Tipping Tim’s weekend bets

The great thing about tomorrow is that Chester is over for another few weeks. If I could close one racecourse in Britain it would undoubtedly be this ridiculous venue, although favourites’ paradise Newbury would be a fast finishing second. Thankfully it’s back to the proper sport tomorrow, and Victoria Cup day at Ascot takes centre stage.

The nap of the day on Saturday is Angel Gabrial in the 2.05 Ascot. This horse was given a predictably awful ride by Jamie Spencer at Windsor last time out, with Britain’s most over-rated rider (the market is obviously betting without Paul Hanagan) holding him up behind horses, closing his eyes two furlongs out, and hoping for the best on the way through. Unfortunately the equally unreliable Tom Queally takes over now, but granted even an acceptable ride I fancy this progressive 4yo to go one better tomorrow.

You can see why the Victoria Cup (3.50 Ascot) is named after a Spice Girl; it is full of exposed old timers and any one of them could prove game enough to do the job on the day. I won’t be wasting too much money on such a competitive heat but the pair I like are the Yarmouth one-two Khubala and Fast Finian and, given that he might have needed the run last week, my main bet will be on the former tomorrow.

For the Trixie I will side with old favourite The Tichborne in the 4.25. He loves Ascot, bounced back to form in a decent race at Lingfield last time, and is weighted to follow up off 77. There are twenty-five rivals to worry about, but at least that should ensure a decent price!

Good luck with all your bets tomorrow!

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