally land a black type event. Given her liking for this track she has to be high on any shortlist.

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4-20 TOTEPOOL EBF STALLIONS OCTOBER STAKES (LISTED) – 7 FURLONGS

Farsakh was very inexperienced when making her debut at Yarmouth earlier in the month. Despite her greenness, she powered away from her opposition to win comfortably by around six lengths in the end suggesting that she could prove to be a filly worth following. That clearly impressed her trainer who has opted to give her a far sterner test by making her face battle-hardened rivals who have been on the go for most of the year.

Pelerin has to rate as the most obvious danger given her excellent effort behind Realtra at Doncaster last time. This daughter of Shamardal is proven at distances of up to a mile. She will be staying on when others have cried enough and this slight drop in grade means that she commands utmost respect. Lucky Kristale returned to winning ways at York last month following a long spell in the wilderness.

She then was then interfered with a few days later when finishing in the midfield also behind Realtra. Much better should be expected today if fully over those exertions.

Farsakh is open to any amount of improvement and she would not have to be a world beater in order to see off these exposed sorts. Dane O’Neill replaces Paul Hanagan in the saddle and the duo look sure to go well for a yard that does well with this type.

NEWMARKET

5-15 RACING FX CURRENCY CONVERSION HANDICAP – 1 M 2 F

Super Kid has looked an improved sort since being upped to this mile and a quarter trip. He has recorded consistent efforts at both Doncaster and Lingfield in recent outings and another good account looks likely today at what is Godolphin’s local track. Kevin Stott takes the reins for the first time this afternoon and his three pound claim could prove invaluable in a race of this nature. His last five winners have all come when riding for the operation and Saeed Bin Suroor is likely to have Super Kid primed to add to a solitary career success so far.

Shell Bay is likely to prove popular with Ryan Moore taking over in the saddle. He has managed to win twice throughout the summer at distances of up to a mile and a half. This drop in trip is unlikely to cause him too much hassle and he is likely to be on the premises. Critical Risk has not been with Luca Cumani all that long but he has managed to make the frame in both starts since joining the yard. Adam Kirby is set to ride once again and this lightly raced individual cannot be dismissed.

Super Kid is still unexposed at this trip and he will appreciate any further drying conditions. Saeed Bin Suroor is operating at around a fifty per cent strike rate at present so anything he runs commands a second look.