, Wednesday's Free Tip

15th June 2016

Hi ,

England do battle with Wales on Thursday with battle being the operative word after the fighting against the Russians last week. U.E.F.A. have warned both teams if there is a repeat of the violence they will both be kicked out of the tournament.

Mind you it is quite possible that Gareth Bale will send England packing before the authorities need to act. England totally outplayed the pedestrian Russians yet still failed to win.

In my opinion the blame lays with the over cautious manager Roy Hodgson who took off Rooney and sent on Milner and Wilshire to bolster midfield and see out the game. Any manager who really wanted to win the game would surely have gone for Vardy or Sturridge or both.

Royal Ascot is in full swing despite the damp weather and yesterday it was great to see the American filly Tepin win the opener despite the track and ground not suiting her.

Today we have another top class card at the Royal venue including the ultra competitive Royal Hunt Cup in which I will take a punt with Howies Hottie. The big handicap goes off at 5.00 and the tip is Mr Owen who is French trained and owned by the successful Qatar Racing.

My favourite jockey Oisin Murphy will take the ride as he is retained to ride for these owners. What I find interesting is that the colt ran 3rd in last years French 2,000gns and on his seasonal debut this year he was 3rd just behind Ervedya who yesterday wasn’t that far behind the brilliant Tepin.

I expect Mr Owen to come on from his last run and he might find this handicap a lot easier than the group races he has been contesting. Also the 25/1 on offer looks very tempting.

HOT HANDICAPPERS

FLAT

Dutch Destiny trainer W.Hagas - He looks on a winnable mark.

Ballesteros trainer R.Fahey - Loves the rain and well handicapped.

Deauville Prince trainer T.Dascombe - Goes very well at Chester and on a favourable rating.

Back next Wednesday be lucky.

Howard Davis-Shaw.

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