Michael Bell has not had a winner with his last 21 runners so we do need to exercise a degree of caution with his horses for the moment. I will put forward his runner in the Windsor 5.55, Halfway House, as one to have a close look at however. This one ran 3 times last season to gain a handicap mark but should do better this time around now that he tackles middle distances.
The same is true of the Luca Cumani trained Forte Dei Marmi who runs in the 7.55. He steps back up to a mile tomorrow after an encouraging effort over 7 furlongs when he finished 4th on his final start last season at Yarmouth. My other selection at Windsor is Putra One who I hope can go one better than his last run when 2nd at Yarmouth.
Moving on to Tuesday there is a competitive sprint at Bath (5.05). My two against the field in this are Crimson Fern and Look Busy.
Bullet Man was a big disappointment when a well beaten favourite at Yarmouth earlier this month. He had previously impressed when winning at Lingfield in December and may be worth another chance in the Windsor 7.05. My selection in this race though is Ed Dunlop’s Stone of Scone. This one was 6th in the Wood Ditton last season and then went on to impress many good judges when winning a maiden at Great Leighs. He suffered a minor setback after that and did not run again last season. He is well bred and held in high regard by his trainer. Ryan Moore has the ride.
In the 7.35 Aestival follows a well worn path that you will recognise if you follow trainer Sir Mark Prescott. Given 3 runs in quick succession as a juvenile over sprint distances he starts his handicap career over 10 furlongs and a mark of 53.
Venture Capitalist ran 3 times last season showing most promise on the last of these outings when 3rd at Wolverhampton. He looks one to follow and starts his 3 year old campaign in the 8.05.
I will try to update the site on Monday evening with some thoughts on the racing at Punchestown.
My thanks to the artists Jenny Lupton for the portrait of former Punchestown Gold Cup winner Beef or Salmon, and Katy Sodeau for her picture of racing at Windsor.
ahorse 