Matt’s back to cast a beady eye over the day’s TV action, and likes the look of Bobby Bennu in the 14:25 at York.

Matt Chapman’s ITV Racing Tips

13:32 Sandown – Law Court
13:50 York – Chillingham
14:10 Chester – Startled
14:25 York – Bobby Bennu
14:42 Sandown – Military Code
15:00 York – Tabletalk
15:17 Sandown – High Degree
15:35 York – First Legion (each-way)

*All prices are bang up to date with our snazzy widgets, while odds in copy are accurate at time of publishing but subject to change.

ITV Racing is back for some pre Royal Ascot action from Sandown, York and Chester, Saturday starting here with a handicap for 3yo over 1m1f. All of these have the form to play a part. LAW COURT stayed on really well to beat The Joker here last time and ran like a horse who would have more to give over this extra furlong. Faleh Bughenaim is on top, as was the case for the last victory, and Richard Hannon trains. 

The Queen Mother’s Cup Handicap for female amateur jockeys over 1m4f. I’ve supported CHILLINGHAM in this before, when he was trained by Ed Bethell, and he’s a dangerously well-handicapped horse now off 86. Last year he ‘won’ it off 92, although it’s worth remembering he actually finished second and was promoted to first place. That means he hasn’t put his head in front since 2023, and he showed nothing here in May for new handler Micky Hammond. That all said, this is a massive chance on old form. Becky Smith knows him well. 

Here’s a handicap around the bends of Chester for 3yo over an extended 7f. STARTLED is up another 2lb after running a belter at Goodwood last time, but he can still play a big part here for Richard Hughes and Luke Morris. He is drawn a little wide, but should be able to go forward with just ten runners, and I don’t think his winning spree is over yet.

A handicap over 7f. Horses out wide might get a good lead into this from Gweedore, and that means I’m happy to put up BOBBY BENNU from an outside box of 19 for Roger Varian and jockey Shane Foley. I thought this horse would run well at Chester on his comeback, and he did, finishing fourth behind Lexington Jet in a decent event. He took time to get going that day and will be better for the run as he hadn’t run that well in the same event the previous season.

The Listed Scurry Stakes for 3yo over 5f. Godolphin and Charlie Appleby have the chance to burst back to form here, but it’s MILITARY CODE for me rather than the likely favorite Words of Truth. My hope was a decent juvenile, and he finished second here to Staya in the Dragon Stakes. He’s a solid Listed-type animal and may have more to give this season. Billy Loughnane rides the second string on paper.

The Listed Grand Cup Stakes for older horses over 1m6f. There can’t be a punter who doesn’t love Al Qareem, the defending champion, and he may well win again. Back in third last year, beaten 4l, was TABLETALK, and he’s now 5lb better off. At the odds, I’ll chance him to turn the tables on his old rival even though he’s not a regular winner for Tom Clover. Rossa Ryan takes the ride on a horse who was fifth behind Sweet William in the Sagaro when last seen. This is easier. 

A handicap over 1m. HIGH DEGREE was a beaten short-priced favourite first time at Newbury when running a huge race behind Hand of God. It’s interesting he comes back in trip here as he rallied for the second spot that day over 1m2f, but William Haggas is no fool, and it might be a good move. Tom Marquand rides from a good draw.

A handicap for 3yo over 6f. FIRST LEGION will be a massive price for Richard Hannon and Shane Foley, but he’s not one to totally be ignored as an each-way chance. Richard Hannon’s colt was a useful juvenile, once rated 95, and ran at Royal Ascot as well as finishing a decent seventh in a big field handicap here in August when denied a clear run. He did well when fifth here two runs ago, but that was over 7f, and this is his trip. He needs to do better than when fourth at Leicester last time, but drops another 1lb here to 88.

So best of luck and pray for Yeeehaaas. You hear me, Paddy?

Matt Chapman’s ITV Racing Tips

13:32 Sandown – Law Court
13:50 York – Chillingham
14:10 Chester – Startled
14:25 York – Bobby Bennu
14:42 Sandown – Military Code
15:00 York – Tabletalk
15:17 Sandown – High Degree
15:35 York – First Legion (each-way)

*All prices are bang up to date with our snazzy widgets, while odds in copy are accurate at time of publishing but subject to change.

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