Month: April 2006

 

Of the horses mentioned in Saturday’s preview 10 won and 3 were 2^nd.

  

Only 3 runners catch my eye on Monday’s cards and they are all at Windsor.

  

Espartano won nicely over course and distance on his debut and is taken to follow up in the  2.00.  The faster ground should not inconvenience him.

 

 

Arminius scampered away from his field to win a 7 furlong maiden at Newmarket on his second run last season. Stepped up to a mile here he impressed me on his debut and I would expect him to prevail in the 4.10. 

 

 

Milton Bradley knows a thing or two about sprinters and I fancy his Johnny Parkes to land a win or two this season.  He gets in the list to follow partly on the strength of a second to another “lister” Harrison’s Flyer at York last season when the pair of them were well clear of the rest.  He has an each way chance in the 4.40. See you tomorrow

Continue reading “Diary: May 1 2006” →

It was an eventful day in the racing world with the shock announcement by Martin Pipe that he is retiring and handing over to his son David.

  

From a personal point of view the day could hardly have gone better.  There were 5 winners from the list to follow with, Obe Brave, Rob Roy, Futun, Public Forum and Primary all obliging.  There were winning tips for the 2 year olds Fool Me and Amber Valley and three other list horses, Zidane, Shipmaster and Woolly Bully were 2^nd. Swinbrook and Tagula Blue were other winners to get a favourable mention.

  

There are no runners from our list to follow in action at Brighton. I see that 3 horses from last season’s list are running on the continent.  Sir Mark Prescott has Violette in the German 1,000 guineas at Dusseldorf while Mark Johnston saddles both Kindling and Winged D’Argent in the Group 3 Prix de Barbeville at Longchamps.

  

The new jumps season starts on Sunday after a break of – er –  0 days.  AP McCoy starts the defence of his crown in a novice chase at Ludlow!  I will not be covering the summer jumps though.

  Back tomorrow evening for a look at Monday’s cards.

Continue reading “Diary: April 30 2006” →

.  Macs Joy won for the list to follow in the Irish Champion Hurdle.  I thought that he had a good chance of getting the better of old rival Brae Inca in the prevailing conditions.  He deserved his success.

  

Well, the curtain comes down on another jumps season tomorrow at Sandown

  

We only have 1 runner over the jumps and that is It Takes Time in the Whitbread Gold Cup (or the Betfred as it is called these days.) at 3.20.  I don’t have any particular fancy for this race.  Eric’s Charm absolutely dotted up at Sandown last time in the soft. He has gone up 12 lbs for that and this is an extra 5 furlongs but he did win impressively.  My Will is consistent and is respected although he might need some rain. Royal Auclair should have the ground to suit and is a good weight carrier.

  

There is some quality flat racing at Sandown as well and we have an interest in 3 of the races starting with the 3.55 and Sir Michael Stoute’s Rob Roy.  Rob Roy has always looked a colt of some potential but has not yet fulfilled that promise.  He should come pretty close to winning here.  Take A Bow nearly made it into my list to follow and is one of these horses that never seems to run a bad race.  He could be the danger to Rob Roy.

  

4.25 Jadalee and Primary are our runners in a weak looking classic trial. I think that Primary has a reasonable chance of overturning the hot favourite here and gets the vote.

  

4.55 Both Public Forum and Cashier are lightly raced types who could turn out to be better than handicap class.  Cashier won in Dubai in February and is the selection.

  

Haydock 5.45 Amber Valley showed some promise when 4^th on her debut and can make that experience count here.

  

7.45 Hearthstead Dancer was disappointing on his seasonal reappearance 8 days ago.  Stepped up in distance today.

  

8.15 Shipmaster is trained by Alan King who is better known for his national hunt horses.  He does well on the flat as well though and in Shipmaster he has a staying handicapper with some promise.  Looks to have the Mick Channon horse to beat.

