There was a time when you would be pretty reluctant to back a horse that had been off the track for a long time. Improvements in training facilities have largely changed all that and this has been amply demonstrate this week. First Pekan Star won at Nottingham on Thursday having not run since August 28 2009 and then this afternoon Modeyra won the listed race at Newmarket having his first run since 23 October 2009.
It has been a reasonably successful week for me. One of my winning tips was Byrony who has done really well for these pages with 4 wins this season. She is by the sire Byron who won 3 races back in 2003 & 2004 and I tipped him each time!
Tomorrow we have racing at the HQ of both codes with action at Newmarket and Cheltenham. I will start at Newmarket where it is Champions Day and one of the best cards of the whole season.
Delegator will take some beating in the 1.50 where High Standing and Cat Junior have each way claims.
The Dewhurst at 2.25 looks one of the strongest renewals for many years. Frankel has been most impressive in his two wins so far but at 4/6 his price looks skinny and I am inclined to take him on with Dream Ahead who looks better value.
The Champion Stakes at 3.00 is maybe not the strongest renewal. It may pay to side with Vision D’Etat who has proven form at this level with 4 Group 1 wins on his CV. In addition French trained horses have a good record in the race in recent years.
The Cesarewitch at 3.40 is as competitive as ever. Precision Break comes here on the back of a win in the Mallard Stakes at York but there may be slight stamina doubts. He does have a favourable draw however. Hawk Mountain does not have too many miles on the clock and is another that comes into the race on the back of a win at York. He may have further improvement in him and appeals as one that might stay. Royal Trooper has won his last two racing from the front. If the same tactics are used he will at least avoid traffic problems in this big field. Act of Kalanisi is another last time out winner his success coming at, you’ve guessed it, York. That was over 2.25 miles and he looks certain to get the trip. Cosmic Sun won at Ayr last month and the runner up has franked the form by winning since.
Red Cadeaux proved his stamina when runner up in the trial for this race last month and is one for the short list. Dayia was 4th last year and although higher in the weights she will relish the stamina test. For my selection I am going to with Hawk Mountain at 25/1 but I will also have a little each way saver on Jim Old’s Gala Evening who has been running well this season, should be OK for stamina and looks as though he has been saved for this race.
Rumoush and High Heeled are my two against the field in the 4.50 while Patkai can defy a long absence from the track and prove my point made earlier in the Jockey Club Cup at 5.25.
The jumps season steps up a gear with the first meeting of the season at Cheltenham. Aiteen Thirtythree went into last season with quite a lofty home reputation but failed to win a race. He should be able to atone for that in the 2.05 when he will be ridden by Ruby Walsh in a race to promote that jockey’s autobiography.
Wayward Prince enjoyed a successful season over hurdles in 2009/10 culminating in his success in the Grade 1 Sefton Novices. He looks the type to make a decent staying chaser and can get off the mark in that sphere in the 3.50.
Scampi Boy should give us a run for our money in the 4.25 while Captive Audience for up and coming trainer Rebecca Curtis should go well in the 5.00.
At Catterick Johannes is potentially well treated in the 3.25 and is also a course winner. Star Rover and Our Jonathon are others to consider. My selection in the 5.45 is Captain Macarry.
Today’s pictures are courtesy of the artist Lisa Miller.
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