Having successfully tipped the Oaks winner can we do the double with the Derby tomorrow? After a good deal of deliberation and a few changes of mind I have decided to go for Sea the Stars who has the proven class, if not quite the certain stamina. I will take Gan Amhras and Black Bear Island to complete the 1-2-3.
I started with a short list of 3 for the 1.25. Goliath’s Boy was badly hampered when last of 8 at Chester but was a runaway winner of a Catterick maiden last season before finishing 4th in a listed race in France. London Bridge was runner up to Monitor Closely on his debut as a 2 year old. He has only had 3 starts and got off the mark at Newmarket on fast ground. He makes his handicap debut here and a mark of 82 may underestimate his ability. Union Island is yet to finish out of the first 3 in his 6 career starts. His most recent effort was when 2nd in a competitive handicap at York. I have a lot of respect for Union Island who looks sure to run well but my selection has to be London Bridge who could well be better than his current rating.
Spacious only won once last season but was runner up in the 1,000 Guineas and 4th in the Coronation Stakes. Four year olds have a good recent record in the 2.25 and Spacious has the class to maintain that trend. Sirens Gift and Crimson Fern are my each way suggestions for the “Dash” at 3.00.
The 4.30 is an open race where Red Kestrel is my “sporting” selection. He was 7th last time over a trip short of his best and has been dropped 3 lbs by the assessor since. The 12 furlongs tomorrow should play more to his strengths.
Dandy Nicholls has a strong hand in the 5.05 with 7 runners. It is never easy to “pick” from a Nicholls mass entry. Cape Vale has a race in him at some stage and it would not surprise me if he came good here but for my selection I am going for Something who won a Kempton handicap in April and may still be ahead of the handicapper.
In the opener at Doncaster I like the look of Errigal Lad who looked a sprinter on the upgrade when 2nd at Newcastle last week. Mark Johnston’s horses are generally running well and he can land the 2.35 at Doncaster with Roman Republic. This son of Cape Cross has only had 2 runs and is open to plenty of improvement.
We have had plenty of success with the ultra tough Archer’s Road and I am going to stick with Mick Channon’s 2 year old in the 2.20 at Musselburgh. In the 2.50 there are 3 runners from my list to follow and they all have a really good chance. Choosing between Alanbrooke, King’s Destiny and Holyrood is very difficult. King’s Destiny was probably not suited by the track when a beaten favourite at Chester and I am going to give him the narrowest of edges over Alanbrooke who looks the main danger. Holyrood, a rare runner from his stable at this track wears a first time visor and any market support for him would be worth noting.
Hitchens represents my list to follow in the 3.20 but it is not a race I have a strong view on.
There is evening racing at both Lingfield and Newcastle where I will highlight a few unraced 2 year olds to look out for. In the Lingfield 6.50 Pellinore is a sister to the 2,000 Guineas winner Footstepsinthesand, while a daughter of that horse, Chachamaidee is one to look out for in the 7.20.
Opus Dei could run well at a big price in the Newcastle 6.40.
Today’s pictures are by kind permission of the artist Jo Stockdale.
Good luck
ahorse 