Category: Horse racing

The racing tomorrow looks pretty uninspiring stuff so I shall fast forward to Wednesday and take a look at day 1 of the Chester May meeting.

There will be a strong Irish challenge in the Cheshire Oaks with Aiden O’Brien and John Oxx both represented but I am going to stick with the home team and Michael Jarvis and Sir Michael Stoute. They run Hidden Brief and Phillipina respectively, a couple of fillies that ran with promise on their initial outings this season and should both benefit from this step up in trip. My preference is for Hidden Brief whose sister was placed in both the Irish and Yorkshire Oaks. She may not want really quick ground so some rain would increase her chance.

Barry Hills won the Chester Cup with a 4 year old back in 1999 and I am hoping he can repeat the performance again 10 years on with Daraahem who impressed with his win at Haydock last season. He looks the sort to improve and the trip should not pose a problem. He is also well drawn and comes from an in form stable. There is of course always a catch and in this case it could be the going as Daraahem gives the impression that some ease in the ground might be needed. Watch the weather forecast! The other one I like in this race is Halla San, something of an old favourite of this web site and from the stable that provided the winner in 2007.

The 4.00 looks a trappy handicap and I have a short list of 4. Sir Mark Prescott fields two runners in this. Braveheart Move won with any amount in hand when a shock 66/1 winner at Wolverhampton last September and there may well be much more to come from him. The other Sir Mark runner is Fortuni who carries a 6 lbs penalty for hi win at Lingfield on Mat 1^st. Don’t be put off by the jockey here as Rosie Jessop who is quite capable of riding a winner.

King’s Destiny is another that has recorded a win this season, scoring over 10 furlongs at Leicester. The 4^th that day has won since. There is plenty of stamina on the dam’s side so there is a fair chance that he will stay the extra distance and he is an interesting contender. Jedi will be all the better for his run 12 days ago and also for the step up in distance. He won at Nottingham last season on heavy ground so it may be that some cut in the ground will help his cause.

My selection in the 4.35 is Harbinger who created an excellent impression when runner up in the Wood Ditton.

My thanks to Paul Myers-Bennett for the photograph of Chester racecourse.

 

Starting the bank holiday preview at Kempton I am tempted to give Invisible Man another chance in the 3.30. A beaten favourite on both of his starts so far he appears to still be held in high regard at home given his Group 1 entries. The well bred Sovereign Remedy is another interesting runner in this race.

Maverin ran quite well when 3^rd at Yarmouth last month and is one of my fancies for the 4.00. At a big price it might be worth having a look at Choral Service. He is 20/1 in the RP but is a full brother to the high class Chorist and the stable are in fine form.

Forgotten Voice looks the one to beat in the 4.30. A recent course and distance winner he shaped as though there would be more to come and can defy a rise in the weights.

Mr Freddy put in an eye catching effort at Epsom on his seasonal reappearance and he looks to be in with a good chance in the Newcastle 5.15 where Speed Dating could be better than his handicap rating and looks the danger.

Sir Michael Stoute has his team in tremendous form and his Desert Creek looks sure to go well in the 3.55 at Windsor. This son of Refuse To Bend ran out a comfortable winner on his second run as a juvenile and looks to have a bright future. The other runner that interests me in this race is Raaeidd. He was also a winner on his second outing last year showing plenty of promise at Kempton. Hopefully Philip Robinson will be fit to take the ride on him after his nasty accident yesterday aboard the stricken Chief Editor.

In the 4.25 there is a good word for Formula from the Richard Hannon yard.

There is a quality card at The Curragh where my selections are Vocalised (2.30) and Curtain Call (4.00).

Today’s picture is by kind permission of the artist Katy Sodeau (see links)

It is hard to see beyond Rainbow View in the 3.15 so she is my rather uninspiring selection.

Looking elsewhere on the Newmarket card Oldjoesaid should give us a run for our money in the 3.50 while Carleton and Fantasy Explorer are others with possibilities.

Mutamaashi dead heated for 2^nd with Firebet at Ripon last month and with that run under his belt he should be able to go one better in the 5.35 although Opinion Poll is another I like in this race.

