Charlie Hills’ William Hill blog: A busy weekend

York, Friday

Khaadem switches back to five furlongs for the Nunthorpe (3.35pm) and I don’t see it being an issue to him. He was very good at that trip last year having won a Group 2 at Goodwood and a Group 3 at Newmarket, so he’s shown he’s got the speed for it. He’s a high-class horse on his day, as he showed in the Queen Elizabeth II Jubilee Stakes at Royal Ascot, and if he can repeat that sort of performance here, we’ll be in good shape.

We also run Equality in the race. He had been really progressive this season until he was a bit disappointing at Goodwood last time. He was drawn in one that day and probably was a little bit out of the race which didn’t help. He also struck into the ball of his heel and came back a little bit sore, but he’s back in good form now. A flat track like York should suit him much better than Goodwood did.

Newmarket, Friday

We also run Lady Pagasa in a fillies’ novice (2.05pm) at Newmarket. She’s a nice filly who has pleased us in her work at home so far. She’ll come on for the experience, but we’re hopeful she’ll run well in this.

York, Saturday

Mutasaabeq and Pogo both run in the City Of York (3.00pm).

I think seven furlongs at York should really suit Mutasaabeq. It’s a track that should play to his strengths and I expect to see a much improved performance than in the Queen Anne. He was a little disappointing at Ascot, but we tried different tactics which didn’t really work. He is best going from the front and seems to go best when he’s fresh, so we’ve purposely given him a bit of time off between now and then. Ryan [Moore] takes over from Jim [Crowley] and I’m sure he’ll get on just fine with him.

Pogo will be a big price, but I wouldn’t rule out a good run from him. Hopefully the rain stays away for him as he likes good ground. He was a good second in this race last year, so we know he has the ability to be involved.

Saratoga Gold runs in the Ebor (3.35pm). We all know how tough a race it is to win and Sweet William does look a very worthy favourite, but our lad is in good form and he should run well. A draw in five is great and hopefully he can run into a place.

Orazio goes in the Constantine Handicap (4.10pm). We thought he’d go well in the Stewards’ Cup at Goodwood last time, but the ground was virtually unraceable by that point and he just got bogged down in it. He’s not the biggest which wouldn’t have made his life easy either, but he’s come out of the race well and he should be competitive. Any rain would certainly help his chances, just hopefully not quite as much as we got at Goodwood!

Goodwood, Saturday

Over at Goodwood, Galeron runs in the William Hill Celebration Mile (2.40pm). I was really happy to see him bounce back to form in the Thoroughbred Stakes over course and distance last time as he was a bit flat at Royal Ascot. To show that kind of level of form was great and encouraging and hopefully going back there again will see him at his best.