{mos_sb_discuss:2}
With so many meetings at the moment and loads of footy to watch I will just cover Saturday tonight. There will be an update tomorrow evening reviewing Sunday.
A couple of real old favourites contest the 3.05 at Ascot in Collier Hill and Bandari. I have probably bored people to death about Collier Hill in the past, but he has won everything from a maiden hurdle at Kelso to a Group 1 at The Curragh. Bandari, now a 7 year old has 11 wins to his credit but Group 1 success has always eluded him. Neither is on my current list to follow, so I am looking to the two listers Hard Top and Shawanda. Hard Top has been a bit of an underachiever so far. There have been possible excuses for his largely disappointing efforts this season but he needs a bold showing today. Shawanda looks the likely winner on form but needs to overcome a lengthy absence. There is also the question of the general wellbeing of the Godolphin outfit.
The socceroos have surprised a few people in Germany and the Aussie sprinters look likely to hold sway in the Golden Jubilee Stakes at 3.45. There are two runners from the list to follow. Iffraaj has a chance on his best form and has the ground in his favour. He is another Godolphin runner though and is having his first run of the season. Balthazar’s Gift was 4th to Moss Vale at Chantilly last time out and that form has since been franked by the runner up. He is a bit better than his 50/1 odds would indicate but would appreciate some juice in the ground. Eisteddfod runs for the Elite Racing Club. He has done OK this season without quite hitting top form. He seems unlikely to have ground condition to his liking.
We have a few from the list in the Wokingham at 4.25. Borderlescott, Intrepid Jack, Zomerlust, Indian Trail and High Reach. They are pretty well all drawn badly though. If I had to go for one it would be Intrepid Jack. Firenze from stall 1 has obvious claims for the in form Fanshawe/Spencer combo.
There are 4 runners from the list to follow in the 4.55, Pagan Sword, Glistening, Consular and Thunder Rock. Glistening did not get the clearest of runs at Epsom on his seasonal reappearance and looks on a fair mark. He can run well as can Consular who was 3rd in that Epsom race and has both ground and trip in his favour. Pagan Sword progressed well last season but he is yet to win over 12 furlongs. My selection is the lightly raced Thunder Rock. I have a pretty miserable record when it comes to tipping Sir Michael Stoute runners so I will not get too carried away. He has only ever run 4 times though, was a promising 3rd last time and looks as though this trip will bring out the best in him. K Fallon rides.
Elsewhere Gregoravitch runs in a tricky looking handicap at Ayr (3.25). His last few runs have not done much to inspire confidence.
I wonder whether Zidane will return to the French side for there next game against Spain? The horse of the same name is a slightly tricky customer but looks the one to be on in the 2.40 at Newmarket. He is a half brother to Firenze so a family double is not out of the question.
Sant Elena has finished 3rd in both her starts this season. She remains reasonably handicapped and should go close in the 3.15.
King Orchisios (3.50) has not lived up to expectations raised by his form last season. He looks to have plenty of speed though and this 5 furlongs on fast ground combined with a drop in class gives him a shout.
Celtic Carisma has already scored for us at 12/1. Ran poorly last time but would have a chance on best form in the Redcar 3.00.
There are two runners from our list to follow in action at Warwick, Bouboulina (8.15) and Fear to tread (9.15)
I looked at 3 two year old races. I see that Roger Fisher has booked Robert Winston for Muncaster Castle in the 4.30 at Ayr. Stagehand has a chance in the 6.30 at Lingfield while Fade to Grey could go well at a huge price in the 2.20 at Redcar. Good luck
ahorse 