Thoughts on Saturday’s runners

We send out two runners today, Astro King heads to Newmarket where he will line up in the Cambridgeshire at 3.40pm under Richard Kingscote. Helm Rock runs in the 4.25pm at Haydock with Rob Hornby in the saddle.

Astro King

Astro King comes here in fine form after an excellent win at York’s Ebor Festival. He’s trained very well into the race and seems to have conditions in his favour, he has the pace to compete in good races over a mile and stays ten furlongs so should enjoy this intermediate trip. He also looks to have what is a good draw and enjoys faster going. We’re really excited to see how he gets on. Obviously you need a huge amount of luck in such a big field.

The race looks wide open but its the three year olds that would give us the most to fear, Merlin the Wizard, Crack Shot and Greek Order. Of the older horses Dual Identity looks to have strong claims.

Astro King runs for owners Capture The Moment, Carter & Lofthouse. He will be led up by Ilse Belien.

Helm Rock

Helm Rock is flying form at the minute and comes here seeking a hat-trick having landed a £50,000 Racing League race before adding the £80,000 London Mile Series Final at Kempton. It might be he is a better horse on the all weather but he has strong turf form, especially with cut in the ground and so hopefully can continue his good run.

Cases could be made for quite a few of these but it might be the most lightly raced horse Enfjaar who proves the one to beat, as the represents a very different test to the Jersey Stakes at Royal Ascot on fast ground on what was just his third start. One would think that connections feel he is better than a handicapper to have taken that on. Last time out winner and Safe Voyage who is still operating at a good level at the other end of his career offers a more solid danger.

Helm Rock runs in the colours of owners Capture The Moment VII and will be led up by James Pulley who cares for him daily at home.