I am going to start Friday’s preview with a look at the 4.30 at Ascot, a race where Mark Johnston has trained 3 of the last 10 winners. He saddles William Blake this time, a winner twice on the all weather and also at Beverley earlier in the year. He didn’t make much show off his current mark of 88 on his first two starts after being reassessed but his last run, when 3rd over course and distance was more encouraging. The trainer’s record in the race certainly cannot be ignored.
Earlier on the Ascot card there is a good word for the unraced 2 year old Almiqdaad in the 2.45.
Houghton was sent off favourite on his first run this season and Newbury back in April but could only finished a rather one paced 4th. His stable was not going particularly well at the time and the fact that he has been given a long break may indicate that there was a problem with him. He is related to various winners, such at the high class Yellowstone, Londoner who was once a fancy for the Triumph hurdle and Groom’s Affection who I backed successfully to win at 10/1 in 2004! Houghton is worth another chance in the 6.10 at Newmarket.
Richard Fahey has his runners in great form and he sends Trojan Flight down to Newmarket for the 7.40. Trojan Flight was an unlucky loser at York last month and then didn’t get his favoured fast ground when down the field at Newcastle. He is a tricky to win with as he needs to be held up but if everything falls right for him he is well capable of winning this.
Sheer Bluff and Merrion Tiger represent out list to follow in the 8.45. The former has tended to pull rather hard. Merion Tiger has a bit of an each way chance on ground that he should appreciate.
Our list to follow is represented in the 6.30 at York by Pacific Pride. After winning first time out he has not shown much spark since.
In the 8.00 Peruvian Prince is just preferred to course and distance winner Birkside.
My thanks to Paul Turner for the use of his photo of a close finish at Cartmel. Just a reminder that the jumps season is not too far away!
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