  

Leicester 2.20 Suhayl Star and Fool Me are of interest here.  Fool Me shaped well here last time when 4^th and looks a reasonable bet to get off the mark at the second time of asking.

  

2.55 Zomerlust and Zowington were sprint winners for our list to follow in the week and I am hoping that Zidane can make it a hat trick of zeds.  He is related to a couple of very useful sprinters and more was expected last time when he disappointed at Windsor recently.  Stable getting into gear and he should do better.  Swinbrook would be my idea of the main danger.

  

4.00 New Seeker, Quito and Etlaala are all old friends in what should be a hot little race.  There should be plenty of pace on which might set things up for the fast finishing Quito.

  

4.30 I have retained Halla San on the list to follow after he won a couple for me last season. He has changed stables and moved to Richard Fahey now that Lynda Ramsden has retired.  Tagula Blue has possibilities with K Fallon an interesting jockey booking.

  

5.00 Futun looks the type to improve and the stable are going well.

  

6.05 I am hopeful that Woolly Bully will prove the answer here.  He was 2^nd when a beaten favourite at Yarmouth last time.

  Ripon 2.30 Rydale Ovation and Obe Brave represent the list to follow.  Both were placed on their respective reappearances and of the two Obe Brave would seem to have the better chance. 3.40 Dr Sharp is the each way call here.  He is suited by a test of stamina and looks to be on a fair mark.  5.10 Baron Rhodes is probably going to pop up at a good price somewhere.  Not well drawn on this occasion though. Back tomorrow night, be lucky.

Continue reading “Diary: April 29 2006” →

The answer to yesterday’s quiz question is that Banjo Patterson wrote to words to Waltzing Matilda.  Sadly the horse of the same name failed to waltz home in the 6.25 at Yarmouth but we did have a few winners nonetheless.

  

Sir Gerard, our only other flat lister won at 13/8 and there were wins for 3 horses from the jumps list, Rasharrow, Accordion Etoile and Asian Maze.  The Irish list to follow has had a remarkably successful season.

  

Before I move on to look at Friday’s racing I want you to humour me.  Go on to the Racing Post site and put a horse called Caesars Palace in as the search.  Then (you will need broadband) watch the video of his race on 2 January at Ayr.  Don’t just watch the finish, watch the whole race.  You will enjoy it!

  

Anyway, on to Friday and Punchestown. There are only 4 runners in the Champion Hurdle at 3.15 but it is certainly a quality quartet.  Brave Inca and Mac’s Joy represent our list to follow.  I see that Brave Inca is 8/11 to complete the Cheltenham Punchestown double.  AP McCoy suits this battler of a horse to perfection and they will be a hard combination to beat. At the odds though I am going to go with Mac’s Joy to cause a minor upset.  There is not much between the two of them and the drying ground will not be in Brave Incas favour.

  

Tumbling Dice was 3^rd to Reveillez in the Jewson at Cheltenham and reappears in the 3.50 where Barry Geraghty rides. The extra distance here should suit Tumbling Dice and he has an each way chance.  The form of the Jewson Handicap has worked out pretty well.

  

We have 2 runners in the 4.25.  Travino might be a doubtful participant but Conna Castle is not without a chance.  He failed to land a hat trick when beaten by the useful Straw Bear at Aintree but his overall form looks pretty consistent and he shouldn’t be far away.

  

I have been struggling to spell O’Muircheartaigh all season but he has proved a fair horse for our list as he has only been out of the first 2 once in his 5 starts.  He has a live chance in the 5.00.  He is by the same sire as Accordion Etoile for those of you who are interested in such things.

  

There is a mixed card at Sandown.  The first and second in last season’s Triumph Hurdle contest the 1.10.  Penzance has done nothing this season to warrant any confidence but Fassel has possibilities.  He was well beaten last week by Noble Request but is 15 lbs better off at the weights.  I think he has a chance, especially with the drying ground likely to suit him.

