Category: Horse racing

Well it wasn’t the easiest of days on the tipping front at York. The opener went to a 33/1 shot and two odds on favourites were turned over.

Tartan Bearer won the Dante showing a willing attitude in the process. He should come on plenty for the run and has to be a serious Derby contender. Twice Over probably didn’t like the ground but it would be no surprise to see him revert to a mile in the future. Another that looked uncomfortable on the quick ground was Lang Shining in the Hambleton Stakes. I was pleased to see Arthur’s Girl win for Geoff Wragg at Salisbury. The trainer lost one of his best horses, Ivy Creek last weekend.

There are plenty of meetings to go at tomorrow, with again York taking centre stage. There are several with chances in the handicap at 2.10. Birkside reappears after winning over course and distance on Wednesday. He was given a good ride by David Allan on Wednesday but is apprentice ridden this time, presumably to offset the 6 lbs penalty. The claimer has won on him twice before though. This race is much tougher than the last one but Birkside seems to be going the right way and cannot be ignored. Pippa Greene is a horse I am very keen on this season. The problem could be the ground though as his form has been with some ease in the ground.

Formerly trained by Aiden O’Brien, Basalt in now with Tim Pitt and won twice on the all weather in February. He should strip fitter for his run at Chester last week and is one for a rather lengthy shortlist. Peruvian Prince is a smart handicapper and ran well here over 10 furlongs on Ebor day when beaten a head by Greek Well. He handles the ground and is not out of it although he might just need to come down a pound or two more.

Sugar Ray is a lightly raced horse that won last time out at Bath. He has been working with Tartan Bearer at home and is likely to be popular. Pevensey is a useful sort on his day. Best on good ground he is currently 1 lb higher than his highest winning mark. Like Pevensey, Furmigadelagiusta has been hurdling. He won twice on the flat last season but may not be suited by fast ground. Johnny Murtagh is an eye catching jockey booking though. Dansili Dancer won the Old Newton Cup at Haydock last season on good to firm and with his stable in form I will burden him with my each way selection..

I thought about Royal and Regal for the 2.40 but the ground may not suit. I think I will leave this race alone.

The David Nicholls pair of Buachaill Dona and Machinist both come into the 4.20 on the back of a very promising run. Barney McGrew is on my list to follow but has not shown much in his two runs so far and is best watched for the moment. Atlantic Story is potentially very well handicapped based on his all weather mark but the odd thing is he is tackling this trip for the first time. Another worth a mention is Damika who has run well on all 3 of his starts this season without winning.

Last season’s first and second, Wyatt Earp and Zomerlust line up again with the former 2 lbs better off this year. He loves fast ground and is a major player.

Full Speed has been running consistently and is my each way selection in the 4.55.

Moving to Newbury Fat Boy was only beaten a nose by Stimulation in the Free Handicap and that form looks solid. He is certainly the one to beat. Although Skadrak was a beaten favourite at Wolverhampton last month the winner has won again since so I wouldn’t rule him out.

In the 2.50 my two against the field would be Clowance and Rosa Grace. Clowance has only run twice and won a maiden over course and distance 4 weeks ago. Rosa Grace (pictured below)  won a couple of small races last season and was not disgraced when upped in class.

Game Park has shown enough in 4 starts to warrant respect in the 2.30 at Newmarket, while at Hamilton my selection is Spin Cycle in the 6.20.

Mr Crystal has been running well over hurdles with wins at Perth and Kelso and he should go well back on the level in the 7.50 at Newcastle.

Macedon has plenty going for him in the 8.25. Goes well fresh, stable in form, distance winner, goes on the ground and likes a straight track.

Good luck

Photo by kind permission of British 2YO Racing

Some of my tips went awry at York but at least I can claim Birkside who scored for the eleventh time of his career in the 3.45, and also Collection who won the last race on the card. Full marks to the canny Mike S who e-mailed me with a tip for Assertive. The curse of the high draw continued in Assertive’s race. Only US Ranger of the first 7 home came from a single figure stall so he is clearly one to take out of the race.

