Qemah gets the better of Aljazzi and Smart Call at Royal Ascot
Qemah gets the better of Aljazzi and Smart Call at Royal Ascot

Free betting tips: Simon Holt selections for Saturday's horse racing at Sandown


Simon Holt identifies his best bets for Saturday's action, including Royal Ascot runner-up Aljazzi who resumes at Sandown.

Ground conditions could dry up a bit at Sandown on Saturday and this is likely to suit both MASAR and ALJAZZI in the feature races.

Masar looks likely to start favourite for the BetBright Solario Stakes but deservedly so after a fine third behind September and Nyaleti in the Chesham Stakes at Royal Ascot (click here for free video replay), form that has been strongly boosted by the runner-up since and a little less so perhaps by the winner who could finish only fourth behind stable companion Magical when favourite for a Group Two at the Curragh next time.

I loved the way Masar moved to post that day - drying ground could definitely be important - and his debut defeat of Invincible Army also looks good form with the runner-up performing consistently since at a high level.

At this stage, the main danger could be Coventry Stakes seventh Romanised who should be suited by a step up to seven furlongs and, while other promising types in the field are not quite at the selection's level, they look open to improvement especially Purser who won a shade cleverly at Newbury recently.

September (left) powers clear in the Chesham
September (left) powers clear in the Chesham

Aljazzi is also the form pick in the BetBright Casino Atalanta Stakes if she can reproduce her fine effort in the Duke Of Cambridge Stakes at the Royal meeting when splitting the two high class French fillies Qemah and Usherette.

A 40/1 chance that day, Marco Botti's charge certainly took a step forward but is quite lightly raced and a mile seems to suit her well.

The danger could be Nathra after her creditable third behind Massaat and Librisa Breeze in the Hungerford Stakes at Newbury but plenty of give in the ground seems to suit John Gosden's filly and sunny conditions are forecast.

Later, seeking a bit more value, I will take a chance on SHABBAH returning to form in the BetBright Recall Handicap.

Ryan Moore's mount rattled up a hat-trick of wins last season, including over this course and distance, and makes a quick reappearance after finishing fourth at Yarmouth just six days ago which was his first outing in 11 months.

Shabbah can be excused needing that run and will take some beating if anywhere near the level of his second at Ascot last July when splitting Manjaam and Dal Harraild.

Recommended bets: Saturday racing

2pts win Masar in 2.25 Sandown at best morning price - drying ground in his favour and looks to possess the best form

1pt win Aljazzi in 3.00 Sandown at best morning price - not seen since June but still open to improvement and Ascot effort reads very well

1pt win Shabbah in 3.35 Sandown at best morning price - likes the track and expected to strip fitter for recent comeback run

Click here for our transparent tipping record

Posted at 0950 BST on 01/09/17.

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