UK- Ascot 7/23- King George

[tenfurlongs]

Some very good racing from England this morning, including solid meat-and-potatoes handicaps at York and Newmarket. Best meeting is at Ascot, which hosts the King George VI & Queen Elizabeth Stakes (GI), where 3yos face their elders for the first time. Irish Derby hero Westover returns for Juddmonte, along with 3yo filly Emily Upjohn, which was second in Epsom Oaks under Frankie Dettori, who rerides for John Gosden. They will face Mishriff, Arc winner Torquator Tasso, the always consistent Broome, and Pyledriver. Great race!


Ascot 8:50- 6f Princess Margaret Keeneland Stakes (Group 3) (Fillies) (Class 1) (2yo)

www.racingpost.com/racecards/2/ascot/2022-07-23/815868

#5- Lezoo (9-5) just missed to Mawj in Newmarket GII last time, logical favorite under Frankie. #9- Royal Charter (8-1) won a maiden race at Newmarket on debut running strongly through the line, could be any kind for Haggas.

EX- 5,9/3,4,5,6,9  Result: 5,4,1  Exacta $26.40


Ascot 9:25- 1m (Rnd) Valiant Stakes (Group 3) (Fillies & Mares) (Class 1) (3yo+)

www.racingpost.com/racecards/2/ascot/2022-07-23/815865

#5- Jumbly (3-1) keeps improving but she's been tackling Guineas-types last two, gets to be the boss today under Hollie Doyle.

EX- 5/7,8,9  Result: 5,7,1  Exacta $44.20 




TW

[tenfurlongs]

Ascot 10:00- 7f International Stakes (Heritage Handicap) (Class 2) (3yo+)

www.racingpost.com/racecards/2/ascot/2022-07-23/813933

Big purse ($202,500), big field (21 runners), big payout? #2- Jumby (5-1), not to be confused with Jumbly which runs in race 2, is sitting on a big win, likes Ascot, drew well in six. Maybe Hollie Doyle can fly home with him today. #6- Dark Shift (5-1) has been on a tear since last fall, winning four of five, including the Royal Hunt Cup last time. HFTC with four wins in six starts here. Ride him 'til the wheels come off.

EX- 2,6/2,6,8,11,14,16  Result: 11,8,6  Exacta came back $292 for a buck, triple $1642 for a buck. Ouch.


Ascot 10:35- 1m4f King George VI And Queen Elizabeth Qipco Stakes (Group 1) (British Champions Series) (Class 1) (3yo+)

www.racingpost.com/racecards/2/ascot/2022-07-23/812738

www.racingpost.com/news/previews/king-george-trainer-insight-as-westover-and-emily-upjohn-face-top-class-rivals/569421




TW

[tenfurlongs]

Strange race, but no one was going to beat Pyledriver today! No idea why Westover was determined to be on the lead, seemingly at all costs, when he could have let Broome do the job. Put Rob Hornby back on him. Mishriff missed the break badly, cost him valuable lengths. Emily Upjohn just isn't good enough for these types yet. Torquator Tasso ran a winning race but couldn't handle the firm ground, he was climbing all the way around. PJ McDonald sat a dream trip behind the unexpectedly dueling leaders, I'm sure he watched in amazement, licking his chops, before blowing by and burying them all in the stretch.






TW

[1hooper]

Most impressed by the 'Arc winner.

[spiderjohn]

The winner was a surprise, yet has fired big at big odds before--two late starts for Mishriff this year and may not want 12f---on the lead didn't work for anyone yesterday---recent competitive form seems to be a negative, maybe the heat and quick comebacks? Cashed decent in the 1st, then blanked.

[tenfurlongs]

Great read about Pyledriver and his connections, written by Maddy Playle in May before yesterday's big win.

www.racingpost.com/news/insight/pyledriver-he-was-no-66-1-shot-they-had-20-each-way-and-i-had-10-each-way/557624




TW