Tomorrow’s York card gets underway with a handicap over the minimum trip at 1.40. Green Park ran well when 2^nd at Chester last week and I am tempted to go for him but I have a suspicion that he is best on soft ground. The Dandy Nicholls pair of Tournedos and Strike up the Band are both well drawn but I am not sure that York is the ideal track for either of them. Aegean Dancer would be my fancy. He hasn’t been easy to train but he won some good races last season and his last 4 wins have come in double figure fields. He acts on any ground. Old River Falcon likes York but might find the ground a bit too lively.

Sir Michael Stoute’s older horses have to be respected and his Promising Lead is the clear form pick in the 2.10. Samira Gold has been described by her trainer as “a bit delicate” but if she is fit and well she could be the danger.

I don’t think I will get too heavily involved in the Dante at 2.40. Centennial didn’t impress particularly when winning the Sandown Classic Trial but he may not have been fully wound up that day and he was progressive last season. Stoute won this with North Light in 2004, and Golan’s brother Tartan Bearer may turn out to be the real deal, but on the evidence of his win in a Leicester maiden that is guesswork. Twice Over (pictured below)  is unbeaten and battled well to get the better of Raven’s Pass at Newmarket. Raven’s Pass didn’t do that form any harm in the 2,000 gns and the Henry Cecil colt has to be the form pick. Just how far he will stay is a debatable but he is out of a sister to Passage of Time.

The 3.10 is tricky. New Seeker has his ground but his runs at the end of last season were far from encouraging. The admirable Blythe Knight won the race last season but would not want the ground too firm. I would give the lightly raced Lang Shining a good chance if he handles the ground.

Docofthebay did little wrong last season. He runs in the 3.45 where his turn of foot could be decisive in this small field.

Tom Tate’s West With The Wind impressed me on both his runs last season. He should go well in the 6.55 at Newmarket, the stable are in good form and both trip and track should suit.

Glorious Gift and Without a Prayer represent my list to follow in the 8.00. I would not be sufficiently confident about either to tip them though.

Arthur’s Girl has shown bits of promise in 2 runs for Geoff Wragg. She runs in the 1.50 at Salisbury which will qualify her for a handicap mark. She is one to keep an eye on.

Be lucky!

Picture by kind permission of 2YO Racing

 

The meeting at York this week traditionally gives pointers to the Derby and Oaks. The Musidora Stakes at 2.40 tomorrow sees several of the leading Oaks fancies in competition. Dar Re Mi (pictured below) won a decent looking maiden at Sandown and sets the Standard. She blitzed her rivals at Sandown winning by 7 lengths and looks potentially high class.

Cape Amber won a 7 furlong maiden at Newmarket last season before an injury prevented her from running again. She is not guaranteed to get this trip but I think the likelihood is that she will. The form of the Newmarket maiden has not worked out particularly well but Amber Queen is clearly well thought of by connections and is respected. Sovereign’s Honour ran behind both Dar Re Mi and Cape Amber beaten by just over 8 lengths and 7.25 lengths respectively. Sir Michael Stoute’s filly looks to have scope but there seems no reason why she should turn the tables on her two conquerors. At 25/1 Cruel Sea is no forlorn hope. A winner at Doncaster on her only start as a juvenile she did well to finish 2^nd in a listed contest at HQ despite racing keenly. She clearly gets this trip, acts on the ground and should improve. The unknown factor is the Ballydoyle runner Moonstone, runner up on her only start at Leopardstown last month. She is very well bred and as they say could be anything. I am going to be boring here and select Dar Re Mi.

The 3.10 looks a hot sprint. I am going to throw in a potentially key stat here in that the last 10 winners have been drawn in single figures. This would rule out some otherwise likely contenders such as US Ranger, Soldiers Tale and Utmost Respect. So let’s have a look at some of those drawn low. Prime Defender (2) likes fast ground but has never won a race with more than 8 runners. Hoh Mike (3) is probably better over the minimum trip and possibly with some ease in the ground. Haatef (4) could be a leading light in the sprint division this season but is yet to win with an F in the going description. Beaver Patrol (5) likes fast ground but has never won outside of handicap company. Assertive (6) handles the ground and comes here on the back of a good run at Newmarket where he was just touched off by Zidane. He has only won once in his last 20 starts though and never at this level. Beckermet (7) is probably not good enough at this level and he is best in small fields.

