Here’s hoping for a stronger gallop this time for King Al at Newbury

August 27

Six of our last eight runners have finished in the frame, with Daiquiri Bay, Spyce and Insanity all running corkers at York. This week has been relatively quiet, but King Al, our one runner tomorrow in Newbury’s finale, is interesting, as is Alcarath in the novice at Salisbury’s evening meeting on Friday.

King Al was having his first race since being gelded when finishing an encouraging fifth at Doncaster last month, especially as the sedate pace would have been all against him.

The handicapper dropped King Al a couple of pounds, and in what looks a strong race at Newbury the early gallop could well be much faster than it was on Town Moor, which would suit our fellow, Rossa Ryan rides.

Charlie Bishop was aboard Alcarath when this 280,000gns purchase made his debut on the polytrack at Kempton three weeks ago, and he keeps the ride at Salisbury.

Having shown signs of inexperience both before and during the race, the penny finally dropped for Alcaraz in the home straight, and he was doing all his best work in the final furlong. So, despite being by Acclamation,  this extra quarter-mile could be just what he wants.