I will not spend too much time on tonight’s offering as the current monsoons are likely to affect Tuesday’s meetings.
I fancy Easy Air in the 3.10 at Lingfield. He lost his unbeaten record at Chester last time out but that may have been down to the going. His two wins both came at Lingfield. That is the only runner from our list to follow.
Hoh Mike and Miss Otis (20/1) were winners from the 4 horses featured yesterday.
The weekend went well with 3 winners from the list to follow plus a few successful tips from outside the list.
I had studied the form for the Lockinge Stakes carefully and was pleased to be proved right with Peeress. The filly had quite a lot going for her as she has proved that she handles give in the ground and that she is quite capable of winning after a long break. I thought she stayed on really well under Kieren Fallon. Soviet Song did OK in 4th and she may well be a different proposition later in the season on better ground. Peeress actually beat her on their first meeting last season.
Alfie Flits lived up to his billing winning very much as he pleased at Thirsk. He probably didn’t beat anything much but he could not have been more impressive all the same. Watch the video on the Racing Post site and see what you think. Heaven Knows was our 3rd winner, despite a rather weak write up in my preview. Pearly King (Saturday) and Prince Golan (Sunday) were other winning tips. Pearly King was completing a hat trick and once gain Kieren Fallon was quite outstanding. This is another race worth watching on video for the way that Fallon finds the gap at just the right time and always seems to have things under control.
I was particularly interested in the first race at Newbury where there were some nice 2 year olds in action. I gave the winner Major Cadeaux a positive write up and he duly won with Richard Hughes in the saddle. The second, Jo’burg, kept on well for a hands and heels ride and looked as though he would benefit from the run. The favourite Conquest looked to be coming to win the race but his effort rather petered out. It may be that he didn’t like the ground.
There are no runners from the list to follow on Monday so I will concentrate on a couple of two year old races on Windsor.
In the 6.10 Brian Meehan saddles Maid of Ale. This filly is by Barathea who is responsible for some useful types such as Tante Rose, a winner over 6 furlongs at 2 and later at Group 1 level over the same distance, and Pongee, whose successes included the Lancashire Oaks. Miss Otis is trained by Peter Winkworth who has a good strike rate with his small string of juveniles. Unlike Maid of Ale who should stay further, Miss Otis is bred to be a sprinter.
In the 6.40 Hoh Mike and Bazroy are both previous winners. Bazroy showed plenty of speed when breaking well and making all at Lingfield in March on his debut. Hoh Mike is having his 3rd run at Windsor. After finishing 2nd on his debut he broke the two year old course record last week. That was over 5 furlongs on firm ground but the extra furlong and softer ground should be OK for him. On what they have achieved so far there is not a lot between them but Hoh Mike is the more likely to act on soft ground.
See you tomorrow.
Continue reading “Diary: May 22 2006”
After drawing a blank for the first 4 days of the week Friday produced 5 winners from the list to follow.
The Oaks hopeful Scottish Stage had to work hard for her narrow success in the listed race at Newbury. In fairness to her she shaped as though she probably didn’t much like the soft ground. There is no doubt room for improvement though and it will be interesting to see if she does indeed take her place in the line up at Epsom.
You can usually rely on Mark Johnston’s 3 year olds to be difficult to pass and Peppertree Lane was just that, pulling out more and more for Kevin Darley at York.
Another very game winner was Borderlescott who won the sprint at York from the front. I thought he would need the race after quite a lengthy absence but he proved me wrong to notch a 6th consecutive win. There were 5 other horses from our list in the race and they all ran with credit, indicating that their turn will come. Another sprinter from the list that did the business for us was Exmoor. You would not have picked him as a likely winner for much of the way at Newbury as he was ridden from some way out but he certainly finished with some purpose.
It wasn’t just the speedsters that won for us as Alan King’s Shipmaster won with something in hand at Nottingham over 1.75 miles at Nottingham.
A couple of the two year olds that I featured in my preview ran well. Amber Valley and Silca Soprano both came second at 12/1.
The evening racing was a bit frustrating though with both Futun and Ouninpohja finishing in the runners up spot.
The big race at Newbury of Saturday is the Group 1 Lockinge Stakes over a mile at 2.45. There is plenty of interest for me with 3 runners from the list to follow as well as a couple of Elite Racing Club horses.
