French raider Calandagan to be crowned in the King George July 22, 2025 ASCOT is the main port of call this Saturday for a high-class card featuring the premier middle-distance race of mid-summer, the Group One King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes (4.10pm). Last year, the spoils were claimed by France’s Goliath, who ran out an impressive winner under Christophe Soumillon for trainer Francis-Henri Graffard. I fancy [...]
Rhyme to hit right Royal tune and deny return of the Maq July 22, 2025 SATURDAY also sees action up north as York hosts a Group Two-headed card, where rain has finally arrived after a bone-dry period. The feature York Stakes (2.40pm) has attracted an interesting field and for the first time will be part of World Pool’s offering alongside eight races from Ascot. Almaqam heads the ante-post betting, and [...]
The Punter Podcast Episode 40: King George Day at Ascot and York July 22, 2025 Bill Esdaile is joined by Ben Cleminson to preview the weekend’s big races from Ascot on King George Day and York, as well an update from Bill on his horses King of Stars and Lipsink ahead of their potential engagements on Saturday. The Punter ‘The Punter’ has been City AM’s dedicated sports betting section for [...]
Fair chance Angellica will come good in the Hackwood July 15, 2025 OFTEN when assessing a race for an ante-post selection several horses catch the eye, but Saturday’s Hackwood Stakes (2.57pm) from Newbury strikes me as a contest where nothing looks to hold flawless claims. Regional is a standout on form, having finished third behind American Affair in the King Charles III Stakes at Royal Ascot. He [...]
All aboard the Northern Express to pull away from Ascot rivals July 15, 2025 THERE is Classic action across the Irish Sea on Saturday as the Curragh hosts the Irish Oaks. It’s a race that oftens turns into a Ballydoyle benefit and this renewal looks the same, with Epsom heroine Minnie Hauk currently long odds-on. I don’t have a bet in mind for this yet, but it’d be worth [...]
Rocket ready to dig out another win to close out season in style July 15, 2025 HONG Kong’s racing season concludes today when Happy Valley hosts an action-packed nine-race programme to celebrate the season finale. Expect plenty of entertainment along the way for the 20,000 plus racegoers who will witness international musical entertainment, a breathtaking fireworks display and a jockeys’ parade for racing fans. There will also be the crowning of [...]
Endued and Aeris can secure perfect send off for Yung July 15, 2025 EXPECT a poignant send off from local racing fans when trainer Benno Yung calls time on his 12-year career in Hong Kong and saddles his final runners at Happy Valley. The affable and well-liked 66-year-old has suffered serious health problems over the last couple of years but will be hoping to go out on a [...]
The Punter Podcast Episode 39: Newbury, Irish Oaks, Market Rasen and Happy Valley July 15, 2025 Tom Marriott and Bill Esdaile preview the week’s big races from Newbury on Super Sprint Day, as well as the Irish Oaks at the Curragh with some summer jumps thrown in from Market Rasen. Bill has a big-priced fancy for next weekend’s International Handicap at Ascot on King George Day, plus Wally Pyrah has his [...]
Ferraris can go for Glory aboard Chancheng at Sha Tin finale July 11, 2025 WHILE there will be plenty of prizes on offer to celebrate the final day of the season at Sha Tin in Hong Kong on Sunday, bettors can be forgiven for just praying for a change of fortune before the 11-race programme gets under way at 9.00am. Results at Happy Valley on Wednesday were the proverbial [...]
Pejibaye can Star and be Richards’ end-of-season Hero July 11, 2025 YOU CAN guarantee trainer Jamie Richards will be pleased to see the back of the 2024/25 Hong Kong season. The legendary former New Zealand champion trainer has had a campaign to forget, languishing near the bottom of the trainers’ championship table with just 21 victories, and presently with a depleted stable of gallopers. Maybe a [...]