‘He needs to be backed wherever he runs' – Templegate's three top tips for the big summer races
NOW the dust has settled on Royal Ascot we can turn our attention to a whole load of big races coming up this summer.
With Newmarket's July Festival, Glorious Goodwood and the York Ebor quickly approaching, now is the time to strike in the ante-post markets.
1
Almaqam saw his form boosted massively when Ombudsman, seen here trailing behind in second in the Brigadier Gerard, bolted up in the Prince Of Wales's Stakes
Credit: Getty
Here, I take aim at three of the bigger contests and reveal my thinking behind the selections.
Coral-Eclipse (July 5)
The Coral-Eclipse is bubbling up to be a cracker with Ombudsman putting himself firmly in the picture by winning the Prince Of Wales's Stakes at the Royal meeting.
He showed a sharp turn of foot once getting a clear run and he won without too much trouble.
The bookies may have overreacted a little by making him 7-4 favourite for the Eclipse.
After all, second home Anmaat doesn't seem the greatest in a battle.
At current prices,
ALMAQAM
looks a better bet.
He had no trouble in dealing with Ombudsman when they met in the Brigadier Gerard Stakes at Sandown in late May.
Most read in Horse Racing
The latter clearly improved for that run but Ed Walker's colt seemed to have a lot left in the tank.
His liking for a little bit of cut in the ground is a slight worry but his liking for the track is a plus and the British summer could easily deliver a deluge or two which would make the current 10-1 very tempting indeed.
Of course if Field Of Gold turns up they are all probably playing for a place.
July Cup (July 12)
I hope connections of
MORE THUNDER
stick their neck out and supplement their speedster for the July Cup as he'd have a massive chance.
He's not in the betting at the moment but his performance in just missing out in the Wokingham at Royal Ascot last week was blistering.
He clocked one of the biggest speed figures I have ever seen for the final half of the race after he took a little while to get going.
He is 100 per cent a Group horse and looks like he could well be a Group 1 horse at that.
William Haggas' flyer needs to be backed wherever he turns up next.
If he stays in handicaps and takes up his entry at the BUNBURY CUP at Newmarket on July 12 he deserves to be closer to 2-1 than the general 4s that's kicking about now.
York Ebor (August 23)
I would love to see
FRENCH DUKE
turn up in the Ebor at York after his solid comeback run in the Duke Of Edinburgh at Royal Ascot last week.
He was very well backed into 4-1 but got caught up in traffic and didn't have enough time to get into the race coming around the final bend.
I think stepping up a quarter of a mile in the Ebor would be the perfect race for him with this under his belt.
He's had just seven starts and shapes like a real stayer who could see his handicap mark of 99 come down a little after this run.
There are lots of other options and I'll be looking out for him wherever he goes – but I hope it's to the Knavesmire on August 23.
He could go off at a big price and run very well indeed.
FREE BETS - GET THE BEST SIGN UP DEALS AND RACING OFFERS
Commercial content notice: Taking one of the offers featured in this article may result in a payment to The Sun. You should be aware brands pay fees to appear in the highest placements on the page. 18+. T&Cs apply. gambleaware.org
.