Hajoum did enough in his two runs last season to suggest he can win races and he is my selection in the 1.45 at Salisbury, while the in form Dark Mischief will take some beating in the 2.15.

Clowance House was 3^rd to today’s winner Your Old Pal last season and looks the form pick in the 3.25 while Bagber is my each way choice in the 4.00.

At Hamilton the 5.20 looks an open race. Woodsley House could go well at a decent price but he wouldn’t want the ground too firm.

 

Newmarket 2.30 – Casual Conquest

With the first UK classics of the season the flat finally replaces national hunt racing tomorrow. For tonight’s preview the starting point has to be Newmarket and the 2,000 Guineas. Of the horses that have taken part on the various trials already this season Delegator has been the most impressive. He was held up in the Craven over course and distance and quickened away from his field nicely. He sets the standard. Cityscape (pictured below) is an attractive colt who put up a taking performance when runner up in the Greenham. He will be fitter tomorrow and will also appreciate the step back up to a mile.

I am not convinced that Finjaan is a miler and I would rather think that 7 furlongs will turn out to be his trip. Evasive won his last two starts as a juvenile and has apparently wintered well. He certainly comes into the picture although he has had a couple of training setbacks according to reports. On Our Way is probably better than the bare form of his 4^th in the Fielden Stakes last month but he has a fair bit to find with the main contenders on the book. Monitor Closely was 2^nd in a valuable sales race over 10 furlongs at Newmarket last month so stamina is not a problem although he is another that would need to find some improvement. Sea the Stars is a half brother to Derby winner Galileo and landed the Beresford Stakes at The Curragh last season. I know it is rather a boring selection but I have to go with Rip Van Winkle in this, probably at the expense of Sea the Stars and Delegator. The stable have won the race 3 times in the last 4 years and the horse probably has greater potential than his rivals.

The Palace House Stakes at 3.45 sees the return of that great old warrior Borderlescott. He has won first time out in two of the last 3 seasons and I would again hope for a big run from him. Dandy Man is one to consider if the ground is riding fast while Judge ‘n Jury steps up, from handicap company and is an interesting runner, although more give in the ground would improve his chance while Chief Editor and Amour Propre are others with big chances. Borderlescott gets my vote though with Dandy Man and Amour Propre another that will love the ground the main dangers.

Palavicini and Our Old Pal both failed to live up to the promise they had shown last season when 4^th and 5^th respectively at Newbury a fortnight ago. It is much too soon to write the pair off and I will eb interested to see how they perform in the 4.55 tomorrow. For my selection though I am going for Spring of Fame. A winner twice on the all weather last year he lost nothing in defeat when a fast finishing 2^nd at Kempton recently.

The big race at Thirsk is the Thirsk Hunt Cup at 4.15. With track and going in his favour Majuro should give us a run for our money in this and looks value at around 8/1. Dig Deep looks well handicapped at the moment and there should be a nice race in him before too long. He runs in the 4.50 but the form of the stable would be a slight concern. Last season’s winner Blazing Heights and the evergreen Bo McGinty are others to consider.

At Goodwood I would keep an eye on Mabuya. This colt showed a bit of promise last season in a couple of maidens and runs in the 5.15 tomorrow. After this run he will qualify for handicaps.

There is certainly no shortage of arcing tomorrow and there is an evening card at Doncaster. Cape Vale won on his first 2 starts as a juvenile but has not troubled the judge since. A half brother to Moss Vale I feel that there is more to come from him and he should be picking up some decent sprint prizes during this season. He runs in the 7.15 tomorrow. The 7.50 is an interesting little race. Border Patrol won on soft ground at Newbury on his seasonal reappearance e and looks a nice colt. That win was over a mile though and he drops back to 7 furlongs tomorrow. As he may also find the ground a bit too lively I will pass him by on this occasion. If the ground rides on the fast side as is expected then I would be interested in War Native who is a talented sort capable of better than he has shown on his last couple of starts.

