I enjoyed the racing from Newmarket today, especially so as we had a couple of winners from the list to follow.
Degas Art took the listed race at 3.35 under a top ride from the in form Kerrin McEvoy. The horse ran on his own down the inside rail which may have suited him as he got upset in the preliminaries and may have benefited from his splendid isolation.
Our other winner was the well backed Rampallion in the handicap that closed the days proceedings. He had not run for a year so this was a good training performance. He was also carried wide in the closing stages.
Indian Ink won the Middle Park, not bad for a filly that was bought for only 25,000 guineas. She is by Indian Ridge, a stallion that usually produces progeny that act with give in the ground. Later on the card, Desert Dew won the maiden and he is also by Indian Ridge.
There is no shortage of racing over the weekend and I will begin at Newmarket.
Olympian Odyssey was 3rd in the 2,000 Guineas and that form has worked out pretty well. He should therefore go well in the Group 3 Joel Stakes at 2.35.
The Group 1 Sun Chariot Stakes at 3.10 looks a hot race but Peeress will be suited by the ground and has the class to win this. Soviet Song may just not be quite the force of old and mud lover Musicanna could be the main threat.
And so to the 36 runner Cambridgeshire. There is plenty of interest for the Russellform followers as there are a number of runners from the list. Cesare, Hinterland, Rahaani, Blythe Knight, My Paris, Pinpoint and Kamanda Laugh. Cesare is a doubtful starter so I will leave him out of the equation. A case can be made for all of these for one reason or another. Rohaani showed much improved form to win at York last time out and could be well handicapped. He might need faster ground though so I will pass him by. Kamanda Laugh is something of a course specialist but his recent form would be a worry. Blythe Knight is at his best on soft ground and is well drawn so he can’t be ruled out, especially as he ran well last time out. My Paris was 3rd in this last season but like Kamanda Laugh has not been at his best this season. Hinterland and Pinpoint are both lightly raced and have good form this season. Of the two Hinterland has the better draw and I will burden him with my selection.
In the 4.55 our runners are Minority Report, Easy Air and Kenmore. Of the 3 Kenmore is the most likely to have the ground conditions in his favour.
Whispering Death (5.30) has won twice for our list this season and is ridden by Kerrin McEvoy who can seemingly do no wrong. I think that the trip might be on the short side for Whispering Death and in addition his best form has been on fast ground.
Up at Redcar Asturias is my each way fancy in the opener at 1.45. He was noted making late headway on his debut when 5th of 10 at Kempton.
Course and distance winner Rio Riva looks to hold a sound chance in the 2.20 where capable 5 lbs claimer Jamie Moriaty has been booked to ride.
In the 2.50 Hoh Mike has the form in the book and is also well drawn.
Goodricke would be good enough in the listed race at 3.25 if back to his best. Prince of Light has each way claims. It will also be interesting to see how New Seeker goes for his new trainer, although conditions seem unlikely to be in his favour.
In the Kempton 2.10 my selection is the course and distance winner Monzante. In the 3.15 Intrepid Jack has possibilities. He well handicapped and has won on the all weather. Trip may just be on the short side.
Our list horse Scottish Pancake is my hopeful selection in the 4.25. He was well backed last time out on his seasonal reappearance but had no chance when the jockey’s saddle slipped.
Our list representative in the 5.00 is Exmoor who won earlier in the season at 8/1 but has done little since.
The Godolphin horses are running well at present and Echo of Light can add to their recent tally in the 3.25 at Longchamp.
On Sunday one of our list horses Benbaun, is in Japan at Nakayama where he will contest the Group 1 Sprinters Stakes.
The highlight at Tipperary on Sunday is the return to action of star hurdler Harchibald while also at Tipperary Cuan Na Grai seeks to extend his unbeaten run in the 4.55.
Reverence and Moss Vale represent our list to follow in the 2.15 at Longchamp. If the ground is riding soft I would fancy Reverence to complete his 5th win of the season.
The Group 1 at 2.50 features Alexandrova and Nannina, with preference for the Irish filly. I don’t have any strong views on the Arc. Shirocco to beat Hurricane Run perhaps.
Have a good weekend.
ahorse 