Remember to gamble responsibly
A responsible gambler is someone who:
Read more on the Irish Sun
Establishes time and monetary limits before playing
Only gambles with money they can afford to lose
Never chases their losses
Doesn't gamble if they're upset, angry or depressed
Gamcare –
Gamble Aware –
Find our detailed guide on responsible gambling practices here.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Irish Sun
2 hours ago
- The Irish Sun
Lee Carsley snubbed for Saipan film role but hopes to write Hollywood movie script with Euros sequel with England U21s
LEE CARSLEY knew nothing about a potential role in new movie Saipan — but he is desperate to write his own Hollywood script in Slovakia. The Advertisement 4 Lee Carsley missed out on a potential movie role in the new Saipan film Credit: Getty 4 He hopes to have a Hollywood ending to England's Euro campaign in Slovakia Credit: Getty 4 Lee Carsley (left) was part of the Irish World Cup that Roy Keane left in 2002 Credit: Sportsfile In fact, it was Carsley and Jason McAteer that had to face the media the day after the explosive incident, which led to Keane walking out on the team. A trailer for the movie, starring Steve Coogan as McCarthy, has set tongues wagging. Unfortunately for Carsley, despite Oliver Coopersmith being cast to play McAteer, producers felt there was no place for the Young Lions chief. But the 51-year-old is more concerned about leading England to a second-straight Euro crown, with a semi-final against the Netherlands tonight. Advertisement READ MORE ON ENGLAND U"!S Carsley said: 'Holland are a team that we've been watching now for a while. 'They're very attacking, very expansive in the way they play. 'Technically very good. I really like the system that they play as well. 'We've spoken about making sure the Spain game can't be the highlight of our tournament. Advertisement Most read in Football Exclusive Breaking BEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERS 'So the players are really determined. 'We've had a good couple of days training. We're looking forward to the game now.' England u21s clash with Germany SUSPENDED as stadium plunged into semi-darkness and players taken off pitch After Carsley's side slapped Spain 3-1 in the quarter-finals on Saturday, he is now hoping they produce another masterclass to sink the Dutch. Advertisement He said: 'Ideally and I've spoken to the players about it, you want to coach a team where you watching them play and you're enjoying watching them. That Spain game and the second half of the Germany game, you are on the side, enjoying watching the players play and expressing themselves. 'You want foreign journalists to speak about our players the way we sometimes speak about their players, in terms of their technical ability or the way they can take the ball. 'We're definitely changing that perception of English players.' Advertisement His side beat Portugal 1-0 last time out despite Ruben van Bommel's 21st- minute red card. 4 Michael Reiziger has been impressed by England's style of play Credit: Getty Reiziger said: 'They're not playing in a typical English style. 'They are playing really well with a lot of good quality and they are growing into the tournament. Advertisement 'It will be a tough game but that is logical. 'We've watched every match of England. 'Two strong teams that love to play football, two teams that have quality. 'It is going to be an interesting game. We have some comparison with England. Advertisement 'We started not that well but are getting better every time, resulting in the fact we won a game with ten men.' After over two decades of misery in penalty shootouts, Sir Gareth Southgate helped instil a no fear factor into England players, with the seniors winning three of their last four. And Carsley insists his lads are ready for penalties if it comes down to it tonight. He said: 'There's more of an awareness of penalties and the technique and structure that goes behind a shoot-out. 'We are fortunate to have a lot of players who take penalties for their clubs. Advertisement 'It is very difficult to replicate the walk from the halfway line to the penalty spot, especially if you are not used to it. 'It's something Gareth pushed which filtered down the pathway. 'It is so important because of the amount of resources thrown at the senior team to be the best at shootouts. 