Charlie Hills’ William Hill blog: James McDonald is just so good!

We enjoyed a fantastic day on Wednesday with Dark Shift winning the Royal Hunt Cup. It’s always great when a plan comes together and it was one that we’d be hoping would come off for about six months!

Macca (James McDonald) gave him a brilliant ride and he’s just so good.  It was fantastic to have him on board as we’re great mates and have been for a while. He loves Ascot and I’m pretty hopeful there is plenty more to come when we up him in Class. He’s versatile when it comes to trip too and I was made up for his owner, who has put loads into the game.

It was a real thrill and hopefully my remaining runners on Thursday, Friday and Saturday can continue the positive things going.

Thursday

We kick off with Inverness in the King George V handicap (3.05pm). I think he’s a nice price to run a big race, although I’m a bit worried about a lack of experience given he’s only run three times so far. A wide draw isn’t a bad thing as the higher numbers don’t have a bad record. We’ve been waiting for quick ground with him and I’m looking forward to seeing how he gets on.

Next up is Wanees in the Britannia (5.00pm), who should hopefully go really well. The track should really suit him as should the style of the race and we’re hopeful of a bold showing. This has always been the plan since his win at Sandown and we’re hopeful he’s well-treated off 91, though this is one of the hardest races of the week to win. We did say that about the Royal Hunt Cup though…

Our final runner on Thursday is Tanmawwy in the Buckingham Palace Stakes (6.10pm). He needed to win at Doncaster last time to get into this and he did that nicely enough under James Doyle. The step up to seven furlongs is a bit of an unknown, but if he does get it, then I’m confident he’ll be very competitive. James [McDonald) is back in the saddle for the same owners as Dark Shift and hopefully he can impart the Midas Touch again.

Friday

Friday gets underway with Sydneyarms Chelsea in the Albany Stakes (2.30pm). I’m really pleased William [Buick] has kept the faith as we all know the form he’s riding in at the moment. She was quite impressive at Newbury when she got the hang of things and she’ll have learnt plenty from that. I couldn’t be more pleased with her and I think she’s a big player.

We run Tamarama in the Sandringham Stakes (5.00pm). She has a nice low mark and comes into this in good form having won her last two. It’s great to be running in a race like the Sandringham with her and hopefully she’ll run a nice race.

Loves Me Likearock takes her chance in the Palace Of Holyroodhouse (6.10pm) and we’re hopeful of a big run. My wife Pip says she’s our best chance of the week and I’m not going to disagree! The race will really suit her and the form of her fourth at Newmarket has worked out well too. She’ll have no issues dropping back to five and we like her chances.

Saturday

On to Saturday and it’s Tuscan up first in the Jersey Stakes (3.05pm). He’s one of those horses that just punches above his weight and always tries his absolute hardest. He’s got a heart of gold and based on his two runs this season, he might just surprise a few at a decent price.

Garrus runs in the Platinum Jubilee Stakes (4.20pm). It looks like being one of the biggest fields ever for the race with loads in here with chances. Our chap will run his race and it’s great to have Ryan Moore in the saddle, who has won on him before.

I must admit I think this is the best form I’ve had Royal Commando in ahead of his run in the Wokingham (5.00pm). It’s a very competitive race as usual, but he’s in smashing form and will come on from his run at Haydock last time.