Having been away in the Scottish Highlands for a week I will spend tonight’s bulletin looking back at the racing highlights of the past 7 days.
Saturday May 29
Despite drifting in the market Business as Usual outbattled the favourite to win at Newmarket and could go on to contests some of the better handicaps. In the same Munsarim didn’t really get a clear run and might be worth another chance as his jockey was not hard on him once his chance had gone. High Standing registered an 8th career success when landing the listed sprint at Haydock for in form trainer William Haggas.
Sunday May 30
A good day on the tipping front with wins for both Man of Action and Swiss Dream. Contredanse (9/4) confirmed herself a fast improving filly by winning the Italian Oaks under a strong ride from Kieren Fallon.
Monday May 31
The big handicap on bank holiday Monday was the Zetland Gold Cup at Redcar where Forte Dei Marmi got the better of another highly progressive sort in Sweet Lightning. London Gold won at Leicester for Henry Candy. He looks the sort that could win again so is one to keep tabs on. I was pleased to see Tropical Paradise, something of an old favourite, win at Goodwood at the rather generous odds at 25/1.
Tuesday June 1
This is usually a good time of year for trainer Sir Mark Prescott and he landed an across the card double thanks to Comedy Act at Leicester and Aestival at Yarmouth. Both were following up wins from a few days earlier in true Prescott fashion.
Friday June 4
Aestival duly landed the hat trick making light of a 12 lbs penalty and it will be interesting to see where he goes next.
I had quite a “hot tip” for Bea Remembered at The Curragh but couldn’t pass it on – no Internet Access in the Hebridean Islands! Anyway she won quite nicely and could be one to stay with. Another worth keeping an eye on is Exelabration a two year old trained by Marco Botti. He won over 6 furlongs at Doncaster and could win again, possibly over 7 furlongs. Staying at Doncaster Ruth Carr had a winner with Ninth House. She has her horses in good form at present and this one looks well handicapped.
For me the best performance of the day came from Fame and Glory who beat Sariska in a strong renewal of the Coronation Cup. Fame and Glory looks aptly named and with no Sea the Stars to contend with this season he should go on to land some more of the major middle distance prizes.
Saturday June 5
What a performance by Workforce. You could of course crab the form with the 100/1 pacemaker in runner up spot but you can’t argue with the record time and winning distance. The true test for Workforce will, of course, come when he takes on the older horses later in the year.
The Elite Racing Club are enjoying a successful period and Dandino gave them a nice winner on Derby Day quickening away well under Paul Mulrennan in the opener. Up at Musselburgh Hamish McGonigall continued his rich vein of form winning the Scottish Sprint Cup.
Just one tip for later on tonight. We’ll Deal Again didn’t get the clearest of runs when 3rd at Ripon last month and looks good value in the 9.05 at Newcastle. The Unbeaten Cape Blanco can give Aiden O’Brien a first win in the French Derby tomorrow.
ahorse 