'That awareness of how important they are has definitely trickled down and we have benefited from that.' Advertisement England's Under-21 Euros squad in FULL ENGLAND are looking to retain their status as Under-21 European champions this summer in Slovakia. Here is Lee Carsley's full squad for the blockbuster tournament: Goalkeepers: James Beadle (Brighton and Hove Albion), Teddy Sharman-Lowe (Chelsea), Tommy Simkin (Stoke City) Defenders: Charlie Cresswell (FC Toulouse), Ronnie Edwards (Southampton), CJ Egan-Riley (Burnley), Tino Livramento (Newcastle United), Brooke Norton Cuffy (Genoa), Jarell Quansah (Liverpool) Midfielders: Elliot Anderson (Nottingham Forest), Archie Gray (Tottenham Hotspur), Hayden Hackney (Middlesbrough), Jack Hinshelwood (Brighton and Hove Albion), Tyler Morton (Liverpool), Alex Scott (AFC Bournemouth) Forwards: Harvey Elliott (Liverpool), Omari Hutchinson (Ipswich Town), Sam Iling Jnr (Aston Villa), James McAtee (Manchester City), Ethan Nwaneri (Arsenal), Jonathan Rowe (Marseille), Jay Stansfield (Birmingham City)
The Irish Sun
3 hours ago
- The Irish Sun
Dutch icon Michael Reiziger lifted Champions League at Ajax, played with Rivaldo and is now plotting England's downfall
BEFORE the Class of '92's crowning moment, it was Ajax's Academy of Total Football that stole the march and produced a team of homegrown stars that conquered Europe. Edwin van der Saar, twins Frank and Ronald de Boer, Clarence Seedorf, Edgar Davids and Patrick Kluivert all burst on to the scene to start a stunning era for Advertisement 6 Michael Reiziger is plotting England's downfall tonight Credit: Getty 6 The legend was part of the iconic Ajax side that won the Champions League in 1995 Credit: Getty 6 The former defender enjoyed a glittering seven years at Barcelona Credit: AP:Associated Press 6 Michael Reiziger had a brief stint in the Premier League with Middlesbrough Credit: PA:Press Association He went on to play with legends such as Robert Baggio, George Weah and Paolo Maldini at AC Milan before an incredible seven-year stint at Alongside Brazilian magician Rivaldo, Bulgarian striker Hristo Stoitchkov and Pep Guardiola, Reiziger claimed two LaLiga crowns as they twice toppled the Galacticos from Real Madrid. Having won everything with both Advertisement READ MORE ENGLAND U21S Though his brief foray in the Premier League did not last long, and after just six months he was on his way back home with PSV. As injuries began to take their toll, he signed off his playing career by adding another Eredivisie title to his collection before hanging up his boots in 2007. It was a playing career and CV that anybody would have been proud of, however, like the rest of that great and fiery Dutch side, their inability to deliver silverware for their nation still hurts. And it's that failure that is fuelling the flames deep inside of the now Holland Under-21 boss to hopefully kickstart another Dutch revolution - starting by winning the European Championship in Slovakia. Advertisement Most read in Football Exclusive Breaking BEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERS Reizeger, who suffered three tournament semi-final defeats with Holland, said: 'We missed that special cup. 'After three semi-finals, you hope that you play the final and live up to it [expectation]. We lost for our generation. England u21s clash with Germany SUSPENDED as stadium plunged into semi-darkness and players taken off pitch 'Now we have some good players and we're getting better with every game.' Advertisement For Reiziger to achieve that, he must first topple the holders England in Bratislava tonight to seal a date with destiny in Saturday's final. He acknowledges that will not be an easy task - and he is certainly no stranger to opposite number Lee Carsley. The two head coaches have actually collided on the pitch during the Dutchman's brief time in the Premier League. That was back on January 16 in 2005 when Carsley helped Everton come from behind to earn a 1-1 draw at The Riverside in a stormy match that was marred by a huge goalmouth scuffle that exploded after a late challenge from Duncan Ferguson on Boro keeper Mark Schawarzer. Advertisement 6 Lee Carsley went head-to-head with the Dutchman on the pitch while at Everton Credit: PA:Press Association 6 The England boss leads his team out tonight against Holland in Bratislava Credit: Getty Reizeger claims he cannot remember the game, but Carsley, who was denied by the woodwork that day, can. He said: 'I don't remember it being a classic. We always had tough games against Middlesbrough. Advertisement Michael was a top player. Look at his CV, Barcelona, AC Milan, Ajax, he's been there and done it. A Champions League player and a coach that I've got a lot of respect for. Michael Reiziger Here's everything the Dutch icon won during his incredible playing career: AJAX Eredivisie: 1994–95, 1995–96 KNVB Cup: 1992–93 Dutch Supercup: 1994, 1995 Champions League: 1994–95 Uefa Cup: 1991–92 Uefa Super Cup: 1995 Intercontinental Cup: 1995 BARCELONA La Liga: 1997–98, 1998–99 Copa del Rey: 1997–98 Uefa Super Cup: 1997 PSV Eredivisie: 2005–06, 2006–07 'He's doing a great job with the U21s, as he did with Ajax's B team. He's carried that on with the U21s. 