It is proper jump racing weather, and we have top class jump racing too with stars like Cyrname, Delta Work, Presenting Percy, Samcro and Lisnagar Oscar all running today.

There are jump racing cards at Ascot, Down Royal, Wetherby and Ayr, with the last flat racing meeting at Newmarket. There is a twilight meeting at Wolverhampton too.   

2.05 Newmarket – Montrose Fillies’ Stakes Listed Race (1m)

Teodolina for the Richard Hannon yard is definitely worth an each way play here as she will thrive in these conditions. She won on the soft hard held when favourite at Haydock last month over this trip when travelling very comfortably throughout. This is admittedly a tougher contest, yet trip and ground will really suit. Unibet 8/1 each way  

2.40 Newmarket – James Seymour Stakes Listed Race (1m 2f)

The eleven-year-old Air Pilot won this race in 2014 and can take this contest again for the Ralph Beckett team. He was admittedly a bit disappointing at Goodwood on seasonal debut, however he is bound to come on for that run and he won at the Sussex track last season in good style. He will absolutely relish conditions today. Unibet 7/1 each way

2.45 Wetherby – West Yorkshire Handicap Hurdle Grade 2 (3m)

Roksana (nap) simply never fails to run her race and she is bound to be fit for this seasonal appearance. She is getting almost a stone from Lisnagar Oskar and on the only two occasions she’s raced at three miles, she’s been second to Santini and If The Cap Fits, so her form at the trip is rock solid. Unibet 2/1 win

3.05 Ascot – Sodexho Handicap Hurdle (1m 7½f)

Countister for Nicky Henderson has the ability to win a handicap of this nature off this mark and has often gone well fresh in the past – best run to date came after a year’s absence when third in the 2019 County Hurdle. Admittedly was disappointing in her two starts last year, however she is reported to be fit and well in Nicky Henderson’s Unibet racing blog. Unibet 6/1 each way

3.20 Wetherby – Charlie Hall Chase Grade 2 (3m)

This is a cracking renewal of The Charlie Hall and whilst I’m a massive Sam Spinner fan Vinndication is a class act who can have a major season. He panned them in the Sodexo Gold Cup on reappearance last year and ran even better under a welter burden in the Ultima at Cheltenham. Clearly goes well fresh, yard going fine and ground ideal. Unibet 15/8 win

3.40 Ascot – Sodexo Gold Cup (3m)

Militarian often goes off underestimated for these big handicaps, as he did when scoring (on reappearance, as here) at 50-1 over course and distance last year. No fluke about that, ran just as well at Cheltenham on New Year’s Day. Hasn’t been seen since the Kim Muir and goes well fresh. He is impervious to ground and a good e/w chance off a one-pound higher mark than last year. Unibet 12/1 each way 

The final day of the Ayr Gold Cup Festival with some top-class group racing and the notoriously tricky Silver Cup and Gold Cup. If you can strike here with the Silver Cup and Gold Cup double, you will be doing very well. Interestingly, Graeme Anderson, Clerk of the course says the ground is: ‘good to soft, soft in places and very even right the way across” so no draw bias.

At Newbury, the second day of the Dubai Duty Free Weekend. with the feature the Group 2 Dubai Duty Free Mill Reef Stakes at 3.25.

Enjoy all the coverage on Racing TV and ITV Racing.

Have a fantastic Saturday.

Cheers

The Wine Tipster  

1.40 Newbury – Dubai International Airport World Trophy Stakes Group 3 (5f)

Wise Words improved a chunk when fourth at York to Tarboosh and arguably should have won, travelled best and got no run on several occasions. Seems to have been written off as a fluke but is only a four-year-old and might just be he’s improving now. Unibet 8/1 each way

2.30 Ayr – Silver Cup Handicap (6f)

King’s Lynn (nap) is a fascinating handicap debutant for the Andrew Balding team and looks to have been well placed here on a seemingly generous mark of 94. His one start in 2020 when second beaten at odds-on has looked much better since, as the winner Starman won a Listed race at York in great style. Last season King’s Lynn won a twenty-runner contest so is used to the hurly burly of a big field. Providing he shows ground versatility, having only run on good to firm he has a great chance. Unibet 4/1 win

