Ascot’s King George weekend kicks off with a six-race flat card on Friday, July 28th. We can hardly wait for Saturday’s mouth-watering clash of the generations in racing’s annual midsummer highlight, but there’s much fun to be had before then. Action takes place between 1.50pm and 4.45pm.

Five handicaps and a novice stakes race makes up our card, and some of the game’s biggest names are present – Ryan Moore, Will Buick, Tom Marquand, and one of Ascot’s favourite ladies, Hayley Turner.

Let’s dig a little deeper and look for one or two who might run well for us on Friday afternoon.

2.25 Malakahna @ 6/1

I’m going for a course-and-distance scorer here, a mare trained by Ian Williams and ridden by Will Buick. The Brown Jack is a famous old staying handicap commemorating a famous old stayer, quite brilliant around this very circuit.

Malakahna has had three runs so far this term, progressing nicely along the way. Finished a good second last time at York and the handicapper has noticed, popping her up a couple of pounds.

The trainer is in form, and has teamed up previously with Buick to fine effect. In an open-looking contest she’s got a great chance for me.

3.00 Pearle D’or each-way @ 5/1

Jason Watson rides this one for trainer David O’Meara, and the 4-yr-old son of Starspangledbanner carries the steadier of 10st 1lb.

In a similar contest in the grade here a couple of weeks ago he finished a fine neck second, and he gets to attempt a place better off the same mark. Jason Watson has ridden him before and how often do we say that a horse in form is a godsend?

Any number who might look tempting or well-handicapped often fall flat because they’re just not in their groove, as it were. Pearle D’or has run often at 6f but seemed to appreciate the step up to 7f last time and can hopefully go one better on Friday afternoon while in such good heart.

4.10 Flash Bardot @ 10/3

An improving 3-yr-old filly having a very encouraging season. Tackles a mile-and-a-half Class 4 event today, and last time over a smidge further she was just pipped in a £26,000 affair in a Newbury Class 3. Another top track, and an excellent display.

Trained by Jack Channon, making his mark on taking the reins from father Mick, and ridden by the quite brilliant Ton Marquand, among the winners again yesterday to surely no-one’s surprise.

Flash Bardot is due to go up a further 4lb soon so here’s hoping she’s well in today.

Have a lovely afternoon’s sport – and get your eye in nicely for the King George on Saturday. As always, take care.