Tomorrow is Oaks day where Epsom stage the third of the English classics at 4.05. Commentators have said that this is not a vintage renewal but it is a fascinating contest nonetheless and not an easy puzzle to solve.
Rainbow View started a hot favourite for the 1,000 Guineas bet never looked like justifying her market position. The firm ground was given as the reason for her below par run at Newmarket and if you are prepared to draw a line through that performance then she comes into tomorrow’s race with every chance. She may well bounce back to her brilliant juvenile form and in many ways I hope she does as the sport needs its superstars. She does have question marks though as apart from having to bounce back from her last run she is not guaranteed to stay the Oaks trip. Others to consider include Midday, the Lingfield Trial winner and Sariska who won the Musidora. Both look sure to stay and could make this a stamina test which could find out any floors in Rainbow View’s ability to get the trip.
There has been money for the Sir Michael Stoute filly Phillipina. Although still a maiden she was finishing with some purpose when just failing to get up in the Cheshire Oaks. Rainbow View may well show a blistering turn of foot and make her rivals look one paced but I am going to stick with the guaranteed staying power of Sariska for my selection.
Plum Pudding may start favourite in the 2.10 but I am inclined to oppose him. Of his 7 career wins 6 have come over the Rowley mile while the most recent, at Warwick was in a conditions event and the form may not be reliable. Bencoolen is my selection. Third in the Thirsk Hunt Cup his trainer usually does well at this meeting.
The Coronation Cup at 2.45 looks an intriguing race. Expresso Star the Lincoln winner makes his chance at Group 1 level and it will be interesting to see how he gets on. The most reliable form line though looks to be the 2008 Arc and Youmzain (2nd) and Ask (6th) meet again. Youmzain looks the percentage call for all that he doesn’t have the best of strike rates.
I had high hopes for Charm School at the start of the season but he has disappointed thus far. I have decided to look elsewhere for the winner of the 3.25 and I like the look of Seeking The Buck. A winner at Newmarket last month he doesn’t have too many miles on the clock and there may be more improvement in him.
Nasri impressed me when runner up in a listed contest at Newmarket and looks the one they all have to beat in the 4.50. He is the selection but it might also be worth a second look at Mishrif who may have run out of stamina over further at Sandown last time.
Cloudy Start represents my list to follow in the 5.25 but recent form has not been encouraging.
There is a good evening card at Doncaster where I expect Block Party to go well in the 6.05. He makes his handicap bow and is the sort that his trainer excels with.
Turning to the 7.10 Margarita is a full sister to Soviet Song and is one to consider as is Almuktahem who is a half brother to Maraahel.
Danehillsundance is an interesting runner in the 7.40. He races off a mark of 77 and he has won 3 times off higher ratings including 89. He likes fast ground and looks worth considering.
Northside Prince has been steadily improving and should go well in the 8.45.
My only selection at Goodwood is Visite Royale in the 8.25.
Today’s pictures are courtesy of the artist Jane Dunn.
ahorse 