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ALAN casts his eye over today's racing from York and Carlisle on the look-out for some racing value.
4.15 York
WITH my original selection Seamour declared a non-runner this morning, my focus turns to PENGLAI PAVILION (4.15) in the same stayers’ handicap.
Charlie Appleby has been in terrific form this summer and Penglai Pavilion resumes in this two-mile contest after his trip to Australia in April.
In a recent interview Appleby said: ‘He’s fresh and well, and is going to York to run his race. He needs to earn his slot if he’s going to be part of our team for Australia in the autumn.’
His gelding likes to race up with the pace, no bad thing on the Knavesmire, and Penglai Pavilion destroyed his field in the Cesarewitch Trial at Newmarket last September, powering three lengths clear of The Cashel Man, with another four lengths back to Shrewd.
Jim Goldie’s yard will be in need of a pick-me-up following the sad death of Jack Dexter at Ripon last Saturday and Euchan Glen is no forlorn hope at the foot of the handicap.
The Juddmonte International is a mouth-watering prospect but I’ve tied myself in knots trying to come up with a selection. I might even sit it out and just enjoy the spectacle.
Elsewhere, Cracksman is the obvious first port of call when assessing the Betway Great Voltigeur Stakes and having backed him in defeat at Epsom and the Curragh, I should really be going on a major recovery mission.
3.00 York
However, I’m not one to often bet odds-on and if all eight runners stand their ground, my preferred option would be an ew punt on VENICE BEACH (3.00).
Ryan Moore is reunited for the first time since they landed the Chester Vase from Wings of Eagles and although Venice Beach flopped in the Derby, he bounced back when third in the Grand Prix de Paris at Saint-Cloud. If the rain stays away and the track remains slick, then Khalidi is too big a price at 16-1 to hit the frame. I’ll be having a few quid on him ew as well.
Frankel and Galileo dominate the race, siring seven of the eight runners, and British racegoers are privileged indeed to witness their quality offspring locking horns in these Group 1 contests.
4.25 Carlisle
My main bet goes at Carlisle where IM DAPPER TOO (4.25) can maintain his 100 per cent record at the track.
The six-year-old has won on all three starts at the Cumbrian track and revels on an easy surface. With showers forecast this morning, Im Dapper Too can defy the handicapper for his Pontefract victory a fortnight ago.
4.55 Carlisle
WOR LASS (4.55) wouldn’t mind an easy surface, either, and seems to be running herself back into form on the evidence of a fine third at Ayr last time. Winner Dubawi Fifty and runner-up TOR have won since and Wor Lass makes plenty of each-way appeal around 8-1.
Recommended bets
- York 4.15 – Penglai Pavilion 12/1 ew (Coral)
- York 3.00 – Venice Beach 15/2 ew (Bet365)
- Carlisle 4.25 – Im Dapper Too 9/4 (Coral, Paddy Power)
- Carlisle 4.55 – Wor Lass 13/2 ew (Coral)
In December 2020 we sadly 