Aberama Gold for trainer Keith Dalgleish won a good nursery at this meeting last year and then took a Listed event (the Rockingham) at York in October. Paid the price for that with inflated handicap mark but coming down in the handicap now and definite signs of improvement on last two starts, particularly from an awful draw at York last time. On this occasion with no forecast draw bias then stall one will be fine and every chance on form. Unibet 18/1 each way

3.25 Newbury – Dubai Duty Free Mill Reef Stakes Group 2 (6f)

Rhythm Master Ought to be clear favourite on form, with an emphatic Haydock win on debut and an excellent third in the Group 1 Prix Morny. They have watered the ground so won’t be that quick, which should suit, and is the one to beat. Unibet 11/4 win

3.40 Ayr – QTS Gold Cup Handicap (6f)

Staxton is in much better form than when finishing tenth in this contest in 2019. He has won his last two starts, including the notoriously competitive Great St Wilfrid at Ripon, following a victory at the same course on his previous start. The ground will suit this classy performer, who has dropped the weights and is from the Tim Easterby yard who are on form. Unibet 9/1 each way

Young Fire has to be worth an each way player on his first start over six furlongs. True, he could get taken off his feet over this shorter trip, however he looks well over priced after he turned in a career best at Haydock last time, beating a very progressive sort (that has won again since) with a bit to spare at the finish. Today, importantly, the ground is mainly soft, which will suit and the addition of a visor is interesting too. Unibet 33/1 each way.

The QIPCO King George Diamond Racing Weekend is Ascot’s midsummer showpiece, celebrating the best of British summertime as one of the most prestigious race meetings outside of the Royal Meeting. Combining world-class Flat racing with a quintessential English garden party experience, it is an unmissable event steeped in history and synonymous with style. Here, The Wine Tipster shares his tips for enjoying the weekend at home with food, drink and ideas to celebrate safely. 

Races

An enhanced 17 races will take place at Ascot for the weekend, with a nine-race card on the Saturday and eight races on the Sunday. The pinnacle of the weekend’s races  is Saturday’s 03:35 PM The King George VI And Queen Elizabeth QIPCO Stakes (Class 1) (Group 1) 3+ with prize money totalling £400,000 and being run over one mile about four furlongs. The King George VI and Queen Elizabeth QIPCO Stakes was first run almost 70 years ago in 1951, in tribute to Her Majesty the Queen’s parents, and has long been recognised as Europe’s premier, mid-season, middle distance race for all age groups. Since then has had three two-time winners in Dahlia, Swain and most recently Enable, whilst Lester Piggott and Sir Michael Stoute hold the positions of the race’s winning-most jockey and trainer with 7 and 6 wins respectively.

For a full list of the weekend’s races, visit the Ascot and the Unibet websites.

This year, much loved defending champion, Enable, is welcomed back to the Ascot turf as she goes in search of a record third win in The King George VI And Queen Elizabeth QIPCO Stakes.

Where to Watch

The weekend will be broadcast live on ITV & Sky Sports Racing. ITV will broadcast five races on the Saturday on ITV1, including the King George VI and Queen Elizabeth QIPCO Stakes, and four races on the Sunday on ITV4. Sky Sports Racing will show every race of the weekend live.

Throughout the weekend, The Wine Tipster will be on Social Media connecting with audiences and commenting on the live action. Follow him here.

What to Drink

The Ascot Wine Club is Ascot’s new online wine shop, in partnership with Official Wine Supplier, Hallgarten & Novum Wines, and Official Champagne, Moët & Chandon. They are stocked with a range of bottles for every budget to order online in time for the weekend’s races. To help celebrate this great weekend of racing, The Ascot Wine Club are delighted to offer the chance to win a Methuselah (6litres!) of the fabulous Whispering Angel Rosé. This is a wonderful Rosé, and all you have to do to be in with a chance is place an order from The Ascot Wine Club before 2nd August 2020 and you’ll be entered into the prize draw. For more information on this great opportunity, read here. 

