It’s been quiet since the Master has retired but hey, quality not quantity has always been the call at Whylay.

I’m off to Ascot on Thursday so I’m having a look at a few races in today’s card to see if I can pick anything out.

For the 2.30, Gladitorius was very impressive winning in Dubai, but I have to wonder whether a straight mile at Ascot is going to play to his advantage. I might take him on at around 5/2 with a small lay. Stable mate Alexandros plus Main Aim and Paco Boy are strong contenders.

At 3.05 the King’s Stand is a tricky one and the Aussie contender Scenic Blast looks strong. Borderlescott is a decent each way price and may make the frame at around 12-1.

3.45, the St. James’ Palace stakes. Mastercrastmen is a worthy favourite and I won’t be taking him on. Plenty of the newspaper pundits have gone for Delegator and Evasive has improvement to come. If I was forced to have a bet though I’d probably go for Soul City at a big double figure E/W price.

The George Baker triumverate (Horse, Jockey and Trainer) run in the last - again he’ll be a big price in a wide open sprint. What a story that would be!

I’m not going to go chapter and verse. My 4 selections for the day are:

14.20 Fakenham - Treaty Flyer
15.40 Chepstow - Hobson
16.50 Fakenham - Edgefour
18.35 Catterick - Raucous

Not quite close enough yesterday although a good deal closer than Music Box Express was!

Today’s 4:

2.15 Newcastle - Lethal
2.25 Windsor - Gwylim
3.00 Kempton - Watson’s Bay
3.50 Beverley - Watson’s Bay