My problem now is that I have ruled out the entire field! Well something has to win and I am going to go with Haatef – not too many miles on the clock and 3 from 3 at this trip.

I don’t have a strong view on the 3.45. Pontefract winner Ella will appreciate the step up in trip but her win came in heavy ground. Birkside has some good form on the all weather and ran creditably the other day when 4^th at Doncaster. We know he stays. Sin City hasn’t had a lot of racing but was 2^nd on both his starts last season. He is a talented horse who has a decent prize in him. He may well stay further than this later in the season.

I would be inclined to try and find something each way at a reasonable price in the 4.55. Tarkheena Prince won a mile maiden at Nottingham and looks a nice type with a decent attitude. Fujin Dancer at the bottom of the handicap won at Wolverhampton last month and like Tarkheena Prince is lightly raced. Collection looks on a handy mark. He was 6^th behind Perks at Doncaster and with only 3 runs behind him should have come on for that run.

I wondered about Diminuto in the 8.30 at Bath as he has run well at the track in the past.

Good luck.

Photograph of Dar Re Mi by kind permission of British 2YO racing

 

 

I have been looking at the 6.55 at Windsor.  ordnance Row is best with give in the ground so I have concentrated on Dunelight and Banknote. Dunelight will like the ground and his trainer is in very good form. My slight preference is for Banknote, the only course and distance winner in the field.  He has the ground to suit and he goes well fresh.

 

This update covers racing on Monday and Tuesday.

Starting with Monday I see that Lanterns of Gold runs in the 3.20 at Redcar. She was with Ann Duffield last season but is now trained by Alan Swinbank. She won over course and distance in a maiden last season and before that had not been beaten too far when 4^th behind the useful Dr Faustus at Thirsk. She handles fast ground and looks to have a fair chance.

In the 4.10 at Wolverhampton Reclamation looks the type of filly that his trainer excels with.

There are a couple of interesting prospects in the Yarmouth 3.30. Missioner was 3^rd on both his starts last season but they were both competitive maidens at Grade 1 tracks. He goes over an extra furlong tomorrow which should suit him. Lazy Days ran with promise on his only start last season in a Newmarket maiden.

Moving on to Tuesday there are 3 course and distance winners in the Southwell 3.20. Tartatatufata has the following form figures over course and distance, 23310032110, by comparison Bo McGinty’s look like this 001231, and Hereford Boy’s 10. Hereford Boy is the youngest of the trio and might just have some improvement in him so gets a narrow vote.

In the 2.30 at Yarmouth there is a good word for Mark Johnston’s Shaweel.

Picture by kind permission of 2YO Racing

 

Well, if you followed yesterday’s selections you would, by and large have had a run for your money. In fact a few actually won!

I overlooked a couple of horses thinking that the ground might not suit them, notably Zaahid in the Victoria Cup, and Cartimandua at Nottingham. The latter could well be capable of winning at a higher grade. There was a sad note to the day’s racing as Geoff Wragg’s Ivy Creek had to be put to sleep after suffering a serious accident. The winner of that race was Spanish Moon who came with a real rattle down the outside. This was only Spanish Moon’s 3^rd career start so if he can be kept sound he looks one to follow. Incidentally, he is a half brother to Spanish Sun who won the Ribblesdale a few years back. She only ran 3 times so they seem rather a fragile family.

It was nice to see Reverence get back to winning ways at Haydock where he held off the challenge of the consistent Machinist. There was also some quality jumps racing at Haydock where the two big hurdles races were both won by ex flat horses, Liberate and Blue Bajan.

Racing tomorrow has an international flavour with some important races in Ireland, France and Italy. In the Leopardstown Derby trial at 3.55 we will get the opportunity to assess the Epsom credentials of Washington Irvine, while the 4.25 sees the reappearance of the exciting filly Katiyra. Trained by John Oxx she won her only start last season.

At Longchamp the big race is the 2.50 where Rio de la Plata has his first run of the new season. He is badly drawn though and the stable are not firing yet. I see that Kevin Ryan sends Alexander Castle over for this. He was 5^th to Twice Over in the Craven.