Moët & Chandon are the official partner of Ascot and the perfect taste of luxury to celebrate some wins. The QIPCO King George Diamond Racing Weekend is introducing a Golden Ticket Prize Draw for 2020 in association with the iconic Champagne House. To be in with a chance of winning hospitality at Ascot for up to six people, download a ticket and see if it turns gold at 17:43 on Saturday 25th July 2020 (to celebrate the year Maison Moët was founded). Apply here and read T&Cs here.

Why not make yourself a Harrogate Fruit Cup, brought to you by Harrogate Water – Official Water of Ascot. This non-alcoholic fruit cup is perfect for sipping at home during the weekend, and kids will be able to enjoy it too! You’ll need: Harrogate Spring Water, 1 tsp sugar free lemon syrup, 1/2 Teaspoon Balsamic Vinegar, 6 strawberries, 8 raspberries, mint leaves, lemon and orange slices – recipe here.

What to Eat

Test your knowledge of King George winners in this 10-1 quiz. The categories are as follows:

Enable – Queen of the Turf – is one of the greatest horses ever to have graced the turf. The only European-based filly or mare to have earned over £10m in prize money, she has beaten many of the best horses in training on some of the biggest stages in world racing, compiling one of the most decorated CVs in the sport’s history. For fans looking to support this amazing horse or for activities to do over the weekend, check out the Enable Fan Activity Pack which includes bunting, wordsearches and games, flags to wave, and a quiz to do with the family!

Connect with The Wine Tipster on Social Media to share how you are celebrating the weekend, and however you choose to enjoy The QIPCO King George Diamond Racing Weekend, here’s to some wins and some good memories! Cheers! 

Don’t miss a thing – Subscribe to The Wine Tipster’s Blogs here for posts straight to your inbox.

I’m looking forward to the Northumberland Plate Handicap at Newcastle as I’m a massive fan of these staying Handicaps and this year’s renewal is certainly competitive. I’m also interested to see Aloe Vera make her return in the 3.00 at Newcastle as I think she could have a very successful 2020.

English Wine Week finishes tomorrow and there is no doubt that Wines of Great Britain have done an excellent job here for all producers as there has been so much engagement here.

I have a bottle of Coates & Seely Brut Reserve NV from the hills of Hampshire chilling on ice to enjoy after racing. Hopefully, celebrating a winner or two!

Cheers

The Wine Tipster

1.50 Newcastle – Chipchase Stakes (Group 3) 6f   

With Brando disappointing once too often these days, have a look at Kevin Ryan’s other good sprinter, Major Jumbo, here. He’s got the potential plot draw in stall 12, which is going to enable him to grab the stands rail, often favoured, and with no other potential pacemaker he can set his own fractions. Could be hard to pass if so. Unibet 9/2 win

2.40 Newmarket – Criterion Stakes (Group 3) 7f

Limato is the class act but his record after a long break isn’t great, and he may need it. Yafta for the Richard Hannon team keeps threatening to win one of these and his close fifth behind Space Blues at Haydock earlier in the month looks all the better after he won easily in France On Thursday. Drawn next to likely pacemaker Vale Of Kent, should have his chance late. Unibet 9/1 each way

3.00 Newcastle – Exchange Hoppings Fillies’ Stakes (Group 3) 1m 2f

Aloe Vera (nap) was pulled out at Royal Ascot because of the testing conditions on the Thursday. She hasn’t been seen for over a year, since winning a Listed contest at Goodwood on her second start, having won on debut. She looked a very exciting prospect for the Ralph Beckett team, and I have been waiting for her return to action. Unibet 9/4 win

3.35 Northumberland Plate (Handicap) 2m ½f

Cosmelli (Gay Kelleway) clearly runs well at Newcastle as he won the Plate consolation race in 2018 and no arguing his chance from a handicapping point of view, 8lb lower than when a 2½l fifth in the race last year. In good form over trips too short since return and ought to be thereabouts. Unibet 11/1 each way (Unibet are paying five places)

Anyonecanhaveitall for Mark Johnston bumped into a well-handicapped improver in the shape of Oleg at Pontefract, the winner coming from an impossible position to nail him on the post. I watched this race at the time and the first two finished four lengths clear and the form looks very solid. He has had 4 lengths win and a neck second in two runs at Newcastle so clearly handles the track. Unibet 16/1 each way (Unibet are paying five places)

