A couple of things served as reminders that the jumps season is not too far off. Paul Nicholl’s excellent chaser Azertyuiop has failed to recover from injury and has been retired. I also see that Dr Thong and Celtic Mill have won on the flat in the last few days. They were both winners on the all weather last winter.
Our list to follow has not generated any winners for a few days so hopefully we will get a change of luck over the weekend. I wasn’t too far away with my 2 year old predictions today. I thought that Oldjoesaid won particularly nicely at Sandown.
I will just look at Saturday’s racing tonight, starting with Bath.
Vaunt has had his chances without winning but is dropped in class in the 2.15 and that might just be enough for him to get his head in front.
Four horses from our list to follow contest the 3.50. Three Thieves has changed stables since I put him on the list and has been off the track for 328 days. In Full Cry has yet to win this season but has put in a few fair efforts and is not out of it. Kyoto Summit has already won for us once. He is dropped in class and his stable has a good record at this track. Lastly we have the ultra consistent Safqa who deserves a change of fortune having finished 2nd on 4 of his 6 career starts. Safqa gets my selection.
I think that Mesbaah has an each way chance in the 2.50 at Goodwood.
Kamanda Laugh has been frustrating this season. Kevin Ryan may have hit on the answer by trying him over 9 furlongs in the 3.25. This just could be his ideal trip.
Tax Free came back to form to win at Leicester in the week and I fancy him to follow that up in the 4.30.
The Group 1 race at Leopardstown (2.40) has 4 runners from our list to follow. Peeress has been running well in top company and has every chance. Mick Channon reports Flashy Wings to be in top form at home but both this filly, and Race for the Stars are held by Nannina on their running in the Coronation Stakes. Nannina is the one for me but Peeress is very much respected.
King Orchisios and Indian Trail represent our list to follow in the 2.05 at York. There are both likely to start at around 14/1. King Orchisios has an each way chance I would say.
Prince Forever won his only start thus far and I will take a chance with him in the 2.35.
The drying ground will suit Iffraaj in the 3.10. The in form Quito is clearly the danger.
We have 2 list runners in the St Leger. Jadalee is our best chance and at 8/1 is each way value. Our other runner is Irish raider Fire and Rain.
We have 3 runners in the 4.25. Nakheel is likely to need the race after a long lay off. I quite like the chance of Olympian Odyssey who ran 3rd in the 2,000 Guineas. That form puts him in with a sporting chance here. Our third runner is Echo of Light who is likely to start favourite. At his best he will be hard to beat.
There was much to like about English Ballet’s win at HQ last time and she is my selection in the 5.00.
Rohaani and Mutawaffer are our runners in the 5.30. Both have been underachievers this season so far and could not be tipped with any confidence here.
See you tomorrow night for a look at Sunday.
ahorse 