It impossible to oppose the unbeaten filly Zarkava in the 3.25 and Modern Look could be the one to chase her home. Finally, the big race in Italy is their Derby at Capannelle where Peter Chapple-Hyam’s Bouguereau looks to have every chance.

 

 

Looking back at the Chester meeting you certainly wouldn’t have made yourself rich following my tips! There were plenty of pointers that we can glean from the week’s action though. Starting with the Wednesday Highland Legacy was one of my fancies for the Chester Cup but he could only finish 5^th. It may be that he needs a bit more give and perhaps the trip just stretched his stamina. He is certainly not one to give up on yet. My other tip for the race, Double Banded ran well in fourth but was forced to challenge on the outside.

In the 5 furlong sprint I will be interested in the horses that chased home the winner. The runner up, Green Park is probably better on soft ground so will be worth following when he gets his ground. The 3^rd Ebraam ran a creditable race but unlike the 2^nd he is best on fast ground. Old Caribbean Coral who was 4^th has a race in him as does the 5^th Bucachaill Dona who was an eye catcher from a poor draw.

Moving on to Thursday Maraahel was just foiled in his bid to win a 4^th Huxley Stakes. All credit to the winner Championship Point though who was given a positive ride by Daryl Holland and fought back when briefly headed by Maraahel in the straight. Before he had even seen a racecourse the 2 year old Championship Point was described by Mick Channon as having a good attitude and he certainly reinforced that at Chester. He is also one of those horses that always seems to win at a decent price.

Adversity (pictured below) is one to take out of the 7.5 furlong handicap. Drawn 12 of 12 he faced a near impossible task but ran on at the finish to come 5^th.

This afternoon Tajaweed got up to win the Dee Stakes despite being a real drifter on the exchanges. He is a big imposing individual but seemed to handle Chester’s sharp turns surprisingly well. Earlier Celtic Sultan had made all in the opener as I thought he might. He looks capable of competing at a slightly higher level. The 3^rd, Dream Lodge is a bit of a favourite of mine and he ran another solid race. Back in 8^th Dhaular Dhar had to be snatched up twice and this performance can be ignored.

I had a few successful tips elsewhere over the last couple of days. Souverain won nicely yesterday on his favoured fast ground. Dane O’Neill was forced to wait for the gap to appear but the horse quickened well. He is one to follow and I also think that the 3^rd, Sortita (pictured below) will be winning soon.

Melodramatic (pictured below) and Pacific Pride were winning tips today. The former won in a canter and paid a compliment to Henry Candy’s Danae who had narrowly beaten her in a race that is working out well.

Turning to Saturday, the card opens with a listed race at 1.10. with the Godolphin horses yet to strike form Regal Flush is probably best watched while Tungsten Strike needs further. The lightly raced Spanish Moon is a possible, while Ivy Creek ran well 3 weeks ago when 4^th at Newbury. This should be a strongly run race which will suit Lion Sands and he is the selection.

The Victoria Cup will take a bit of sorting out but let’s take a look at a few of them. Course and distance winner Dabber’s Ridge is probably better with some give in the ground and his stable companion Giganticus is more likely to relish the going. He has a bit of an each way chance at 14/1. Presumptive is an 8 year old but no back number and his trainer is in fine form. I think he has a sporting chance on ground that will suit. He comes here on the back of a decent run at Kempton and he has run well over course and distance before.

The unexposed King of Dixie, he has only run 3 times, could be open to improvement and he has a really live chance. Skhilling Spirit won at Musselburgh the other day. He runs well in a big field but I just think he is better with some ease in the ground, while Zaahid is another better on softer ground. Trafalgar Square is best in small fields but I do have a sneaking fancy for the Michael Jarvis trained We’ll Come. This looks his trip and track and he has only been out of the first 3 once in his career so far. For my selection I am going for Al Khaleej (pictured below)  who was so impressive when winning on his seasonal debut.

I thought Silver Suitor ran well when 3^rd at Newmarket last week and he is my selection in the 3.20 where the step up in trip may well bring out the best in him. At a bigger price Plane Painter should be fitter for a recent run and he has won on good to firm.