The key factors in this year’s renewal look like being fitness and the state of the ground. Majors Cast has fitness on his side having won 14 days ago. He is probably the one they all have to beat but he is best on a fast surface and with rain about I am going to look elsewhere.
New Seeker is an admirable animal but lacks the class to win at Group 1 level. Soviet Song is the class act but it is a question of whether she is fit enough. She has done most of her winning on a sound surface but there is evidence in her career record that she can handle some cut in the ground. The 3 from our list to follow are Court Masterpiece, Rob Roy and Peeress. Court Masterpiece won a Group 1 in France last season, is a tough, reliable sort who will handle the ground. His only wins over a mile though have been at Goodwood and that just puts me off him. Rob Roy has already got a win to his name this season and will handle the ground. I am still not quite sure that he picks up quickly enough to get the better of some of these rivals and I just prefer his stable companion Peeress. She has simply not run a bad race yet and seems to handle any underfoot conditions.
I would love to see Soviet Song win this but Peeress gets the selection.
The Newbury card opens with what could be quite an informative 2 year old maiden at 1.35. There are a few worth mentioning in this. My grandfather used to drive a tram in Johannesburg, not that that has much to do with anything, but there are a couple of colts sired by Johannesburg in this.
Amanda Perrett has booked Mick Kinane for Jo’Burg. This is the most expensive runner in the field and comes from an in form stable. Barry Hills saddles Joburg Gold who is related to some sprint winners. His pedigree suggests he might be best on a sound surface. There is a bit of a whisper for the Richard Hannon trained Major Cadeaux and it would be no surprise if this one went close on his debut. The other newcomer that interests me is Tudor Prince who is entered in next season’s Derby.
For my selection though I am going with Conquest who was a promising 2nd on his debut. He runs in the same colours as last years Derby winner Motivator.
In the 3.20 Sir Michael Stoute’s Pearly King goes for a hat trick, ridden by K Fallon. I have tipped him to win twice and will stick with him here.
Glistening could give us a winner in the 3.25. He has changed stables since last season. A lightly raced type bred along stamina lines. He might be best on a sound surface.
The list to follow is represented in the 4.55 by Greek Renaissance, who is a full brother to the sprinter Machinist. I would have thought that 6 furlongs might suit him better than this 7 but we will see.
We just have two runners at Nottingham. Tim Easterby’s Ryedale Ovation (3.00) has been 3rd in both his races so far this term. I think that the grounds will suit him in this race and he has a fair chanced.
Henchman is something of a speculative choice for the list to follow and is likely to start at around 16/1 in the 4.40. I think that this well bred gelding will pop up at a decent price at some stage this season.
I feel that the 2.35 at Thirsk may go to one of the unraced horses. Mick Channon sends Fly Time north for this. The dam is a half sister to smart sprinter Acclamation. Moonlight Applause is another I like but Mick Channon’s charge is more likely to be ready first time up.
Hopefully we will get the long awaited flat debut of Alfie Flits in the 3.10. Part owned by footballer Gary Flitcroft, Alfie Flits has some smart bumper form to his name.
I have not had much success following Willie Haggas so far this term so I will not give Heaven Knows too strong a write up for the 3.45 at Thirsk. He did show plenty of promise last season though and the opposition does not look that strong.
King Orchiosis does not seem to stay a mile and reverts to sprint distances for the 4.50. Her is held in high regard by his trainer and can make the most of a favourable draw here.
On Sunday at Ripon I like the look of Prince Golan in the 2.40. This one made an encouraging debut 11 days ago.
That is about it for the weekend preview. I hope you find a winner or two.
Continue reading “Diary: May 20 & 21 2006”
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.
Continue reading “Diary: May 19 2006”
York has long been a Russellform graveyard and Wednesday was no exception.
York 1.45 Kings Gait and Zowerton are our representatives here and both have a preference for give in the ground. Zowington won on ground that was probably too quick for him at Epsom and has the better chance of the two. Kings Gait has a win in him though and although a bi high in the weights has been running consistently.
2.45 Palace Episode sprung a major surprise when winning the Racing Post Trophy at Doncaster last season at 20/1. It was his 3rd win of the season and he had some of today’s rivals in his wake. The ground was heavy that day and cut in the ground may be important to him, although his pedigree suggests he may also handle faster ground.
3.15 Stronghold may not be at his best if we get too much rain. He won well at Lingfield last time out. Blythe Knight won the Lincoln at Redcar and is now 6 lbs higher in the weights. He likes some give and can’t be ruled out. In form Dabber’s Ridge and soft ground specialist Zero Tolerance are likely threats.
