Johnny Murtagh has chosen Cape Blanco from the 5 O’Brien entries in tomorrow’s Irish Derby and I am inclined to follow his judgement. Jan Vermeer is the obvious danger.
In the 3.50 the in form Hawkeyethenoo is well drawn and should go close while Hitchens could be the danger. He goes particularly well fresh and is having his first run of the season. I will also have a third selection in this race with Oldjoesaid who has not shown his best form for a while but has ability and just might pull off a surprise.
The 2.15 is a tricky race as there are negatives against the two horses that I am most interested in. Course specialist Benbaun (pictured below) was disappointing on his last start and he is getting on a bit at the age of 9. He does have a great record at the Curragh though with form figures of 211221111231 – quite remarkable really. The other one I like is Arctic who is unbeaten at the Curragh having won both his races there. They were both on heavy ground though and his ability to handle the going has to be taken on trust.
There are a couple of real old timers in the Salisbury 3.00 where The Tatling (pictured below) aged 13 and the 10 year old Cape Royal have won 26 races between them. I would give both an each way chance.
Exelabration (4.10) and Mykingdomforahorse (3.35) are others to look out for at the Wiltshire track.
At Windsor Excello looks the one to beat in the 4.00 with Marlinka the likely danger. In the 4.35 The Scorching Wind is potentially well handicapped.
High Heeled impressed when 3rd to Fame and Glory at Epsom and is my selection in the 2.40 at Saint-Cloud. At Uttoxeter Ballycarney is worth a small each way interest in the 2.40.
The pictures of Benbaun and The Tatling are courtesy of the Artists Karen Davies and Lisa Miller.
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