'The style that they're playing is great to watch. I expect it to be a really exciting game, unlike that 1-1 draw. I don't remember hitting the bar now but I remember the melee.' No matter what happens tonight, Reizeger will always remain on the list of all-time greats. Advertisement But another journey may just be beginning, only this time it is him leading the revolution from the dug-out. England's Under-21 Euros squad in FULL ENGLAND are looking to retain their status as Under-21 European champions this summer in Slovakia. Here is Lee Carsley's full squad for the blockbuster tournament: Goalkeepers: James Beadle (Brighton and Hove Albion), Teddy Sharman-Lowe (Chelsea), Tommy Simkin (Stoke City) Defenders: Charlie Cresswell (FC Toulouse), Ronnie Edwards (Southampton), CJ Egan-Riley (Burnley), Tino Livramento (Newcastle United), Brooke Norton Cuffy (Genoa), Jarell Quansah (Liverpool) Midfielders: Elliot Anderson (Nottingham Forest), Archie Gray (Tottenham Hotspur), Hayden Hackney (Middlesbrough), Jack Hinshelwood (Brighton and Hove Albion), Tyler Morton (Liverpool), Alex Scott (AFC Bournemouth) Forwards: Harvey Elliott (Liverpool), Omari Hutchinson (Ipswich Town), Sam Iling Jnr (Aston Villa), James McAtee (Manchester City), Ethan Nwaneri (Arsenal), Jonathan Rowe (Marseille), Jay Stansfield (Birmingham City)
The Irish Sun
3 hours ago
- The Irish Sun
Horse racing tips: ‘This is a Group horse in a Listed race' – Templegate's NAP to fly home for hot trainer
TEMPLEGATE tackles Wednesday's action confident of building the bank for the summer ahead. Whack some money on a horse by clicking their odds - and check out our man's early Coral-Eclipse, July Cup and Ebor tips, including one star SAQQARA SANDS (3.45 Carlisle, nap) Is definitely a horse going places and caught the eye with her comeback second at Epsom. Trainer Ralph Beckett continues to knock along at a rate of knots and this horse should improve into Group races before long. This isn't the deepest Listed race and her draw is just fine. NOEL FOX (3.55 Salisbury, nb) Loves it at this track and ran a blinder when second here to a very well-treated horse. The ground will be perfect and the four-year-old gets loads of weight from most of his rivals. He has form over shorter if it does get tactical given the small field. MOSTAWAA (3.15 Carlisle, treble) Can make the long journey north worth it. Heather Main's veteran loves the quirky track and has dropped to an attractive mark. The booking of Rossa Ryan also catches the eye. DUBAI BEACH (7.30 Kempton) Can complete the Lucky 15. He has the handicapper on the run at the moment and trainer Saeed bin Suroor is in flying form. He will be very hard to stop under a penalty. Most read in Horse Racing Templegate's tips WORCESTER 2.03 Jet Of Dreams 2.33 Mistertommyshelby 3.03 Rony Has 3.33 Katana 4.03 Seymourjohn 4.33 Init Together 5.05 Robber's Bridge BATH 6.20 Fancy Dancer 6.50 Bring It On 7.20 Thank The Lord 7.50 Offiah's Boy 8.20 Union Island 8.50 Blue Hero CARLISLE 2.15 Lam Yai 2.45 Regional Rock 3.15 Mostawaa (treble) 3.45 Saqqara Sands (nap) 4.15 Rogue Millions 4.50 Redarna 5.25 Orangesandlemons SALISBURY 2.25 Victorious One 2.55 Coup De Force 3.25 Nifty 3.55 Noel Fox (double) 4.25 Asmen Warrior 4.58 Criminal 5.35 Soul Dance KEMPTON 5.30 Atmosphere 6.00 Insuspense 6.30 Magnatura 7.00 Plastered 7.30 Dubai Beach 8.00 Lessay 8.30 Don Simon 9.00 Fram Castle FREE BETS - GET THE BEST SIGN UP DEALS AND RACING OFFERS Commercial content notice: Taking one of the offers featured in this article may result in a payment to The Sun. You should be aware brands pay fees to appear in the highest placements on the page. 18+. T&Cs apply. . Remember to gamble responsibly A responsible gambler is someone who: Read more on the Irish Sun Establishes time and monetary limits before playing Only gambles with money they can afford to lose Never chases their losses Doesn't gamble if they're upset, angry or depressed Gamcare – Gamble Aware – Find our detailed guide on responsible gambling practices here.
