Winners from our list to follow seem very much a thing of the past but I suppose every loser brings me that much nearer to a winning run. Ever the optimist!
I have found it hard to get interested in the racing this week so far from Friday is a very different matter with 4 flat meetings and plenty to talk about.
When I get around to it I am going to start a “Hall of Fame” section on the site dedicated to my favourite horses down the years. Of the current crop Quito is a candidate for a place in the honours list. He has long been a favourite of mine and he came with a typical late run to claim 2nd at York the other day. He is 9 now and has won 15 times in this country with Tony Culhane riding 13 of those winners. If you have broadband it is worth having a look at the video of his last run at York to see just how well he finishes.
Another horse I have always liked is Zero Tolerance who won at York today, his first success above handicap company. He is a front runner who loves a bit of cut in the ground. He is as game as they come and again it is worth watching the finish of his last 3 winning runs to see how bravely he repels his challengers. Jamie Spencer has a 100% record when riding him.
Anyway – I digress. I am due a winner at York so I will kick off there.
York opens with a listed race over 5 furlongs for 2 year olds. Amber Valley is a horse I have been monitoring and she has already won once. This is a step up in class though and I am not convinced she will handle the soft ground.
The list to follow has been enduring a lean time of it recently so I am hoping that Peppertree Lane can get us back to winning ways in the 2.15. His form looks pretty solid and he should handle the ground as he won in similar conditions at Ripon last month. Does not look on a bad mark and gets the selection. I feel he may need 10 furlongs before long.
I don’t know whether Collier Hill will be up to winning the Yorkshire Cup at 2.45, but he is worth a mention anyway. I just think he is one of the more remarkable horses in training. His wins include the Irish St Leger, the Stockholm Cup, a race in Dubai and a maiden hurdle at Kelso. Truly a horse for all seasons. There are no fewer than 6 runners from the list to follow in the sprint at 3.50. Coeur Courageux has ability but tends to get a bit het up in the preliminaries. He unseated his rider at the start last time and is best watched for the minute. Fullandby is suited by softer ground and this trip is probably about right for him. He should be in the shake up. Ice Planet has a leading chance on his 2nd of 26 last time out. He should be OK on the ground. Intrepid Jack showed some smart form last season and the booking of Jamie Spencer here is a plus. The ground should not inconvenience him and he is a live contender. Borderlescott is consistent at this trip and is a course and distance winner. He has not run for a while though and might need this, although he proved he handled rain softened ground when winning here last season. Mutawaffer was disappointing last season but 6 furlongs is his trip and he was 4th in this race last year. A very hot race so I suppose Ice Planet is the logical choice.
My regulars might recognise the name Mr Sandicliffe. He finally got off the mark recently after a string of seconds. He goes in the 4.25. What price he comes second?
There are 3 listers in the 5.00. Spanish Lace is an Elite Racing Club horse trained by Julie Camacho. Soft ground should suit and this filly has an each way chance. Might need a bit further in time. Karlani was a beaten favourite when disappointing at Pontefract last time out. First time visor might do the trick. Cool Customer has already won twice for us so far the last win a comfortable success at Kempton.
At Hamilton in the 6.25.Jack Rackham has been a bit expensive to follow with form figures of 322. He has run well on each occasion and deserves a win but given his pedigree the soft ground may not be ideal.
The 7.30 only has 4 runners so may turn into a tactical affair. Futun won well last time out and I am hoping he can follow up here.
Ouninpohja reeled off 5 wins on the bounce last season and I have kept him on the list to follow. I don’t see why he can’t get off to a winning start in the 8.35.
Mick Channon has 4 of the 6 runners in the opener at Newbury (1.55). I think Silca Soprano may be one for the future but this looks a race best watched.
There are a couple from the list to follow in the 3.00, Innocent Air and Scottish Stage. Sir Michael Stoute has been mopping up a lot of races like this recently and Scottish Stage comes from a successful breeding line. Innocent Air improved during last season and has a penalty as a result. She might need a bit further than this to show her best and I will go with Scottish Stage.
Roger Charlton’s Exmoor looks to have a reasonable weight in the 3.30. A lightly raced sort with more scope than some of the others.
Millistar is a half sister to 3 winners and is an interesting newcomer in the 5.10.
In the 2.05 at Nottingham Diamond Hurricane should give us a run for our money. Stable does well at this track.
Roman Quest represents the list to follow in the 2.35. He has already won for us and has a chance here although his price in the RP of 7/2 looks a bit skinny.
In the 3.05 I think that Shipmaster from Alan King’s yard might be the one to be on. This trip could prove ideal.
Plenty of quality stuff over the weekend so join me tomorrow evening for a preview.
ahorse 