I was going to put up Cityscape for the 2.00 at Haydock but his participation is in doubt because of the going. He is best with some ease in the ground but with a dry day forecast in Lancashire he may miss the race. In the circumstances I will bring on Desert Myth as my sub. He ran well at Goodwood last time I thought and there may be more to come.
It does look a tricky day all round from a betting aspect and the 2.30 is a wide open affair. Anglezarke showed signs of a return to form last time and is one possibility while Archers Road is a tough sort and has a good draw.
Starspangledbanner should win the 3.35. His main rival looks to be Regal Parade but the drying ground won’t help his cause. If there is to be a surprise Lady of the Desert or perhaps Our Jonathon might supply it.
The consistent Tuscan Gold can get back to winning ways in the 4.20 at Kempton while Primeaval is only 3 lbs higher than when winning over course and distance earlier in the season and could go well at a price in the 5.25.
At Thirsk the track could suit the front running style of Green Lightning in the Hambleton Cup at 2.55. In the 4.05 I see that stable jockey Paul Hannigan rides Aquarian Spirit for the first time for over a year which might be significant.
At Leopardstown Music Show has the form in the 2.40 but at a bigger price Spacious could be worth an interest. In the 3.45 I fancy Rip Van Winkle to confirm the Juddmonte form with Twice Over.
My only selection at Wolverhampton is Kenyan Cat in the 9.20.
At York on Sunday Jo’burg is dropped in class in the 3.10. Mistoffelees looks to be on an upward curve and the handicapper may not have caught up with him yet. He is my selection in the 5.20 where Royal Trooper could be the danger.
Today’s picture is courtesy of the artist Ruth Buchanan.
ahorse 