It is always nice to tip a winner but some give you more of a buzz than others. Bagber is no world beater but he finally got off the mark at my lucky track at Kempton, fairly storming up the straight – well he went quicker than the others anyway. This was his 11th start and he had only been out of the first 4 once previously and this success was well deserved. Ryan Moore had ridden him on his previous outing, also at Kempton and had chosen to stay with him which I always think is a good sign. Sometimes when a horse keeps getting placed it is because he is not genuine but with Bagber it was more that he is not the quickest and kept finding one or two too good for him. Harry Dunlop found him a winning opportunity at Kempton though and Ryan Moore gave the horse a good ride from the front.
There is flat racing at Ayr, Catterick and Warwick tomorrow. And there are a few runners from my list to follow dotted about. There are a couple in the Ayr 2.40, Northside Prince and Jachol. Northside Prince has been running well enough but like Bagber has not managed to get his head in front. He remains capable of winning off a mark of 65. Jachol is also a maiden after 7 starts and was a beaten favourite last time out at Newmarket. That was over 12 furlongs and the drop back in trip tomorrow may well see him in a better light. This is probably not a race to get too carried away with but Northside Prince should go well as long as the soft ground does not present him with any problems. He does have plenty of stamina on the dam’s side.
In the 3.40 Woodsley House has dropped to the same mark as his last two wins which should enable him to be competitive. He is a course winner and seems to act on any ground. On the negative side the stable could be in better form.
Casual Garcia had shown nothing in his races this season until finishing 4th at Pontefract 10 days ago. A change of tactics may have helped on that occasion as he was ridden with much more restraint. He runs in the 3.20 at Catterick tomorrow and in an open race he has a sporting chance.
I have been tipping Cook’s Endeavour all season with no success. He turns out again in the 3.50 at Catterick after running poorly at Redcar last time. I still have the feeling that he is better than he has shown this season but it is difficult to drum up a case for him on the form book.
Burma Rock was not beaten far by the highly rated Glass Harmonium last year as a 2 year old but has disappointed in his 2 starts this season. He may well be capable of better and is worth another chance in the Warwick 5.00.
Moving on to Thursday I would fancy Prince Rhyddarch in the 2.40 at Ayr if the ground is riding soft. He has dropped a few pounds in the handicap and if getting his ground should go well.
I thought that One Good Emperor made an encouraging debut at Goodwood and should benefit from the experience in the 3.50 at Lingfield.
My thanks to David Hebb for the photo of Catterick racecourse.
Bye for now.
ahorse 