We are back at Ascot again tomorrow where my selections have mainly failed to cover themselves in glory during the week.
I was hopeful that Tajaaweed would have a good season for Sir Michael Stoute. The former Dee Stakes winner began his campaign at Longchamps where he was 8th in Group 1 behind Vision D’Etat. Fast ground may not be ideal for him though and I see that Ryan Moore has elected to ride another Chester winner, Doctor Freemantle in the 3.05.
Crackentorp was 2nd at Goodwood at the end of May. He is a lightly raced sort and should be suited by a good gallop as he appears to have plenty of stamina. He is my main hope in the 5.00.
The marathon trip of the 5.35 will take some getting so proven stamina is a key requisite for any selection. Tyrrells Wood is a dual hurdles winner and won on the flat at Pontefract over 2 miles one in a truly run race. Tasheba is another winning hurdler that comes into this race with a sound chance. He won on the flat over 17 furlongs for Peter Chapple-Hyam and scored over hurdles at Ascot and Cheltenham.
Siren’s Gift doesn’t always look the most straightforward and has gone off the boil a bit since finishing a close up 3rd to Look Busy at Bath. Although she doesn’t have a great strike rate I can’t help thinking that she has a nice race in her at some point this season. She runs in the Ayr 2.55 but might find the track and going not quite to her liking. Keep an eye on her for the future though on fast ground and a sharp track.
Red Kestrel started the season on a mark of 95 which seemed rather harsh. Two defeats have seen that rating reduce to 88 which should enable him to be more competitive in the Ayr 3.25 where the step up in distance will also be a plus factor.
Seafield Towers is on a losing run of 35 which must put him up there with the least successful flat horses. His last win came at Ayr back in 2005 and he returns to the scene of that triumph for the 4.35. His 3 career wins have come at 4/1, 33/1 and 20/1 – he is 33/1 in the RP for tomorrow’s race. Are we in for another big price win from 9 year old? I probably wouldn’t bet on it – at least not with very much money!
Invincible Lad has been in fine form lately but has risen to a career high mark as a result. He still comes into the reckoning in the 5.10 though.
There are a couple of runners at Newmarket that are worth a close look. I liked the way that Bravo Echo ran when 3rd at Sandown and he is my selection in the 2.10. In the 4.55 I like the look of the Godolphin newcomer In Footlights, on paper at least.
At Haydock there are a couple of runners from my list to follow in the 9.05. Hey Up Dad is yet to find his form this season so I will go with Mr Freddy from the in form stable of Richard Fahey.
Today’s pictures are by courtesy of the artist Katie Scorgie.
Good luck
ahorse 