I am penning these notes a little earlier than usual but I see we have already had one winner today thanks to It’s Tough at Perth (5/2). I will start my preview of Thursday and Friday with a look at a couple of prospects for the jumps meeting at Perth tomorrow.
Noble Alan won twice at Newcastle last season, once in a bumper and then in a novice hurdle. He retains his novice status until the end of the month and runs in the 2.20. He should win more races this season especially where he does not encounter soft ground. The other one I like at Perth is Crescent Island in the 2.50. He ran 5 times over hurdles last season winning twice and finishing in the first 3 in the reminder. He looks the type to be even better over fences.
There are several runners from my list to follow running on the flat tomorrow. Perhaps Ascot Lime has the best chance, in the 4.30 at Pontefract. He is a progressive 3 year old with a willing attitude and represents the same trainer/jockey combination that won the race last season.
Other runners from our flat list are, Smarterthanuthink (Pontefract 5.30) and 3 more at Great Leighs, Fantasy Fighter (7.20), Houghton (8.20) and Piverina (9.20).
The main flat meetings on Friday are at Ascot and Haydock Park.
Starting at Ascot Amenjena represents our list to follow in the 2.10. Andrew Balding’s filly was a winner at Kempton before being tried in Group and listed class in her next two outings. Runner up in a handicap at Windsor on her last start she comes into tomorrow’s race with an each way chance.
Film Maker has done well for me this season winning at Redcar and Great Leigh’s. He was a bit disappointing on his last run at Lingfield and wears blinkers for the first time in the 2.45 tomorrow. He has trip and ground in his favour but is 7 lbs higher in the weights than when winning at Great Leigh’s.
Looking at the 29 runner Watership Down Stud Sales Race at 3.20 6 of the last 7 winners have been drawn 18 or higher. Prowl has only had one run and showed some promise when 3rd at Leicester but she is drawn 10. Having said that last season’s winner came out of stall 11 so perhaps there is hope. Lack of experience in such a big field might be a problem though. Ballyalla looked good when winning at Newbury but made no show in a listed contest on her next run. She has a chance from a high draw while the other one I like is Penny’s Gift but she is drawn 7.
Island Vista won a maiden at Newbury first time out last month and the runner up, Duncan has won well since. She takes on listed company in the 3.55 so will have to find plenty of improvement but as she has only run twice that is by no means impossible. The other runner from our list to follow in this race is Wood Chorus. This filly seems best on rain softened ground so may not have conditions in her favour.
Alicante was 9th of 11 over 6 furlongs at Catterick 5 days ago and is out again over the same trip at Haydock on Friday. This filly is bred to stay much further and it looks as though she is being campaigned with her 2009 handicap mark in mind!
Navajo Joe represents out list to follow in the 4.55. He won at Lingfield in June but has spoiled his chance in subsequent races by pulling too hard. He will need to settle much better before he wins again.
Late update – Southwell 4.45 – selection Great Endeavour.
The pictures today are by courtesy of the artist Jane Dunn (see links).
The next update will be on Friday evening.
ahorse 