Newmarket 15:30
The Kingdom of Bahrain Sun Chariot Stakes is a fillies Group 1 over a mile and it has attracted a decent looking field of nine for this years renewal.
Integral, last year's winner, is back for another crack and has been really lightly raced as a five year old only having the two runs so far this year. She was a decent enough fourth in the Lockinge at Newbury before finishing a disappointing fifth in the Duke of Cambridge Stakes at Ascot. The ground that day was on the firm side and with the ground getting firmer here that is a worry for her.
Andre Fabre brings Esoterique across the pond and she is the short priced favourite. I have doubts about whether or not a mile is her best trip and the ground is certainly not in her favour. She is undoubtedly a quality mare but is plenty short enough for me and I think there is value to found elsewhere.
Malabar for Mick Channon is a left field choice but I think she represents a good bit a value in a race that is there for the taking. Her best form is over seven or eight furlongs on good to firm ground. She was a competitive fourth in the 1,000 Guineas and her engagements since have not been in optimum conditions. Today she gets what I think are ideal conditions and I expect her to run a decent race at a really good price. She is 25/1 in places and I think this is great each way value in a nine runner race.
England v Australia
This is a must win for England otherwise they will be the first sole host nation to be eliminated at the group stage. Both teams appear to be evenly matched and the Aussies have made great strides in the pack over the past ten months and this is an area that England used to dominate, therefore it will be interesting to see who comes out in this aspect as this will go a long way to deciding the outcome of this match.
Jonathon Joesph is back at 13 for England and this is a big plus. He is one of the few flair players that England have and could prove decisive if he manages to get himself a bit of space.
I can't see any value in the match outcome and elsewhere nothing much stands out. England scored two tries against Australia in November from the back of a driving scrum and I am certain this will be a focal point of their attack again. That being the case I am going to have a speculative punt on number eight Ben Morgan being the first try scorer at best price 25/1.
Today's Selections
Newmarket 15:30 Malabar - 1/2 point each way @ 25/1 (Betfred, Boylesport, Bet365)
England v Australia, Ben Morgan first try scorer - 1/2 point @ 25/1 (Skybet)