Hawk Mountain, who is partly owned by Nick Luck, was a model of consistency last season. He looks one to consider in the 8.20. The other one that catches my eye in this race is Dansimar, trained by Venetia Williams, better known of course for her national hunt horses. Dansimar is on a mark of only 61 and hasn’t raced on the level for ages but his form over hurdles has been far superior and he might just be a blot on the handicap. He may need some give in the ground though so keep that in mind.

The Punchestown card looks pretty difficult. My thoughts are as follows; 1.45 Oscar Rebel and Shirley Casper; 3.30 Nenuphar Collonges: 4.05 Taravada and Smoking Aces.

Good luck

The photograph of Cityscape is by courtesy of British 2YO Racing.  The top picture (parade ring at Thirsk) is by Ruth Buchanan and the second picture “The mile start at Goodwood” by Sarah Aspinall.  My thanks to both artists for allowing me to use their work.

King of Dixie was a disappointing beaten favourite at Doncaster a couple of weeks ago but may return to form tomorrow in the 4.30 at Lingfield. His record on the all weather surfaces is 3 wins from 3 starts.

Both Fortuni and Scene Two got off the mark last year on the all weather in December and both look to have the scope to progress this season in handicaps or perhaps even better. They are my fancies for the 5.35.

At Musselburgh Pedregal’s recent 3^rd at Catterick puts him in with a chance in the 2.20 with the added bonus that the stable are in excellent form.

At Punchestown the two top weights Gold and Silver and Tranquil Sea are my two against the field in the 4.55.

The 5.30 is a fascinating contest with the Champion Hurdle winner Punjabi facing some stiff Irish opposition with the likes of Jered, Sizing Europe, Solwhit and Quevaga in the line up. Punjabi is a dual course and distance winner and defends his title her. He is probably best on better ground though and I would give slight preference for Quevega who was such an impressive winner at Cheltenham and Solwhit whose victory at Aintree was boosted by the runner up winning today.

In the 6.05 Cousin Vinny may be able to spring a surprise and get the better of his more fancied stable mate.

The 6.40 looks a competitive heat. Former top bumper horse Zaarito may have ahd excuses for his defeat at Naas last time out. Prior to that he had won over course and distance and he should handle the ground OK. Sorcerer is another course and distance winner with chances at a bigger price but for my selection I am going for the consistent Copper Bleu.

The picture today is of Hardy Eustace who runs in the 5.30 and is included thanks to the artist Sarah Aspinall.

Sir Mark Prescott sends Alicante (pictured below) up to Redcar to contest the 3.40. This grey filly had the customary 3 runs over sprint distances last season but is related to a host of middle distance performers and is likely to show marked improvement now she runs over a longer trip.

Another that can do well on his handicap debut is Kattar in the 5.20.

John Gosden’s Charm School has not lived up to expectation thus far but is fitted with first time blinkers for the Yarmouth 6.00 tomorrow and may well bounce back to form. Another to watch out for in this race is Cloudy Start who comes from a stable bang in form.

The pair that make most appeal in the 6.30 are Ithbaat and Hyades. Slight preference is for Ithbaat who showed plenty of promise on his only run as a juvenile and has reportedly wintered well.

At Punchestown my two against the field in the 3.45 are Jessie’s Dream and Uimheraceathair.

Both Duc de Regniere and Pettifour began the 2008/9 season well but were unable to build on their early successes. They line up in the 5.30 where I prefer the claims of the home contenders, in particular Fiveforthree who is my selection. He has had a much lighter campaign than some of his rivals and ran well in defeat behind Solwhit at Aintree. Nicanor could run into a place at a decent price.

In the 6.40 I expect Forpadythepalsterer to get the better of the Paul Nicholls challenger Tatenen.

Picture by kind permission of British 2YO Racing.

Rose Diamond should have both trip and going in her favour in the Ascot 2.45 tomorrow. She is a consistent sort and with the benefit of a run already this season she should go well. Henry Cecil has two runners in this race, Apple Charlotte and Honest Quality. The beautifully bred Honest Quality won two of her 4 starts last season including a listed contest over 7 furlongs at Sandown on fast ground. Apple Charlotte, a half sister to Arthur’s Girl, won her only race as a juvenile last year in a back end Newmarket maiden.