4.55 Dr Sharp is a dour stayer and I feel that this trip may not make the best use of his stamina.
Carlisle 6.30 Roger Fisher has a good strike rate with his 2 year olds and runs Muncaster Castle here. Horses from this stable usually need their first run though. One to watch.
9.00 I reckon that Baron Rhodes will win a race or two this season. Her 6th behind Zidane last week looked promising but fast ground suits her best.
Salisbury 1.55 Dazed and Amazed and Vital Statistics are a couple of interesting newcomers. Dazed and Amazed is from Richard Hannon’s stable, always a good source of 2 year old winners. This one is apparently highly rated. Vital Statistics is bred to be a speedy filly but of the two is more likely to need the run.
In the 2.25 I will be looking out for Dimelight. Dimelight is from the same stable as Vital Statistics. She is bred along stamina lines and will need further than this but is one to look out for in handicaps later in the season.
4.35 Ceredig was 3rd last time out beaten by a couple of horses that had already had a run this season. Needs to overcome an unfavourable draw however.
Continue reading “Diary: May 18 2006”
We are having a poor week so far so hopefully we will have some success at York over the next few days.
We have a representative in the 1.45. This is a pretty competitive handicap and Consular does have a chance. I feel that he is better over 12 furlongs though and he also may not have ground conditions to his liking. A small each way interest perhaps at around 12/1.
Alexandrova will be expected to win the 2.45 for Aiden O’Brien and Kieren Fallon but she will be an odds on shot.
3.15 Moss Vale was an expensive purchase for Dandy Nicholls after some excellent performances last season. He looks the type for this but he may not have his favoured fast ground. I didn’t include Eisteddfod on my list to follow but I fancy him to run well here. At 8/1 he has a fair each way chance with F Dettori booked and some give in the ground.
?
4.25 Dubai Touch is an interesting runner for Mark Johnston. He is the only runner without the benefit of a previous outing. Clearly well thought of by connections but on breeding will want at least an extra furlong. One to keep tabs on though.
Bath 6.40 Lipocco was 3rd here on his debut and ran with promise despite showing signs of greenness. I fancy him to go close here.
Hereford 4.15 Penzance makes his chase debut at Hereford after his hurdles career has become somewhat becalmed.
The answer to yesterday’s quiz question was Michael Holding. Of course the famous commentator’s line was, “the bowlers Holding, the batsmans Willey.” And on that note I will say goodnight.
See you tomorrow.
Continue reading “Diary: May 17 2006”
I only have time for a short update tonight so I will throw in a quiz question at no extra cost.
Monday was not a great success with both our list horses going down, although Snark was 3rd at 20/1. I also gave Hoh Mike at 4/5.
There are 3 horses from the list to follow running on Tuesday, all at Newcastle.
2.20 Whispering Death was a progressive sort last season and looks to be in with a solid chance here.
3.20 Celtic Carisma is a course and distance winner who has already won for us at 12/1.
4.20 Dig Deep is a half brother to Zeitgeist who was on our list to follow last season. Probably goes on any ground and looks on a fair mark.
And so to the quiz question. Which famous sportman was nicknamed Whispering Death and which other player was he linked with in a famous commentator’s faux pas.
The French 2000 Guineas looked under threat from the PMU strike but things did eventually get going at Longchamp where one of our list to follow, Aussie Rules, won for Aiden O’Brien at 4/1.
There are two runners from the in action on Monday as well as a couple of 2 year old races that might give some pointers to the future.
My best shot of the day is probably Prince Picasso in the 5.20 up at Redcar. This looks like a typical Sir Mark Prescott 3 year old “improver.” He ran away with a handicap at Yarmouth last week and a 6 lbs penalty seems unlikely to stop him scoring again.
I put Snark on the list to follow on the back of his win on the AW at Lingfield in November. He was quite disappointing on his seasonal reappearance at Windsor recently though and has something to prove now. He has dropped 3 lbs in the handicap though and I am hoping he puts in a better run this time. His stable are going fairly well at present.
There are a couple of juveniles making their debuts in the 2.20 at Redcar that could be worth a close look. Sophie’s Dream, trained by James Given, is out of a dam that was placed at 2 at this track. He is a first foal and is by Warning who has got winners at a variety of trips. On this occasion I prefer High Style of Richard Hannon’s. This trainer has an excellent strike rate with his 2 year olds and this one is a half brother to Godsend who was a winner at 2years old.