  

After Rohaani was 2^nd in the Roseberry I was prepared to support him on his next outing.  I hadn’t bargained for the next run to be in Group 3 company though (1.45) and I have just not quite got the courage of my convictions, particularly with K Fallon on Sir Michael Stoute’s other runner.

  

Willie Haggas apparently holds the once raced Hopeful Purchase (4.05) in high regard.  This colt finished in eyecatching fashion when 3^rd behind a couple of others from our list, Olympian Oddyssey and Degas Art at Newmarket. Should win this before going on to better things.

  

Portavadie was outclassed last time at Cheltenham but he is no lost cause in the 3.40 at Perth.  He has Green Tango to beat but will be suited by the ground and if the favourite slips up would be the one most likely to profit.

  

Backing Sir Michael Stoute maidens at Wolverhampton isn’t the way to set you up for life.  Still, Juror is on our list to follow and he runs in the 3.55.  He should win.

  Keep smiling, there is no such thing as a lost cause – ask Caesar’s Palace!

Continue reading “Diary: April 28 2006” →

It has been a good week for the list to follow with 3 more winners on Wednesday from Zowington (11/1), Lennon (9/1) and of course War of Attrition.  I was also pleased that my tip for Just Dust came in at 6/1, and we also had a winner with the only selection st Kempton this evening.

  

One of the difficulties of following a large list of horses is simply remembering all the names.  The easiest names to remember are those beginning with “Z” and I have had a few successes with these over the years.  Zero Tolerance did well for me a couple of seasons back as did a horse called Zonus that was with Barry Hills.  Zowington and Zomerlust have kept up the tradition for me this week.

  

I will start Thursday’s preview with a look at the prospects for Punchestown.  Old Spot the Difference showed that he is still a force to be reckoned with when a gallant second at Cheltenham.  His conqueror that day, Native Jack is in the field again for the La Touche Cup at 2.40.  Spot the Difference has had a spin over hurdles since his Cheltenham defeat, is a course and distance winner and will not go down without a fight.

  

Accordion Etoile and In Compliance line up in the 3.50.  Accordion Etoile looked a novice chaser of some promise at the start of the season when beating Tamarinbleu in a close finish.  His jumping seems to have fallen apart since then though.  In Compliance lost his 100%v record when beaten by Justified at Fairyhouse earlier this month.  Connections take Justified on again here and it is possible that a change of tactics will see In Compliance get his nose in front.

  

Asian Maze was mighty impressive when easily accounting for Hardy Eustace at Aintree and is difficult to oppose in the 4.25.  She will have the benefit of Ruby Walsh in the saddle.  Our other list runner in this race is Travino.

  

Forager only beat 2 home in the listed hurdle yesterday but I see that he is entered again in the 5.35 where he is down to shoulder top weight.

  

Sticking with the jumpers there is again some decent action up at Perth.  Len Lungo runs Rasharrow in the 2.30.  Rasharrow was expected to make a big impact this season but after winning a couple of small events has not really been able to live up to expectations.  He is clearly held in high regard and it may be that he will be able to redeem his slightly tarnished reputation here.

  

The grey Rimski has been running pretty well this season although it is a while since he got his head in front.  He met a bit of a tartar in Standin’ Obligation last time out but this race looks easier and he can land the spoils in the 3.30.

  

Rosie Redman won for us up at Kelso recently.  That was over 3.5 miles and I am not sure that the step back to 3 miles in the 4.00 will help.  She goes on any ground and shouldn’t be too far away.

  

We have had some notable success with the flat list to follow this week.  Hopefully this will continue with Sir Gerard in the 3.20 at Beverley.  This one is trained by James Fanshawe and won nicely at Lingfield last October.  James Fanshawe has just the one runner at the East Yorkshire venue.

  

Banjo Patterson runs in the 6.25 at Yarmouth.  He has only run 5 times in his career and has won 3 of them.  He looked a good horse last year and looks set for another successful campaign.  Frankie Dettori has the ride.  By the way, as a bit of a quiz question, what was the real Banjo Patterson famous for?

