Horse racing betting: Let’s hope Shraaoh and Harrison can make it the lucky last
If you haven’t backed a winner come King George V Stakes (Thursday 5.35pm) time, it may be best to head for the exits and keep your powder dry.
Many of the 18-strong field are stepping up to 12 furlongs for the first time and the majority have yet to race on ground this soft.
Anyway, enough of the excuses. First up I’m keen on the chances of the unexposed Sir Michael Stoute-trained SHRAAOH at 7/1 with Betway.
It’s taken a few races for the penny to drop, but he looked the real deal when bolting up by six lengths on the all-weather at Newcastle back in May.
That was a dramatic step up from his previous run and there is every chance he will improve again for the extra two furlongs.
The son of Sea The Stars begins life in handicaps off a mark of just 91 and I would be very surprised if he doesn’t turn out to be significantly better than that.
Being out of a Monsun mare, there also has to be plenty of optimism about the ground suiting too.
I’m also keen to have an each-way bet on Mick Channon’s HARRISON who was thrown in at the deep end in the Dante Stakes last time behind Wings Of Desire.
His trainer has made no secrets about his love of this fellow and he looks a serious contender back on ground with plenty of give in it.
He just looked to get a bit tired in the closing stages over 10 furlongs at Sandown on his reappearance and will strip a lot fitter this afternoon.
Whether he stays this trip or not remains to be seen, but at 14/1 with Coral he looks a good each-way prospect.
Godolphin have won the last two runnings of this race and will be hopeful of landing the hat-trick with Lovell.
He finished in front of Harrison at Sandown but is 5lbs worse off for a handful of lengths and looks a tad skinny at just 4/1.
POINTERS
Shraaoh e/w, 5.35pm, Royal Ascot
Harrison e/w, 5.35pm, Royal Ascot