7.15 Curragh – Dubai Duty Free Irish Derby (Group 1) 1m 4f

Fiscal Rules for Jim Bolger was a staying-on fifth in the Irish 2000 but this step up in trip is going to make a difference – his half-sister Cimeara needs 1 mile four furlongs as a minimum, and the dam was a 12f horse. The fact he was thrown into the 2000 after just one run in a maiden shows trainer clearly thinks plenty of him. Expect a big step forward here. Unibet 13/2 each way

As part of Cheng International’s #AtHome Instagram series, their range of Baijiu spirits have been showcased by The Wine Tipster and other expert guests including Enrico Gonazato, Andrea Dionori and QiQi Chen, highlighting how to enjoy the spirits both traditionally and in modern ways. Here, The Wine Tipster discusses four Fenjius that have become contemporary luxury lifestyle spirits with a rich history and cultural background which are available to buy in the UK from Harrods and Selfridges, although are sometimes, incorrectly, referred to as ‘Fen Chiew.’ 

Over 90% of Baijiu is drunk in China, making this an exciting new addition to the European drinks market. Baijiu is an established and ancient drink, with an undeniable popularity which has only increased as the versatile spirit has been experienced in new ways. Traditionally enjoyed neat, Baijiu’s ancient fermenting and distilling processes of the sorghum grain give the three Baijiu styles their distinctive aromas: light aroma, sauce aroma and strong aroma. In recent years, Baijiu has increasingly been used as a focal spirit in cocktails and long drinks, proving itself to be a hugely accessible spirit and one that can be savoured in a wide range of ways.

Fenjiu is the oldest Chinese Baijiu in existence. This light aroma Baijiu has been produced in the same ancient and handmade way in Fenyang City in the Shangxi province of North East China for over 6000 years. The intense labour and time required to make the spirit, along with Fenjiu’s advanced quality testing and control systems, result in the product’s unique and outstanding quality and taste. The nose and palate of each Fenjiu offers a wonderful spectrum of aromas and flavours and, just like premium wine, single malt whisky, Vintage Port or the finest cognacs, Fenjiu offers a fascinating and exceptional multi-layered tasting experience.

Fenjiu’s delicate and light aroma starts from its ingredients of the finest organic sorghum and karst water from 840 metres underground from the virgin forest. Fenjiu is also set apart from the sauce aroma and strong aroma Baijius through its traditional double fermentation and distillation process that uses earthen cylinders. The burying of these cylinders underground, covered with stone slabs and sealed with fresh grain for 28 days provides the optimal environment for fermentation and produces the highest level of fragrance, purity and quality. The distillation of the fermented grain is achieved by the manual addition of cornhusk before distilled grains go into second fermentation. The distilled alcohol is then stored in ceramic jars to mature for 1-50 years, a key step in the developing of flavour.

 

The Cheng International #AtHomeWithFenjiu Instagram events have been hugely popular, and The Wine Tipster has introduced audiences to the versatility of this luxury spirit. Having taken Instagram Live viewers through the history, heritage and tasting notes of four different Fenjius, here, The Wine Tipster also shares his advice for enjoying the spirits alone or as cocktails.

Fenjiu 30 year old 53% provides an incredible drinking experience when neat, with an intense and concentrated palate of multiple fruit and savoury flavours complementing its umami undercurrent and smokey top note. In terms of food matching, the possibilities are immense due to the combination of flavours here. For The Wine Tipster, rich savoury dishes cooked with a fragrant spice or rich fruit element – such as slow-cooked pork in sweet ginger or duck in plum sauce – would complement the spirit well. Alternatively, a rich fruit cake would bring out the candied peel, cherry and cinnamon elements of the Fenjiu 30 year old 53%.