  See you tomorrow.

Continue reading “Diary: April 27 2006” →

There were a couple of wins from the list horses on Tuesday thanks to Celtic Carisma (12/1) and Missed That (4/1).  Of the other horses featured 7 came 2^nd!

  

There are two runners from the list to follow in the 1.50 at Epsom, High Reach and Zowington.  High Reach has changed stables since his last run.  He has not won for over 12 months but as a result has come down the weights to a point where he can get competitive again in handicaps. The 4 year old Zowington has only raced 8 times in his career, winning twice.  He may well have more improvement in him and of the two is my fancy for this race.  The main threat could come from Jayanjay.

  

In the Catterick seller at 2.05 Just Dust has an each way chance, While Fairfield Princess is fancied to go well in the 7.00 at Kempton.

  

Nicky Henderson sends Trompette over to Punchestown to contest the 2.40.  She has a couple of wins under her belt already this season and has an each way chance.

  

3.15 Helensburg is our representative in this big field of handicap hurdlers.  We did OK yesterday with Knight Legend in a similar field.  Each way chance.

  

3.50 Forget the Past and War of Attrition represent the list to follow in the big race of the day.  I expect War of Attrition to confirm the Cheltenham form.

  

Perth 3.05 Irish Raptor has taken to time to find his feet since arriving from Ireland.  He has shown signs of improvement and may well run well at a decent price here.  Track should suit.

  

3.40 Galero won at Musselburg last time but has more to do at the weights here and stable not in good nick.

  4.15 Rehearsal warrants respect here as his flat form during the winter has been most consistent. Our other runner is Lennon but as mentioned earlier the form of Howard Johnson’s runners is a negative. See you tomorrow

Continue reading “Diary: April 26 2006” →

I mentioned 10 horses when previewing Monday’s racing.  Zomerlust won at 16/1 and we also had a number of placed horses, incluing Otelcaliforni 2^nd at 33/1.

  

Moving on to Tuesday , Compromiznotension is proving a test to my keyboard skills but I hope he will repay me with a win in the 3.40 at Folkestone.  This gelding is related to winners from as far afield as Sweden, Greece and the UAE.  Third on his only start last season at Newmarket he was neaten by a couple of more experienced rivals and the 4^th horse was 7 lengths away.  Philip Robinson has the ride.

  

Summers Eve looked to be going the right way when 2^nd at Windsor and the additional 2 furlongs of the 4.40 should be right up her street as she is related to some notable stayers.

  

In the 5.15 I am interested in Henchman, who is related to Byron, who won me a few bob a year or two back.  Henchman has had just 3 runs and makes his handicap debut here, partnered by P Robinson for trainer Lady Herries.

  

There is evening racing at Bath where the card kicks off with a two year old maiden.  There are a couple of newcomers to keep an eye on.  Mood Music is related to a few winners and comes from a stable with a very impressive record with juveniles recently.  Star Strider has a bit of a “Russellform” pedigree as he is related to Royal Prince, who was on my list to follow in 2004.  He won a good mile handicap at Newmarket that year 13/2 and I even tipped him!  I remember things like that.

  Royal Prince was trained by James Fanshawe, whose handicappers are always worth a second look.  John Dunlop is another trainer for the handicaps, especially his 3 year olds.  He has Fear to Tread in the 6.10.  This filly looks the type his trainer does well with. 

My main suggestion at Southwell is Burning Incense in the maiden at 3.00.  He looked an unlucky loser last time at Lingfield when his run was blocked.  He was apprentice ridden that day and hopefully can make amend here under Frankie Dettori.

  

Our other list runner at Southwell is Celtic Carisma in the 3.30. This one was last of 16 a couple of weeks ago at Nottingham which was disappointing.  Drying ground would probably help this one.

