After an abysmal set of results for me on Friday afternoon things took a turn for the better in the evening when Ivy Creek won the listed race at Goodwood. He had run well at Chester last month and was always travelling best of all. The only risk was that Steve Drowne wouldn’t find a way through the wall of horses in front of him but when a gap, albeit a small one did appear Ivy Creek had the acceleration to make the most of it.
Saturday was a much better day for our horses to follow. Enough has been written about the Derby so I won’t add too much. It was good to see the likeable Dettori triumph and it clearly meant a lot to him. The race went according to the form book really and my 1 – 2 – 3 forecast on Friday night was nearly spot on.
Apart from Authorized, All the Good and Hogmaneigh were other winners from our list to follow. I was keen on the chances of All the Good who seemed to have just about everything going for him but I didn’t give Hogmaneigh the most positive of write ups.
There were promising runs from other horses on our list. The sprint handicap that opened the card at Musselburgh was of special interest to me as it involved 3 runners from my list to follow. The course specialist How’s She Cuttin’ was my tip but she was beaten into 2nd place. It was a creditable run though as she arced up the centre of the course, while the winner, Raccoon had the rail. Old Bo McGinty was 3rd and should find a race soon, possibly at a stiffer track. The disappointment was Blazing Heights. Trainer Jim Goldie was bullish about this one before the off but the 4 year old could only finish 9th. I think we can ignore his run here. The winner Raccoon was scoring for the 7th time and the 3rd his season. He went 3 years without a win but has really recaptured his form this term.
In the 12 furlong handicap later on the card at the Scottish track both Gull Wing and Aureate should be winning soon as they ran well in 2nd and 3rd respectively.
Before leaving this brief review of the last few days mention must be made of a couple of old friends, Blythe Knight and Sierra Vista who both claimed Group race victories for the first time in their careers. At Epsom the excellent Blythe Knight had far too much resolution for the Godolphin trained Blue Ksar. This was his 8th career win which include the Lincoln Handicap and a Grade 2 Novice Hurdle at Aintree. Sierra Vista has had plenty of coverage in these pages. She only cost 500 Guineas and started her career in a seller at Catterick. On Friday she made every yard to win the Temple Stakes at Sandown, her 12th career win. For the record Moss Vale was 2nd and the improving Firenze 3rd. Incidentally Dandy Nicholls turned Moss Vale out again today in France and he ran a very creditable 2nd.
There are plenty of meetings to choose from tomorrow – too any probably!
Starting at Carlisle Chain of Gold is related to a number of winners and is apparently well thought of by connections. He makes his debut in the 2.20.
In the 3.50 Tomorrow’s Dancer is dropped down to sprint distances. He could be well handicapped and has a good draw but the stable form would be a minor concern.
In the 3.00 at Leicester Five A Side could eb well handicapped and is the sort of horse his trainer does well with.
In the 3.30 Princess Valerina only has 3 rivals in an open looking race nonetheless. She has not lived up to expectation so far this season but may find the ease in the ground more to her liking.
Mirthful was 4th at Newbury last time and did enough to suggest she has an each way chance in the 4.30.
The 3.40 at Naas looks to be between Dandy Man and Tax Free.
Coup D’Etat is certainly handicapped to win a race off a amrk of 72. He would be in with a real shout in the Thirsk 6.45 if at his best.
In the 7.30 at Windsor I am interested in Fisberry who is a course and distance winner. He has the ability to win a race or two this season.
There are two runners from our list to follow in the 8.00, Baltic King and Borderlescott. Baltic King should have his ideal conditions and has a good chance. Borderlescott was runner up to Sierrra Vista on his last outing and that form speaks for itself.
In the 8.30 Mia’s Boy may finally come good. Clearly well thought of at home he has not yet produced the goods on the racecourse. Sir Michael Stoute’s Garden Party is also interesting.
Bye for now.
ahorse 