My fancy for the Sagara Stakes at 3.55 is Patkai who won the Queen’s Vase over course and distance last season. This race should be run at a fair gallop which would benefit Patkai who is a thorough stayer but also has a turn of foot.

Elnawin won twice in good company last season and showed that he had trained on when runner up at Lingfield last month. He is dropped back to 6 furlongs in the 4.30 which should suit him as he has looked a doubtful stayer over further. Nasri was 3^rd behind Donativum and Crowded House at Newmarket last October. He was well beaten on his seasonal reappearance in the Greenham but is worth another chance based on his form last season. He may not want the ground too quick however.

Queen Eleanor showed promise on her two starts as a juvenile and with her stable in form looks an interesting runner in the Kempton 7.20.

Native Ruler was all the rage for the Wood Ditton and although probably not relishing the quick ground managed to finish 2^nd. He runs in the Pontefract 2.55 and has to be in with a great chance although the ground may again be a negative factor. Cherish the Moment ran well on his only start last season and finished 3^rd on his return to action at Leicester. He is another that might be happier on slightly easier ground. Northside Prince might find this company a bit too hot but could be one for the future once he qualifies for handicaps.

Punchestown selections; 4.55 Merrydown; 5.30 Sweeps Hill; 6.05 Imperial Commander

Today’s picture is by kind permission of the artist Jo Stockdale (see links)

 

It is a little difficult to get away from tipping the obvious contenders at Punchestown tomorrow with Cheltenham form likely to be upheld in at least two of the major races.

The exception could be the 4.20 however.  Go Native travels really well in his races and was a worthy winner at Cheltenham but he comes up against Hurricane Fly tomorrow who beat him easily at Christmas.  Riverside Theatre heads the UK challenge and has an each way chance.

In the 4.55 my two against the field would be Robin Du Bois and Eagles Pass.

You can’t oppose Master Minded in the 6.05.  Big Zeb could be the one to chase him home after a confidence building effort over hurdles.

Cooldine was another impressive Cheltenham winner and he should confirm the form with Horner Woods.  The improving Joncol with Tony McCoy on board would be the main threat to Cooldine in my opinion.

Michael Bell has not had a winner with his last 21 runners so we do need to exercise a degree of caution with his horses for the moment. I will put forward his runner in the Windsor 5.55, Halfway House, as one to have a close look at however. This one ran 3 times last season to gain a handicap mark but should do better this time around now that he tackles middle distances.

The same is true of the Luca Cumani trained Forte Dei Marmi who runs in the 7.55. He steps back up to a mile tomorrow after an encouraging effort over 7 furlongs when he finished 4^th on his final start last season at Yarmouth. My other selection at Windsor is Putra One who I hope can go one better than his last run when 2^nd at Yarmouth.

Moving on to Tuesday there is a competitive sprint at Bath (5.05). My two against the field in this are Crimson Fern and Look Busy.

Bullet Man was a big disappointment when a well beaten favourite at Yarmouth earlier this month. He had previously impressed when winning at Lingfield in December and may be worth another chance in the Windsor 7.05. My selection in this race though is Ed Dunlop’s Stone of Scone. This one was 6^th in the Wood Ditton last season and then went on to impress many good judges when winning a maiden at Great Leighs. He suffered a minor setback after that and did not run again last season. He is well bred and held in high regard by his trainer. Ryan Moore has the ride.

In the 7.35 Aestival follows a well worn path that you will recognise if you follow trainer Sir Mark Prescott. Given 3 runs in quick succession as a juvenile over sprint distances he starts his handicap career over 10 furlongs and a mark of 53.

Venture Capitalist ran 3 times last season showing most promise on the last of these outings when 3^rd at Wolverhampton. He looks one to follow and starts his 3 year old campaign in the 8.05.

I will try to update the site on Monday evening with some thoughts on the racing at Punchestown.

My thanks to the artists Jenny Lupton for the portrait of former Punchestown Gold Cup winner Beef or Salmon, and Katy Sodeau for her picture of racing at Windsor.