The racing this week has been dross in the main, not that my tipping has been much better! I did give the John Dunlop 3 year old Perks a positive write up prior to his win at Haydock on Saturday though and I feel he could be one to keep an eye on for the remainder of the season. He has only been raised 9 lbs for his comprehensive win which does not seem over harsh. He also seems to handle most types of going which is a plus.
In the more immediate future Sir Mark Prescott’s 2 year old filly Florentia (pictured below) appeals as a likely winner of the 2.40 at Beverley tomorrow. She is a half sister to 8 winners which is a good start, and she showed some promise on her debut run when she finished 4th at Sandown last week. A danger may come from Impressible. This filly is bred for speed being a half sister to Reverence by the top sprinter Oasis Dream. Although she is yet to get off the mark after 4 runs she shaped quite well last time at Chester over 6 furlongs and this shorter trip may suit her better.
Another dropping down in trip is William Blake in the 3.15. He ran well at Goodwood in a 12 furlong handicap before fading in the latter stages. Before that he had been second against older horses at Ascot over 10 furlongs. He runs over a mile and a quarter tomorrow and he is a course and distance winner. Another that deserves a mention in this race is Tufton who comes here on the back of 2 wins. His trainer has won this race 3 times in the last 5 years.
Rossini’s Dancer has not been one of the more successful horses on my list to follow and remains a maiden after 10 races. He runs in the 5.00 at Beverley in an amateur riders handicap but given his form this season I wouldn’t be confident about his chances.
John Gosden’s Dar Re Mi has been running consistently well this season winning twice. She goes over to France tomorrow to contest the Group 3 fillies race at Deauvile (3.20) and goes there with every chance.
Celtic Spur was an inexpensive purchase for trainer Andrew Balding but he made an encouraging start to his career when 2nd on his debut at Kempton. With the talented apprentice David Probert on board he might surprise the more fancied runners in the 6.00 at Great Leighs.
General Ting gives the impression that he is not the most tractable of horses but he certainly has some ability. Already a winner at Nottingham this season he should go well in the 6.30 at Great Leighs where Seb Sanders has the ride.
Lastly, James Fanshawe’s Redford has gone up in the weights this season which might make him difficult to place in handicaps. He takes his chance at Group, 3 level tomorrow in the 4.15 at Salisbury but will need a career best performance to win. He seems best suited by ease in the ground so some rain would help his cause.
The picture of Florentia is by kind permission of British 2YO Racing
ahorse 