There is some quality racing under both codes tomorrow. Starting with Newmarket in the 1.50 there are several runners that have already shown some promise as well as a few interesting newcomers. Balducci has been placed in his two starts on the all weather and there may well be more to come from him. He drops back to 7 furlongs here having been running over a mile but his pedigree would suggest that he may need further. Esaar has also been placed on both his starts and has created a favourable impression. Fair Trade only ran once as a juvenile finishing second over a mile at Newmarket beaten a head. The 4th home that day was well beaten this week which just lets the form down a little he ran with promise and should make a decent 3 year old. Given that there are debutants from the Stoute and Haggas stables this is a difficult race to assess. I am hoping for good runs from Esaar and Fair Trade with the latter being my selection.
The 3.00 is a valuable race for 3 year olds and looks competitive with the big stables represented. Ameer is the Godolphin runner. He showed a willing attitude when winning at Newmarket and Newbury last season before disappointing slightly in a Group 3 in France. Doctor Zhivago has won both his starts, albeit on the all weather at Southwell. His level of form is well below that of some of his rivals but he is well bred and would not be in the field if his trainer didn’t think he had a chance. Sir Michael Stoute’s Longliner was a beaten favourite on both his starts as a two year old but he is related to numerous winners and this step up to 10 furlongs could bring out the best in him. I will burden Longliner with my selection although the Irish challenger Don Carlos could well pose a threat.
There are only 7 runners in the Free Handicap at 3.35. Mata Keranjang was very consistent last season and sets a fair level of form. He should be suited by going and distance and I expect him to run well. The other one I like is Audacity of Hope, the mount of Kieren Fallon. Audacity of Hope is a course and distance winner and Fallon has won on twice from 3 attempts.
Henry Cecil has two runners in the Nell Gwynne Stakes at 4.10. On jockey bookings Principal Role looks the first choice rather than Jacqueline Quest. Principal Role won a Yarmouth maiden on her only start last season despite rearing in the stalls and losing ground at the start. She drops back to 7 furlongs here despite the fact that she holds an Oaks entry. Safina, whose dam was the top class miler Russian Rhythm, showed plenty of potential when 3rd in a Newmarket maiden on her only run at two. She looks one to follow. Kieren Fallon rides Music Show for Mick Channon. She won 3 of her 4 starts as a two year old and should b e winning more races this year. Safina and Principal Role look the pair with most scope for improvement.
In the 4.45 Henry Cecil runs Timepiece, a half sister to Passage of Time and Father Time. She won a listed contest at Newmarket last season and could well be Group class this season. She should have no trouble staying this 9 furlong trip and is one for the shortlist. Rumoush represents the Marcus Tregoning stable. She is another beautifully bred filly being a half sister to Ghanaati and Mawatheeq. She won her race nicely despite losing ground at the start and comes into the “could be anything” category. . She won her only race last season which was on the all weather at Lingfield. The other one I like in this race is John Dunlop’s runner, Mufarrh. He showed useful form last season running 3 times and winning on his final start in what looked like a decent maiden at Leicester beating Official Style and State Fair. Timepiece is very much respected here but for my selection I am going for Mufaarh.
There are positive reports about Sir Michael Stoute’s unraced colt Desert Myth and he could well be the answer in the 5.20. The 5.55 is a 20 runner handicap which at this early stage of the season will take some solving. I will put forward a couple of possible for you to consider in Kaptain Kirkup and Racy. The former is in the same ownership as The Osteopath and Osteopathic Remedy. You’ve guessed it, owner Kevin Kirkup is an osteopath and make no bones about it, he has done well with his horses so far! Kaptain Kirkup won 3 times last season and finished runner up in a listed race at Redcar. He is on a high enough mark as a result of his success last season but he is certainly one to keep an eye on. A winner at Pontefract last season we probably haven’t seen the best of Racy and he appeals as one to progress this year.
Oldjoesaid heads the weights in the 3.10 up at Beverley. Formerly trained by Henry Candy he is now with Kevin Ryan. He is best with some give in the ground and is not badly handicapped if he has conditions in his favour. Rebel Duke and Master Rooney are others to consider in this race.
In the 4.20 Layla’s Dancer has scope for improvement and comes from a stable bang in form while in the 5.30 my selection is Beat The Rush trained by Julie Camacho. He looks a stayer and this trip should suit him.
There is jumps racing at Cheltenham where old favourite Voy Por Ustedes is set to give chunks of weight away to his 7 rivals. It would be great to see Voy Por bounce back to form after what has been a poor season by his high standards. He should go well here I feel although Kangaroo Court and possibly Exmoor Ranger are likely threats.
I will put 3 horses forward for the handicap hurdle at 4.30, Alderley Rover, Qroktou and Sono Sasta.
It is certainly an interesting g days racing and I hope I have pointed the way to a few winners.
Today’s pictures are courtesy of the artist Jane Dunn.
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