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.
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