Day: May 1, 2010

 

I had a really poor day on the tipping front with Jukebox Jury a lone hit amidst a plethora of misses!

On the basis that things can hardly get any worse here goes with a preview of Sunday’s action.

Starting at Newmarket I have a list of 4 probables for the handicap at 2.05. Jim Goldie sends down Hillview Boy from his Glasgow base. Although a 6 year old he does not have many miles on the clock, handles any ground and looks a major player. Chiberta King has a good record at this trip and although given no favours by the handicapper may still have scope for improvement. Tinaar is a lightly raced filly who has been in the first two in over 50% of her starts. She should be suited by Newmarket and is one for any shortlist. Dangerous Midge has been raised 11 lbs for his win at Doncaster last month but may well have further improvement in him, especially now that he tackles 12 furlongs for the first time. Dangerous Midge gets my selection with Tinaar the main danger.

Sariska is a top class filly but it might be worth taking her on, especially if the ground is riding on the quick side in the 2.40. Strawberrydaiquery comes from a stable that has won this race for the last 3 years and this filly has done nothing but improve so far. She could well come out on top here. Spacious should not be written off running over what might well be her optimum trip. The Sir Michael Stoute filly is the selection though.

Special Duty can make it a memorable weekend for the French in the 1,000 Guineas. There are plenty of others with chances and a case could be made for Music Show, Seta, Pipette, Rumoush and Pollenator. Music Show would be my reserve choice.

Jonny Mudball is a potential improver in the 3.55 and should strip fitter for his recent run at Doncaster. Of the others Hawkeyethenoo comes here on the back of a win and although he is yet to win at 6 furlongs the trip will not be a problem for him. Hitchens runs well fresh and is another to consider.

Principal Role looks the form pick in the 5.05, while in the 5.40 I am torn between London Stripe and Tajaarub.

Dungannon was an eye catching 5^th on his only start as a 2 year old and if he can carry that promise forward he should figure prominently in the Salisbury 1.50.

Dafeef won well at Newmarket on his second start as a juvenile. While not looking entirely straightforward he clearly has ability. He is my selection in the Salisbury 2.20. Sticking with the lightly raced 3 year olds Roger Charlton has an interesting runner with Spoken in the 3.30. A course winner over a mile last season he will have no trouble with the extra 2 furlongs here.

Up at Hamilton Hawk Mountain has quite a bit going for him in the 4.15.

My thanks to the artist Jane Dunn for today’s picture.

Good luck

 

The Newmarket Guineas meeting kicks off tomorrow with a competitive handicap at 1.55. Top weight Distant Memories has only been out of the first 2 twice in his 8 race career. He comes here on the back of a second at Pontefract and with Jamie Spencer riding he has to be given a live chance. The negative factor could be the ground as he appears to need going on the soft side. Significant rain would aid his chance. Shamali is a lightly raced 5 year old who was most progressive last season and could be better than handicap class. He seems to handle any going. Brunston won the Newbury Spring Cup last week and has gone up 5 lbs as a result. The extra furlong will suit him and he goes well on fast ground. My selection is Shamali with a saver on Distant Memories if there is an “S” in the going description or Brunston on quicker ground.

Jukebox Jury enjoys fast ground and looks the form pick in the 2.25.

In the 2,000 Guineas it is hard to oppose St Nicholas Abbey after his impressive display in the Racing Post Trophy. He could well be a class apart but his price certainly reflects that. Elusive Pimpernel was runner up to the O’Brien horse at Doncaster but has since won the Craven and it is hard to see him being out of the frame. Of those at bigger prices Fencing Master, Xtension and Awzaan look the pick. St Nicholas Abbey is the rather boring selection.

Total Gallery and Amour Propre do battle in the 3.40. Total Gallery may just be better over 6 furlongs and as long as the ground rides on the fast side I fancy Amour Propre to win this race for the second consecutive season.

Racy made a pleasing reappearance at Newmarket last month and looks competitive off a mark of 87 in the 4.15. The other one I really like in this is Swilly Ferry and this pair would be my two against the field. Anhar only ran twice last season but looked a nice prospect. He should be suited by fast ground and I am hoping for a big run form him in the 4.50.

I was impressed with Hynotized’s win at Kempton last month and he looks the type to stay one step ahead of the handicapper. He looks sure to go well in the 5.25. The other one I like is Balducci who won at Newmarket in April. These would be my two against the field.

My only selection at Goodwood is Mykingdomforahorse each way in the 2.15.

At Doncaster keep an eye on Dandarell in the 6.10. This gelding did enough in two runs as a juvenile to suggest that there are races to be won with him.

Citrus Star did little wrong last season and showed a good attitude in his races. An improving sort he could surprise the favourite in the 7.15. In the same race I would not discount Rodrigo de Torres.

Trainer James Given had a winner today with Dandino and I quiet like the chances of his Royal Trooper in the 8.20. Heavy rain is forecast for Doncaster and some give in the ground will suit this one.

Up at Thirsk Bosses Destination may find the trip on the short side in the 2.55 but he is one to watch out for when he gets a handicap rating.

Today’s picture is courtesy of the artist Lisa Miller.