The opener at Windsor in the evening (6.00) has some interesting types as well. Cappanina is a half sister to 5 winners and based on that she is one to keep an eye on. Hoh Mike has the benefit of a previous run. He made a pleasing start to his career when 2nd here at Windsor last month and I fancy him to go one better in this.
The race that caught my eye from a betting point of view was the claimer at Redcar at 4.50. Million Percent has been in fair form of late. He won at Wolverhampton on May 8th and has since finished second in an amateur rider’s race when he hung across the track which didn’t aid his cause. He goes well for the apprentice that rides him here and he has also got a good record in small fields. He might not be far away but the two I prefer are CD Europe and Further Outlook. Further Outlook is a 12 year old now but has a recent win to his name. He normally shows his best with some give in the ground which is why I am inclined to oppose him. CD Europe won the Group 3 Coventry Stakes back in 2000 but has dropped down the scale a fait bit since those days. He won here over 7 furlongs earlier in the month and I fancy him to go in again.
See you tomorrow.
Continue reading “Diary: May 15 2006”
After a week in the Italian sun I am catching up on the racing I have missed.
Saturday, May 6.
There is no doubt about the highlight last Saturday. George Washington produced a real turn of foot to account for his rivals with some comfort.
My forecast was not too far away either.
1. George Washington (1)2. Horation Nelson 3. Sir Percy (2)
4. Olympian Oddyssy (3)
Actual finishing positions in brackets.
Apart from Georghe Washington it was a really frustrating day for the horses on our list to follow. Regal Royale, Tax Free, Reverence, Thunder Rock and Ice Planet all ran well to be placed
Mick Channon enjoyed a successful day at Goodwood with Championship Point one of his winners in the Predominate Stakes.
Haydock staged a mixed card and I was quite taken with two horses in the 4.10. Borhan (winner) and Signor Peltro (3rd). Borhan made just about all and stayed on well. Signor Peltro shaped with promise.
The big race at Thirsk was the Thirsk Hunt Cup which went to one of our “listers” – Minority Report. He pulled a bit in the early stages but charged through on the outside to win quite nicely in the end. Another from our list, Game Lad was 4th.
Sunday, May 7
If the 2,000 Guineas was a bit of a Russellform triumph, I am claiming a bit of credit in the 1,000 as well. I gave surprise winner Speciosa quite a favourable write up. “Speciosa is an interesting one from outside the list to follow. If she can steer a straight course she may well worry some of her more illustrious rivals.”
Our list horses Nasheej (3rd) and Silca’s Sister (4th) should be up to winning decent races as the season unfolds.
On the same card Shirocco won the Jockey Club Stakes going away on his favoured soft ground, while the Pretty Polly Stakes went to Riyalma trained by Sir Michael Stoute. The further they went the better she got.
One horse I will be watching with interest is Conquest who finished well in second in the 2 year old maiden. He was only narrowly beaten after getting the hang of things late and should do better over further.
At Salisbury Degas Art was an odds on winner for the list while Loyal and Royal, a horse featured in these pages last season was a winner for David Elsworth.
Monday, May 8
Mainly ordinary stuff on Monday. Million Percent appreciated the drop in class to take the seller at Wolverhampton.
Tuesday, May 9
I had given Diamond Hurricane a mention when he was placed on his debut and I was pleased to see him get off the mark at the second attempt at Catterick. The second, The Italian Job did little wrong and should find a race.
At the other end of the age scale Ionian Spring, aged 11, recorded the 10th win of his career at Chepstow.
Wednesday, May 10
Chester took centre stage for the next 3 days, but apart from a good run by Dancing Bay (Elite Racing Club) finishing 4th in the Chester Cup there was nothing much that took my eye.
Thursday, May 11
The best run from one of our list horses at The Roodeye was Dragon Dancer who was a decent 2nd in the Chester Vase.
We did get a winner though with Sir Mark Prescott’s Prince Picasso at Yarmouth. A typical 3 year old from this yard he had 3 runs last season and started here off a lenient mark. What price he runs up a sequence?
Friday, May 12
Chester had been looking a bit of a disaster for the list to follow until Art Deco came along at 8/1 to win the Dee Stakes.