  

Border Music was on last season’s list.  This one has been an absolute revelation on the AW winning 4 times in a row.  Carries top weight here and turf form less impressive but he may still be able to continue that winning sequence (4.00) .  Another old favourite, Platinum Charmer should go close in the apprentice handicap at 5.00.  He was only narrowly beaten at Redcar last time.  

  Punchestown start there spring festival where there are 10 Grade 1 races during the week. 

In the 2.40 Straw Bear has done little wrong in his hurdles career thus far.  He looks sure to make a bold showing but will face some stiff opposition from the home team.

  

3.15 Fota Island and Sir OJ are our list representatives with the former having the best chance of finding any chink in the armour of the favourite Newmill.

  3.50 Missed That and Our Ben would have been quite confident selections a few weeks back but both have questions to answer after recent indifferent efforts. 4.25 Forager and Knight Legend are our runners in a wide open handicap hurdle.

Continue reading “Diary: April 25 2006” →

 The flat season has been a bit slow to get going generally and our flat list to follow has suffered from a bout of seconditis.  Degas Art (14/1), Gandalf (9/1) and Obe Brave (12/1) have all finished runners up, plus a few others.  Still, in the words of Bob Dylan we will just have to “keep on, keepin’ on.” The national hunt season moves into its last week with some big races from Tuesday onwards but for Monday’s preview I am going to give you 10 flat horses to watch out for. Starting in the 2.10 at Pontefract, The Italian Job is of interest.  Sprint bred, the dam won over 6 furlongs and the sire was a top sprinter.  I think this is one to watch although not necessarily on her debut.  Tim Easterby trains. 

    Pontefract  2.40 Karlani is the first of 6 runners from our list to follow today.  Karlani had 3 runs as a two year old, all over a mile, finishing 3^rd in the last of these.  He is bred to appreciate a trip though as his half brother ran against Monet’s Garden over fences on Saturday, and off a low rating should be able to make his mark in handicaps.  Starts off his 3 year old career stepped up to a mile and a half. 

 

3.10 Exmoor, Ice Planet and  Zomerlust are our 3 runners in a competitive sprint.  Exmoor has already had a run this season, when 2^nd behind old Idle Power at Folkestone.  He has only had 7 career starts so may well have scope for improvement and comes from a stable that does well with sprinters.  He is a half brother to Million Percent, a horse I have mentioned in these pages from time to time.  Four year old Zomerlust has only won twice in his career but has plenty of ability and I am hoping that he can improve on his winning tally this season. He ran particularly well when 4^th to Machinist in the Ayr Silver Cup last season and should have ground conditions to suit.  I like him.  Ice Planet caught my eye last season when swooping late down the rail to win at Doncaster.  He went on to collect in the valuable Great St Wilfred handicap at Ripon and seems to act on any ground.  Trained by sprint specialist Dandy Nicholls he is one to watch this year. I am quite keen on the chances of all three and in these cases I usually let the draw bias decide for me.  Pity is that I am not convinced that the draw makes much difference at this track. They should all handle the ground OK.

 

 Turning to Windsor I will start with an interesting 2 year old maiden at 6.00.  Hoh Mike and Stagehand are worth a close look.  Hoh Mike is a half brother to a couple of 2 year old winners while Stagehand is a half brother to a horse that won on its debut at this track and trainer R Millman has an enviable recent record with his juveniles. 

 

In the 6.30 Snark represents our list to follow.  This colt was considered to be his trainers best 2 year old last season but suffered from sore shins and only ran twice.  The second outing resulted in a taking performance to land the spoils on the AW at Lingfield in November.

 

 7.00 Fluerescent is the last of our “listers.”  She was a promising 2^nd in a Yarmouth maiden last season and looks the type to improve this term. Another interesting runner in this race is Otelcaliforni, who had one run last season and was the subject of some encouraging reports. Back tomorrow when the preview will include a look at day 1 of the Punchestown Festival.