Fenjiu Bamboo 10 year old 38% makes a great base for a contemporary cocktail. The infusion of bamboo leaf, honey and herbs in the spirit give it its clear and bright appearance, as well as its sweet and elegant palate of citrus, vanilla and floral tones. The Wine Tipster’s Fenjiu Honey Tang Cocktail brings out all of these amazing characters:

• Into a High Ball glass filled with plenty of ice, pour 20ml Fenjiu Bamboo 10 year old 38%.
• Add 80ml of a good quality dessert wine, ideally with honey and citrus tones such as a dessert Riesling from Australia or a Sauternes from Bordeaux.
• Add 40ml of fresh lemon (or lime) juice
• Top up with 160ml tonic water

Garnish with a slice of lemon and enjoy your perfectly light and refreshing summer cocktail.

Fenjiu Bamboo 10 year old 48% is a pure expression, with no infusions, giving it softly sweet and spicy notes, and alluring savoury and herbal notes. This balanced and complex Fenjiu brings immense depth to the short and zesty cocktail, the Fenjiu Orange Charmer:

In a cocktail shaker, combine

• 20ml Fenjiu Bamboo 10 year old 48%
• 40ml Campari – a perfect match for the Fenjiu’s orange notes
• 80ml fresh orange juice
• Top up with 20ml ginger ale and use a long spoon to stir until well mixed

Serve in a martini glass, garnishing the glass with a slice of fresh orange before enjoying.

The Wine Tipster’s final Fenjiu cocktail uses Fenjiu Panama 20 year old 42% with its amazingly velvety coffee and mocha aromas and flavours. On the palate, this Fenjiu is rich and spicy, with a tangy and complex dark chocolate and cigar elegance that makes it a perfect serve on its own or in a cocktail. The Wine Tipster’s take on a classic Espresso Martini utilises this sublime spirit for his very own Espresso Fenjini:

In a cocktail shaker, combine

• 40ml Fenjiu Panama 20 year old 42%
• 120ml double espresso – a top quality one like Nespresso
• 20ml pure cane sugar syrup

Serve in a coupette glass garnished with coffee beans. What a perfect finale to any evening!

The versatility and dexterity of all four Fenjius highlight what a great addition they make to a drinks collection. As a first foray into Baijiu, Fenjiu makes for an accessible and highly sophisticated experience.

For more information and orders, contact order@chengintl.co.uk, and look out for upcoming Baijiu events on Cheng International’s Instagram.

What a Saturday of racing with a cracking card at Sandown, including the Grade 1 Scilly Isles Novices’ Chase and the Dublin Festival, with four Grade 1’s on today’s card. There is more top action tomorrow at the Dublin Festival.
Today there is also racing at Kempton, Musselburgh, Wetherby and Lingfield.
Have a great Saturday and check out my selections below. Cheers!

1.50 Sandown – Contenders Hurdle (Listed Race) 2m
Call Me Lord will be a warm order to win a race that his trainer has pretty much farmed with Buveur D’Air in recent years, and this hardy sort has stacks of good Sandown form to call upon, most of it in ground similar to today’s, too. In fact, it’s been a long-held belief among many punters that he simply had to go right-handed, but he put that theory to bed with a game win in the International at Cheltenham back in December, and he will be hard to beat.
However, the concession of 6lb to the improving novice Eldorado Allen certainly gives the latter a chance. He impressed when only going down by less than a length over C&D last time out, travelling nicely and pulling clear with the winner from two out. He gave the useful Severano a beating here back in 2018 as well and although he’s clearly not been easy to train, he now looks back on track, and can topple Call Me Lord and cause a minor upset here.
Selection: Eldorado Allen win 9/4 Unibet

3.00 Sandown – Handicap Hurdle 3m
Plenty you can give some sort of chance to including Bold Plan, who was an early casualty at Ascot last time but had looked impressive when scoring at Haydock the time before and could easily get back on track. The unexposed Big Shark still has plenty more to offer, as does the David Pipe trained Remastered, who went down fighting at Chepstow, with Welsh National winner Potters Corner just proving too good for him.
However, at a much bigger price the vote goes to Captain Tommy, from a yard going great guns at present, that of Harry Whittington. His third in the Huntingdon Pertemps qualifier last time out looks a very solid piece of form, and despite the fact the handicapper nudges him up a couple of pounds for that, that still leaves him on a mark well below what the handicapper first thought him capable of, and he now looks to be going the right way. If he’s designs on running in the Final at the Festival, he’ll need to be either winning this, or going close, as he needs a rise in the weights to get in.
Selections: Captain Tommy each way 28/1 Unibet
Bold Plan each way 7/1 Unibet

