Jamie Clark was Sports Editor of Coral bookmakers between 2014 and 2017 during their merger with Labrokes and a key period for the British betting industry. Working as a bookie’s runner on the point to point circuit in the Midlands and at Market Rasen Racecourse where his late godfather had a trackside pitch growing up, he has had ties to horse racing all of his life. A regular visitor to Cheltenham during the National Hunt season and York over the summer, he has been involved in Horsebetting.com since its inception. Jamie now brings you his take on major news stories from the racing world and those all-important betting tips.
Thoroughbred Stakes betting tips – Khaloosy can follow-up
Khaloosy could not have been more impressive than when bolting up at Royal Ascot last time out, so is a strong fancy to follow-up on his first start in pattern company in the 1m Group 3 Thoroughbred Stakes at Glorious Goodwood on Friday (14:15).
Trained by Roger Varian, this Hamdan Al Maktoum owned Dubawi colt has a progressive profile. Khaloosy was a length runner-up on debut on the all-weather at Newcastle over 7f.
When stepped up to a mile at Wolverhampton on his final start as a juvenile, however, the grey was impressive. He won easing down by 4 1/2 lengths.
Connections stepped him into handicap company for the ultra-competitive Britannia Stakes on reappearance. Khaloosy made a mockery of his opening mark of 94 at the royal meeting.
After being held-up in the centre, he was switched left at halfway. The owner’s retained rider Jim Crowley shook Khaloosy up two out and he quickened to lead approaching the final furlong.
He was then ridden clear for an impressive 4 1/2 lengths victory over Finest Sound. The front two pulled a further four lengths clear of the third home.
Khaloosy looked like a pattern performer masquerading as the proverbial handicapper. It’s no surprise that connections step him into Group company off the back of that effort.
He clearly impressed the assessor who raised Khaloosy 17lb for his Heritage Handicap win at Royal Ascot. The Thoroughbred Stakes demands more, but he has plenty of scope for further progress.
As Khaloosy is 8lb and upwards clear of his four rivals on official figures, he appeals most. Ready York novice winner My Oberon looks the biggest danger.
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King George Stakes betting tips – Battaash fancied for fourth win
Crowley and Sheikh Hamdan have leading claims of a Group double as Battaash is a red-hot favourite for a fourth consecutive win the 5f Group 2 King George Stakes (15:15).
Trained by Charlie Hills, the six-year-old gelding has won this in each of the last three years. Victory here would see Battaash enter the record books.
When completing his King George Stakes hat-trick 12 months ago, the son of Dark Angel only needed keeping up to his work. Battaash followed-up on that with victory in the Group 1 Nunthorpe Stakes during the Ebor Festival at York.
He bolted up on the Knavesmire by 3 3/4 lengths in impressive style. A repeat of that or when taking the King’s Stand at Royal Ascot at the third attempt on reappearance wins this for Battaash.
Despite racing freely, he made all under Crowley and ran on for a 2 1/4 lengths victory. Given his three course and distance victories, it is hard to make any case against Battaash.
The histrionics of his younger days are well behind him now. Battaash is a prohibitive price on his own, so looks worth doubling up with owner companion Khaloosy on what should be a big day for Crowley.
Liberty Beach and Al Raya alternative
While the other six horses in the King George Stakes are playing for places, joint bottom weights Liberty Beach and Al Raya could hit the frame.
The former landed the Molecomb Stakes at Glorious Goodwood last year over course and distance for trainer John Quinn. Liberty Beach is one of three-year-olds engaged and also benefits from a 3lb sex allowance as well as weight for age.
She came third to Battaash on her penultimate start after landing a Listed contest on reappearance. As Liberty Beach now meets the winner on 3lb better terms, it give her obvious claims of a place.
Trainer form is a concern, though, as is the fact that she doesn’t settle in her races. Al Raya could also go well getting the maximum allowances.
This consistent filly is trained by Simon and Ed Crisford. A daughter of Siyouni, Al Raya landed a Group 3 in France on her final start of last season.
She has been unlucky on each of her three outings this term. Al Raya had no way through in a red-hot renewal of the Listed 5f Coral Charge at Sandown on reappearance.
Soft ground was then against her when chasing home the re-opposing Ken Colt in the Prix Hampton at Chantilly. Although beaten two lengths and meeting off worse terms in the King George Stakes, Al Raya went so close to winning last time out.
In yet another competitive Listed affair at York, she was just denied by Moss Gill. Granted better luck, Al Raya is worth considering for extra place bets at least. She can outrun big odds for a team doing well with their sprinters.
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