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I had an e-mail from a punter last week who said his selections had been hitting the bar recently. Mine seem to be ending up in the crowd behind the goal or going out for a throw in!
There are plenty of meetings on this weekend so let’s see if I can get a shot or two on target. This bulletin will only cover Saturday.
The 2.05 at York is for lady amateur riders and not really a great betting proposition. Crow Wood has trip and ground to suit and should go well.
In the 2.35 Rio Riva is a runner from our list to follow. He won for us at Redcar back in April but as a result has gone up 8 lbs in the weights. He goes well fresh so the 61 day absence will not be a problem. He seems to handle any going too but it is really a matter of whether or not the handicapper has caught up with him. Hartshead and Master of the Race are a couple of runners from last season’s list to follow. Hartshead is a hold up performer who will appreciate a strong pace and should not be ruled out. Master of the Race is still a maiden having finished runner up on all his 5 career starts. He has Kieren Fallon in the plate and has place claims.
There are 20 runners in the big handicap at 3.10 King Orchiosis and River Bravo represent our list to follow. King Orchiosis has disappointed this season having been highly rated as a 2 year old. He has been running on soft ground though and this return to faster going just might make the difference. There was much to like about the way River Bravo won at Haydock last time and he would be a strong fancy for this if it were not for the fast ground. If he handles it I would fancy him.
Of the rest Borehan has won his last 3 starts but has gone up 15 lbs during that time. The track will suit him. Mr Sandicliffe was developing a reputation as the perennial runner up after finishing 2nd in 6 of his first 7 starts. He has put that behind him now it seems with 2 wins in 3 starts. An in form sprinter who has gone up 6 lbs for his latest victory.
Looking at the 4.15 Seriously Lucky made little impact on his debut but the booking of Kieren Fallon to ride could be worth noting.
Safqa is our “lister” in the 5.25. He has form figures of 322 and is starting to look expensive to follow. Could be vulnerable against one or two less exposed types.
The 2.10 at Bath only has 5 runners but is a trappy looking contest nonetheless. Kings Bastion and Fairfield Princess have both recorded a win but they have had 3 and 4 runs respectively and neither won last time out. On what they have achieved so far there is little to choose between them. My slight preference would be for Fairfield Princess whose trainer is not in bad form and has a good strike rate at Bath. Resignation of Richard Hannons has only had one run and should come on for that. It would not surprise me if he made a bold show here.
The 2.45 could be a good opportunity for Lipocco. The form of his 3rd here last month has worked out well. I once backed a horse called Royal Prince successfully at 13/2 and his half brother Star Strider also runs in this so I will be keeping a close eye on this one as well.
El Alamein won for us in the week and he could be a good thing to go in again under a 6 lbs pen in the 3.50. A typical Sir Mark Prescott 3 year old handicapper.
At Leicester Capannina looks a likely winner in the 7.15. She shaped with promise on her debut I thought and should improve for the experience. Of the newcomers Roclette could be the most likely on breeding.
Down at Lingfield Fly Time has the best form in the 6.35. Mick Channon’s youngster has finished 2nd twice. The main threat could come from the unraced Centreboard. He comes from a stable with a 42% strike rate with juveniles in June,
Coeur Courageaux represents the list to follow in the Sandown 2.20. This colt was an expensive “signing” at the sales but has given problems going into the stalls this season. Not lacking in ability though.
Ceredig has been one of the disappointments of the list to follow. He is still a maiden after 6 starts but is blinkered for the first time in the 4.00 so perhaps that will do the trick. Darryl Hollnad rides him for the first time. I suppose Yellow Card could be a popular choice in this race and of course there will be those wanting to double that up with John Terry in the 5.10. I am hoping that Heaven Knows can win this for our list to follow though. Heaven Knows won in pleasing fashion at Thirsk last month and has a good chance of following up. D Holland rides this one as well.
I will be back tomorrow night for a look at Sunday’s racing.
ahorse 