Lucky 15 Tips: Lord Bertie, Calandagan & Royal Champion Among Top Picks This Saturday July 26

Saturday’s Lucky 15 combines four of our experts’ best selections from Ascot and York. Each runner has a strong case based on recent performances, course suitability or favourable race conditions. With the right blend of value and class, this quartet could offer excellent returns if things fall into place.

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15:00 Ascot – Lord Bertie

Steve Harrington; Racing Analyst at BettingTips4You
Rationale:
Lord Bertie may not leap off the page at first glance, but his latest outing masked plenty of promise. On his return to Doncaster, he was unlucky when his hood dislodged during the race, severely impacting his focus. Yet, despite that equipment issue, he travelled strongly before fading late on. That effort came just a fortnight after a decent seasonal reappearance and should be viewed in a much more positive light than the result suggests.

Now returning to Ascot—a venue where he’s previously tasted success over this very trip—he finds himself in a prime draw close to the stands’ rail in stall 21. With Jamie Spencer taking over in the saddle and David O’Meara’s team fielding multiple contenders, Lord Bertie could be the value pick of the lot. The trainer has a knack for unlocking improvement in lightly raced handicappers, and the five-year-old fits that profile perfectly. This test looks well within his grasp.

15:35 Ascot – Sisyphean

Gram Dodd; Senior Tipster at BettingTips4You
Rationale:
There’s plenty to like about Sisyphean’s profile ahead of this demanding six-furlong sprint at Ascot. He was a narrow second on the Knavesmire last time out, finishing just a neck behind the winner in a hot handicap, and he now lines up here off a 2lb lower mark. That alone offers encouragement, but there’s more substance to his claims.

Kevin Ryan’s Dubawi colt is beginning to look like a horse that’s learning with every outing, and with Ryan Moore now booked for the ride, there’s an added sense of intent from connections. Sisyphean shapes as a strong traveller with a potent turn of foot, which should suit the likely strong early gallop expected in this contest. Although it’s a fiercely competitive race, the balance of experience and progression makes him a standout option at generous each-way terms. If he can produce a similar level to York, he has every chance of being in the mix.

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16:10 Ascot – Calandagan

Herrin Kendrick; Form Expert at BettingTips4You
Rationale:
Calandagan arrives back at Ascot with unfinished business. The French raider comes into this race having reversed form with Jan Brueghel in commanding style when winning the Grand Prix de Saint-Cloud. While he couldn’t quite get the better of that rival at Epsom in the Coronation Cup, the return to Ascot—where he powered to a six-length win in last year’s King Edward VII Stakes—could be the key to unlocking his best form once again.

Francis-Henri Graffard won this race last year and has opted to return with a gelding who’s already shown Group 1 class. Mickael Barzalona maintains the partnership, and his growing understanding with Calandagan has been evident since their earlier defeats. Given the horse’s liking for the course and ability to quicken in the straight, he looks well suited to this setup. With a field lacking standout performers, Calandagan can outclass them under favourable conditions and confirm his place among the top older middle-distance horses in Europe.

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14:40 York – Royal Champion

John Pentin; Sports Journalist at BettingTips4You
Rationale:
Royal Champion is the kind of horse who often gets overlooked in the betting but rarely lacks for class. Two years ago, he came close to winning this very race when looking the likely winner inside the final two furlongs. Although that effort ultimately ended in defeat, it showed that the York track suits him well. Since then, he’s changed yards twice and even spent time racing overseas, yet he continues to retain ability.

Now under the guidance of Karl Burke, he has found a new lease of life. His run behind Almaqam at Sandown in the Gordon Richards Stakes earlier this year—when giving 3lb to the winner—was a strong piece of form. That same rival heads the market here, but Royal Champion, who’s been eased in the weights, may offer far better value. His Royal Ascot outing was messy and best forgotten, but today’s race sets up much better. He’s a proven performer at this level with a solid blend of tactical speed and stamina—qualities that could give him the edge in this Group 2 contest.a statement.tle inconsistent, that latest display points to a sprinter hitting his stride, and a quick return to action implies that connections want to strike while confidence is high. On balance, this looks like a good opportunity for Speed Of Maajid to turn recent promise into a second career victory.

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