A couple of 2 year olds that I had featured before I went away, Mood Music and Jack Rackham fought out the finish of the 6.15 at Hamilton. Mood Music led most of the way and won a little cosily. I had Jack Rackham down as a certain winner next time out when I watched him at occupy the runners up spot at Pontefract and he is getting a bit expensive to follow.
In the conditions event that followed Obe Brave was only caught in the dying strides.
Baizically is a horse that I considered for this season’s list to follow. He looked to have it to do a couple of furlongs out in the maiden at Hamilton but in the end he ran out quite a comfortable winner for Jamie Osborne.
Kings Bastion had gone into my notebook after a promising debut and he duly collected the maiden at Lingfield with Hayley Turner riding.
Saturday, May 13
Our winners on Saturday were Sindirana, Supaseus, Zidane and Star of Light. Sindirana won the Lingfield Oaks Trial but had to work pretty hard for it. I am not convinced that the track would have suited her and she still seemed a bit green to me. I would be a little surprised if she actually lines up for the Oaks proper at Epsom.
Superseus and jockey Jimmy Fortune both battled in determined fashion to land a Newmarket maiden in a close finish while Star of Light was a game winner under a strong ride from Alan Monro in the Heritage Handicap. Zidane was a 3/1 winner in the gathering gloom at Thirsk’s evening meet.
Listers Burning Incense and Mannikko were 2nd and 3rd respectively in the 4.50 at Lingfield behind Didn’t We, a horse I followed over the AW in the winter.
One last thought on Saturday’s action. Supreme Speedster won the maiden at Beverley for Kevin Ryan. Fair enough it was well drawn, which is pretty crucial at the East Yorkshire track but he was always travelling well and could well win again.
I have not had time to look closely at Sunday’s racing. I see that there are 3 runners from our list to follow in the 2.50 at Longchamps. Aussie Rules, James Joyce and Yasoodd.
Continue reading “Diary: May 14 2006”
I will not be available to update the site this week. I will be back with the next bulletin on Saturday evening, May 13.
The flat season steps up a gear this weekend with the first of the English Classics at Newmarket.
There are runners from our list to follow in all the races on Newmarket’s Saturday card. Thunder Rock and Coup D’Etat are our representatives in the handicap at 2.00. Coup D’Etat has not found his form as yet this season. He is stepped up to 10 furlongs for the first time which may well suit him. My preference is for Thunder Rock, who although a 4 year old has only run three times. He was a very expensive purchase at 775,000 gns but so far has only won a maiden. I fancy that he will start to repay some of that purchase price sooner rather than later. He looks on a fair mark and comes from a stable that does well with its older horses and has won this race for the last 2 seasons. I would respect both Crow Wood and Go Tech if the going is on the fast side of good.
2.35 Moss Vale, Reverence and Tax Free are the runners from the list to follow. Moss Vale has changed stables and is now with Sprint King Dandy Nicholls. His last 3 wins have come at 6 furlongs rather than the 5 he races over here and I am not sure that Newmarket will be his kind of track. Tax Free won 4 out of 5 last season and looks a horse with a future but this 5 furlongs could be on the sharp side for him. Reverence is the most likely of the 3 to be suited by the trip. My concern with him is that he has looked to be best with some give in the ground. Of the remainder it is good to see Pivotal Point returning after a lengthy lay off. He would have a squeak if back to his best form of a couple of seasons ago.
And so to the 2,000 guineas at 3.15. There is plenty of interest from our horses to follow and the Ballydoyle contingent will be many people’s selections. Kieren Fallon rides the unbeaten George Washington while Mick Kinane rides Horatio Nelson. Of the 2 George Washington looks the more likely over this trip. He is obviously very highly rated and looks the obvious choice. Olympian Odyssey, Opera Cape and Sir Percy are our other 3 listers. Olympian Odyssey was probably unlucky when beaten by Atlantic Waves in a blanket finish here in a listed race last month. Good solid type who should have no difficulty in winning races but this might be a bit beyond him. Sir Percy, Horatio Nelson and Opera Cape were 1,2 and 3 in the Dewhurst Stakes last season. Sir Percy got first run that day and may not be able to confirm the form with Horatio Nelson. As I said at the start the Ballydoyle pair look the most likely to me.