Continue reading “Diary: April 24 2006” →

I am still suffering from the virus so please make allowances if there are more than the usual numbers of spelling mistakes.

  

There are lots of meetings over the weekend with quite a few runners from our list to follow in action.

  

I will start at Ayr where Monet’s Garden should get us off to a winning start in the 2.20.  He has looked most impressive over fences so far with the only defeat being in the Arkle where Voy Por Ustedes just got the better of him.  The extra distance here will be in his favour and I hope he wins. His price is likely to make him unbackable however.

  

We have 3 runners in the Scottish Champion Hurdle at 2.50.  Faasel just lost out in a close finish behind Penzance in last years Triumph Hurdle but neither have had much joy this term.  He prefers a sound surface and as I write these notes he seems unlikely to get it.  Royal Shakepeare is locked in a close battle with Monkerhostin for the BHB Order of Merit title.  I think he needs to finish in the first 7 to retake the lead if I have got my maths right.  He is another that would want good ground.  United may turn out to be our best bet as she will not mind the ground.  She won a Grade 1 novice at Punchestown a year ago but has only run twice since because of injury.  She was pulled up at Auteil 20 days ago which is a bit of a concern.

  

The Scottish National (3.30) is a favourite race of mine and there are plenty of old friends in this year’s line up.  There are 7 from the list to follow so I will start with them.  King Killone is the outsider of the 7.  He is a novice and has won twice this season both at Newcastle over 3 miles.  On the second of these he was the only finisher.  There was much to like about his last run when he was staying on in 3^rd behind Kerry Lads over 3 miles 1 at Wetherby.  He jumps well and handles soft ground but is 6 lbs out of the handicap.  Could run well at a price.

  

Nil Desperandum is having his last run for trainer Frances Crowley as next season he will be trained in England.  He improved on his 6^th in last years Aintree National with an excellent 4^th this time.  I have always thought that this horse has ability but he does seem to be a bit of a tricky customer.  He obviously stays but it is possible that the Aintree fences keep him interested.  I am just not sure if he will repeat the Aintree form here.

  

All in the Stars looks likely to start favourite.  He has won twice this season, including a 3.5 miler at Fontwell.  He has been most impressive in defeat however.  He was 5^th in the Hennessey and 2^nd to Royal Auclair at Cheltenham in December.  He has risen in the weights during the year but might be still improving and this trip should play to his strengths. The rider is also worth his 5 lbs claim.  Juveigneur fell at the first in the Aintree National so comes here fresh enough as long as that has not dented his confidence.  Prior to the Aintree mishap he had been a good second at Cheltenham and last season was runner up in the Betfred Gold Cup.  Comes good at this time of year and not out of it.  Idle Talk could be the type for this.  He has only had 8 career starts and has won 4 of them.  He jumps, stays and likes give in the ground.  His front running display at Cheltenham when 2^nd to the talented Star de Mohaison puts him in the frame for this.  Halcon Genelardais has won his last 3 starts, jumps well and goes in the soft.  He just seems to have a lot of weight for a 6 year old.

  

Take the Stand has the highest weight of the 7.  He has the class as demonstrated by his efforts in two Gold Cups.  He does tend to make the odd serious blunder though, and that combined with the weight and the unlikelihood of him getting his favoured good ground just puts me off him.

  

So what has got the best chance of the 7?  I would say All in the Stars and Idle Talk.

  

What of the rest?  You have to consider the big two, Nicholls and Pipe.  Paul Nicholls saddles 3 and you have to respect Ruby Walsh’s choice.  He has gone for Ladalko, described by his trainer as “a bit thick.”  He has the ability though but is another that can be let down by sloppy jumping.  Royal Auclair is another Nicholls runner.  He was a first fence faller at Aintree but nornmally jumps well and is consistent.  Timmy Murphy has chosen to ride Korelo for M Pipe.  You could fancy Korelo off 10 stone.  He was a close 3rd in the Eider Chase at Newcastle over this distance.  He is probably not a natural jumper of fences but has a devastating turn of foot if still in contention at the business end.