1.25 Leopardstown – Dublin Chase Grade 1 2m
A terrific race for the money that’s probably only missing Defi Du Seuil, and you’d have as good a race as what the Champion Chase itself promises to be.
A Plus Tard and Chacun Pour Soi met here over Christmas in a Grade 1 chase, the former coming out on top after the latter just landed a bit flat-footed over the last. It’s entirely possible that form will be franked again, but Min is a class act and might have too much for the pair of them anyway.
His performance over 20f in the Melling Chase last April was one of the highlights of the season, and although he found Un De Sceaux too good for him in the Irish Champion Chase subsequently, he lost little in defeat. He didn’t have to be at his best to win here in December, but that should have put him spot on for this, and he can win it again before going on to Cheltenham.
Selection: Min win 9/4 Unibet

3.10 – Champion Hurdle Grade 1 2m
Cheltenham might not be the happiest of hunting ground for Sharjah (yet?) but Leopardstown certainly is, and he can come out on top in a fascinating Champion Hurdle that should answer a few questions.
The first is whether the drop back to 2m will bother the unbeaten Honeysuckle, who looked outstanding when beating Bacardys in the Hatton’s Grace at Fairyhouse in December, and the way she travelled there suggests she’ll have the speed to cope with the drop back. But that is still a question, whereas with Sharjah we know this is his trip, his track and ground, and he was every bit as impressive when defeating Petit Mouchoir in the Matheson, recording a huge speed figure in the process. He has to give 7lb to the mare, but I think he’s more than capable of doing so.
Selection: Sharjah win 6/4 Unibet

2.45 Wetherby – Towton Novices’ Chase 3m
All six can be given some sort of chance, but the improving Boldmere makes the most appeal. Useful over hurdles, he’s proving himself even better over fences, with ready wins at Leicester and Doncaster, and given there’s still room for improvement with his jumping, it’ll be a surprise if we’ve seen the best of him yet.
Selection: Boldmere win 2/1 Unibet

@TheWineTipster

The Wine Tipster was delighted to make his third consecutive appearance at The Aston Wine Club with his popular Champagne Tasting. He presented a total of 9 champagnes including Lanson Rosé Label Brut NV, Perrier-Jouët Grand Brut NV, Canard-Duchéne Authentic Réserve NV and Lanson Rosé Label Brut NV to a full house.

The keen and enthusiastic crowd also discussed glassware, magnums, key vintages and storage in relation to champagne learning a great deal whilst enjoying themselves. The Wine Tipster is delighted to be returning next year for The Aston Wine Club’s 20th Anniversary Tasting on May 20th 2016.

www.astonwineclub.co.uk

Big thanks to Adam Engberg and James Keelly, who whilst having a couple of pints of ale responsibly in their local The Tite Inn, created the concept of The Great Brook Run. Today, was the sixth edition of The Great Brook Run, with a record breaking 148 runners deciding to burn off some of those calories piled on over the Christmas period. Although The Great Brook Run isn’t a marathon, it is a challenging one mile race starting at The Tite Inn in Chadlington, with the first half mile run across very muddy fields before entering the mighty brook to encounter rushing water, obstacles and a tunnel which requires you to get on your hands and knees. Once out of the tunnel you muster the energy to sprint up the hill to the finish and collect your medal for completing. There is really nothing quite like it as you stand around afterwards dripping wet and getting colder by the minute. There was also nothing like the speed of the winner Ben Chapman, who won the race for the fifth time and the first lady finisher Amy Turner who was ninth.

On a serious note, all profits are being donated to the Chadlington Memorial Hall, with a big thank you to all organisers, runners, helpers, supporters and the sponsors House & Carriage, Cotswold Cycles, Slatter’s Family Butchers, Chadlington Quality Foods, The Cotswold Brewery Co, The Tite Inn, Fete Game Hire, RunningImp and of course The Wine Tipster!

Thanks also to BBC Radio Oxford for their support and interest.

See you all in 2014.

Read more

See The Wine Tipster Live

View dates and locations >