1. George Washington
2. Horation Nelson
3. Sir Percy
4. Olympian Oddyssy
3.50 We have 6 in this, Kings Gait, Ice Planet, Zowington, Kenmore, High Reach and Banjo Patterson. King’s Gait has run well without winning this season. His liking for give in the ground puts me off him today, and I have the same problem with Ice Planet and Kenmore. Kenmore won for me last season at 20/1 and stays on the list to follow for a 2nd season. The lightly raced Banjo Patterson should be all the better for his first run of the season last week. High Reach could have conditions to suit and his 4th behind Zomerlust at Pontefact recently shows that he is in good nick. Zowington has already won for us at a good price but has gone up 6 lbs for that. By no means out of this though. If I had to pick one it would be High Reach who looks each way value at 12/1.
4.20 Morghim made quite a pleasing return when 6 of 8 in a listed race at the Craven meeting and I think he could go well here at a fair price.
4.55 Blythe Knight won the Lincoln at Redcar. That was over a mile of course but I think that this 10 furlongs will suit him fine. There was plenty of give in the ground at Redcar and conditions will be rather different at Newmarket. Has a bit to find in order to figure here at level weights.
5.25 Regal Royale was a bit disappointing when down the field here on his seasonal reappearance and has something to prove.
Leaving the list horses for the moment I could drum up a fair case for Royal Challenge in the 3.25 at Goodwood. The only thing that worries me is that the horse is best held up and can run into traffic problems. Given that this is a 15 runner field I am just a little worried that he might get boxed in. He has the ideal partner though in D Holland.
I am not going to go into detail on the jumps races. There is a cracking hurdle race at Haydock however in the Swinton at 1.55. There are 4 runners form our jumps list from last season in Into the Shadows, Carracciola, United and Senorita Rumbalita. Into the Shadows and Senorita Rumbalita in that order would be my tentative each way picks.
2.25 My Paris represents the list to follow. Major’s Cast will take the beating here with conditions very much in his favour.
Alfie Flits makes his flat debut in the 3.05 at Thirsk. He has some very good bumper form and may be too good for the fairly modest opposition as long as he handles the faster ground OK.
4.50 Rio Riva, Minority Report and Game Lad run for the list to follow and there are a couple of old pals in Uhoogagoo and Hartshead. Rio Riva is unlikely to be suited by the going, while Game Lad seems to come to his best later in the season. Minority Report has ticks in most of the right boxes and gets the selection. Ground and trip will suit, the stable are in form and he looks reasonably treated by the handicapper. Uhoomagoo and Hartshead are very closely handicapped based on their meeting at Newcastle last season when Uhoomagoo mugged his rival right on the line. Minority Report is the selection.
Sunday
Newmarket 2.50 Shirocco is the best horse in the race and should win if he handles the ground. The going is a concern though as his best form has been with give in the ground. Hard Top could benefit if Shirocco misfires. Hard Top has very few miles on the clock for a 4 year old and some improvement on last season’s form would give him a chance in all the top staying races.
3.30 Flashy Wings, Nanina, Reach for the Star’s, Rumplestiltskin and Silca’s Sister run for the list. I would love to see Flashy Wings win for Mick Channon who I used to watch at The Dell way back in the 60s. My concern is that she has lost on her last 2 starts and although arguably a bit unlucky it is not the usual profile of a classic winner. There is not much wrong with Nannina’s form but she looks more workmanlike than anything else and may just lack the class. A boring choice I am afraid but it is hard to fault Rumplestiltskin’s form with 5 wins last season. Speciosa is an interesting one from outside the list to follow. If she can steer a straight course she may well worry some of her more illustrious rivals. Just have a look at her last run on the Racing Post video and you will see what I mean about the steering.
4.05 Sindirana should have learned from her two runs last season. She is entered in the Oaks and is one to keep a close eye on.
4.40 Winning Spirit, The Illies, Conquest and Silver Hotspur are all of interest here. All 4 are worth putting in your notebook but in particular Winning Spirit for this race.
Hamilton 4.25 Accordello is the sort of dual purpose horse that the Reveley stable place well.
Salisbury 3.05 Greek Renaissance is a full brother to the sprinter Machinist. Made his debut over a mile but is back to 6 furlongs here.
4.50 Degas Art has finished 2nd on his last 2 outings. Stepped up in trip and in with a good chance.
The list of horses to follow is under Special Features on the main menu, and hopefully a few of them will find their way into the winner’s enclosure before I resume next Saturday evening. See you then.
ahorse 