  The Bajan Bandit is useful on his day and has won 7 times at Ayr.  His last win was when slamming Royal Emperor here by 14 lengths in the soft over 3 miles 1F.  Kerry Lads is eleven now but has been in fine form, winning twice since Christmas.  He has been 4^th, 2^nd and 5^th in his previous attempts in this race.  I like Kerry Lads but I suppose if he was going to win this he would have done it by now.  I will stick with All in the Stars and Idle Talk.  Good race though – don’t miss it!  Monte Cinto would be interesting in the 4.05 if he turns out as he is due to run on Friday as well.  Good to soft suits him.  Our other runner in this is River Alder.  He has done his job this season regardless as he won at 20/1 last time out.  Upper in class here but lightly raced and can go well.  Best on a sound surface probably.  

We have a couple of listers in the 4.35.  Caracciola ran quite well when 8^th in the Grand Annual at Cheltenham and is weighted to be in the shake up here.  Roman Ark won here in January over 2 and a half and this drop back in trip might not be in his favour. Soft ground will not be a problem.

  

McKelvey (5.05) looked in for a profitable season when winning at Wetherby in November but has really lost his way since.  Can’t be fancied on current form but you could try the argument that Barry Geraghty is an eyecatching jockey booking.

  

I don’t have time to look at the complete card at Naas but I see that one of our list horses, Majestic Times, runs in the listed race at 4.30.  He is one of those horses who is always going to be high in the handicap and may not be quite good enough I better class events.  He has won in listed company however and I am hoping he can up a win or two this season.

  

We have 3 runners in a competitive looking Newbury Spring Cup at 2.40.  Blythe Knight won the Lincoln at Redcar where he clearly relished the soft ground.  He probably needs some juice in the ground as the only time he won on good to firm was in a 3 runner race.  Not out of this as new trainer and gelding op may have improved him but I am not sure that Lincoln winners often win there next races.  Coup D’Etat was 19^th in the Lincoln where the ground would have been against him and should run better here.  Kamanda Laugh was even further behind in the Lincoln but is another who is better than he showed that day.  I will go with Coup D’Etat and Kamanda Laugh each way.

  

We have a couple of runners in the 4.20.  Gandalf won an all weather maiden at Wolverhampton last July but has been a bit disappointing since.  Trainer Kames Fanshawe had a winner with Conkering this week and with Jamie Spencer not one to rule out.  Rather like Gandalf, Gifted Musician is a bit of a risky one for the list to follow. His only win came in a weak maiden at Catterick but he is well bred and lightly raced and hopefully can improve to be a bit better than his handicap mark.

 

The 6.45 at Nottingham looks an interesting maiden.  Apart from Elite Racing Club runner Travolta there are 3 from our list to follow.  Alasoun shaped with plenty of promise when 6^th on his only start as a juvenile.  Related to various winners and holding big race entries he looks likely to go close.  Kyoto’s Summit was only beaten a neck in a Newmarket maiden last season and the 3^rd and 4^th have both won recently.  One for the shortlist.  Kerriemuir Lass was 8^th in the same Newmarket maiden.  Scope for improvement.

  

Over at Thirsk I will be watching the 4.15 with interest.  I was going to include Eisteddfod on this year’s list to follow but given my previous record with Elite Club runners I thought I might put the mockers on him.  He has a better than 50% strike rate and that speaks for itself.  Should be suited by the ground I he gets my tip.

  

Borehan looks the likely winner of the 5.15 but the price will be too skinny.

  Sunday  The flat list to follow has got off to rather a stuttering start but I am hopeful that we will get a winner in the 2.40 at Kempton.  Spectral Star is the sort of lightly raced older filly that her trainer usually does well with.  Jamie Spencer rides.  That is my only selection on Sunday. Good luck

Continue reading “Diary: April 22 & 23” →