Since starting my handicap hints list the fab 4 of Harrison George, Hamish Macgonagall, Dubai Dynamo and Hanoverian Baron have really done me proud. I have decided to remove them from the list now as they have effectively done their job and in so doing moved up the handicap! I am going to stay loyal to the following quintet, Striking Spirit, Suruor, Big Noise, Mull of Killough and Webbow but I also want to add a few more. Genki has suffered from a poor draw on his last two runs but has a race in him if things fall right while Sweet Lightning can win if dropped in trip. Riggins, who was a fast finishing 3rd in the Royal Hunt Cup is the third of my new signings.
None of these will be contesting the Northumberland Plate at Newcastle tomorrow but as always the race has attracted a decent field and presents a tricky problem to solve. Mamlook is a good starting point as he has only gone up 4lbs for his win in the Chester Cup. He is consistent, we know he stays and he has Seb Sanders in the saddle who was successful on another David Pipe runner, Junior, at Royal Ascot. Mamlook was my tip at Chester and he is well worth considering again here as is Halla San who was 3rd at Chesterc and was runner up in this race in 2008 only beaten a head. He is 6 lbs higher in the ratings than he was that day. Bernie the Bolt was a leading fancy for the Chester race but was poorly drawn on the Roodeye and can be forgiven for his failure there. He has proven stamina though and handles fast ground. His stable companion Chiberta King is another to consider. He is untried at the trip but has won over 14 furlongs and likes fast ground. Mamlook and Halla San are both respected but my two against the field are the Andrew Balding pair of Bernie the Bolt and Chiberta King.
In the Newcastle 2.30 Jonny Mudball has an obvious chance after finishing runner up on his last two starts. Seb Sanders rides him for the first time tomorrow and he looks sure to go close. Poet’s Place is another worth a close look. He is having only his third career starts and there could well be a lot more to come from him. These two look the most likely winners but if you fancy something a little more spicy you could try Roker Park. He is a course and distance winner and 3 of his 4 career wins have come in the month of June.
Tim Easterby’s horses have been in good form but he has not yet been able to get a win out of Antoniola who has disappointed in his 3 starts this year after ending last season with a win at Doncaster. He is slipping down the weights a little and is worth keeping an eye on. I would be tempted to suggest him each way in the 5.20 but there are only 7 runners. His win at Doncaster was with some ease in the ground and there is always the possibility that he needs some cut. All things considered I will keep a watching brief.
Off to Newmarket next where Godolphin introduce Burj Hatta, a well bred juvenile in the 1.45.
The 2.35 at Chester is a tricky looking race to weigh up. Mujdeya looks the safest bet after her win at Newbury a couple of weeks ago. The third horse that day has come out and won since franking the form. Ejteyaaz is yet to find his form since coming over from Ireland but is almost certainly better than he has looked so far and is the danger.
Blissful Moment only has one run as a juvenile finishing 4th in a maiden that has since thrown up a number of winners. Blissfull Moment runs in the 3.10 and should go close. My other selections at Chester are Layla’s Hero in the 3.45 and course specialist Embsay Craig in the 5.25.
At Doncaster My Single Malt is well regarded by connections and should come on for his run at Haydock in the 6.40.
Today’s picture is courtesy of the artist Jo Stockdale.
Bye for now
ahorse 