Jimmy Styles didn’t run as a 2 year old as a result of an injury and has only run 6 times. He won twice last year, handles the ground and looks the sort that could continue to improve. He is my selection in the 3.55.

There is a mixed card at Haydock where Cape Vale should go well in the 4.00. he is a half brother to the high class Moss Vale and has won 2 of his 3 starts. I expect Kiwi Bay to win a race or two this season but the drying ground is against him as he needs some cut.

Diamond Tycoon beat the St Leger winner Locarno last season, and his trainer Brian Meehan also trains Supersonic Dave who ran a cracker at Chester this afternoon. Welsh Emperor is a big danger but Diamond Tycoon is my preference in the 4.30.

Next we go to Lingfield where hopefully Look Here can win the Oaks trial to 2.40. She comes from a winning family and the form of her win at Salisbury on her only run as a juvenile is pretty solid. Amenjeena (pictured below) absolutely dotted up at Kempton on her last start and the handicapper has reacted accordingly. She is worth a crack st this level.

In the 3.10 Campanologist has claims as the horse he beat at Newmarket last month has come out and won since. Curtain Call won a Group 2 in Ireland last season and confirmed his well being when winning at Nottingham last month. By Command earned his place in the line up when a wide margin winner at Windsor in April and I would be tempted to take a chance on him at the price.

In the 3.45 I wondered if Tathkaar could run into a place at a big price.

Crystany missed the break at Newmarket on her reappearance but ran on to be 4^th. She has an each way chance in the 3.25 at Nottingham.

Louis Sefferns disappointed on his last outing but that may have been down to the soft ground. Back on a sound surface in the 8.10 at Thirsk he has an each way chance in a race where the favourite is likely to be a short price.

Good luck

Pictures are by kind permission on British 2YO Racing

 

The 1.45 at Chester tomorrow is a 7.5 furlong handicap. Celtic Sultan likes to front run and could be difficult to peg back. He will appreciate the drying ground. Dhaular Dhar is tough and must be respected. He is a course and distance winner; in fact all his career wins have come on sharp tracks. He also has a good draw in stall 2. 5 of his career wins have come on good ground with the other win on soft.

Dream Lodge is a versatile type with a good attitude and from stall 1 has to come into the equation. He probably wouldn’t want the ground too firm. Gallantry likes firm ground and a left handed track and he also looks on a handy mark. He is drawn 13 o0f 13 though.

In the 2.15 the Ballydoyle runner Achill Island may prove to be the answer but I will have a look at some of the home runners. Tajaawed won a Nottingham maiden and was then unplaced in the Racing Post Trophy. The complete outsider Midnight Muse won a Redcar maiden last season The form of that race has worked out well but this is a big step up in class.

In the 2.45 course and distance winner Bauer has an each way chance at 10/1.

Formerly trained by Aiden O’Brien, Basalt was an impressive winner of a couple of races on the all weather in February. There may well be more to come from him and he is my pick in the 4.35.

Up at Hamilton Tawzeea should win the 7.40 but he will be a skinny price.

At Nottingham Melodramatic has the best form of those that have run and put up a creditable display when going down by a heads to Danae at HQ on her reappearance.

Pacific Pride hasn’t won since July 2005 but his handicap mark reflects this and he could just be due a change of fortune. He runs in the 7.00 at Ripon.

Moheeb seems to run twice a week and is becoming expensive to follow. He has put in some decent efforts without being able to get his head in front. He goes in the 7.30 at Ripon.

 

 

Just a thought about the Chester 1.45, if you had followed Temple Place throughout his career you would have had a fair return. His 4 career wins have come at, 20/1, 12/1, 8/1 and 50/1.

Maraahel goes for a 4^th consecutive win in the 2.15 race, which would be quite some achievement. Stotsfold likes Chester and could run well at a price.

The pair that take my eye in the 3.15 are Adversity and Toto Skyllachy who were both 2^nd on their latest starts. Adversity is drawn in the car park so I will plump for Toto Skyllachy.

Tudor Prince has a poor strike rate but I am convinced he has a win in him at big odds this season. I will probably miss him! He runs in the Goodwood 3.00

Savarain and Sortita look the most interesting runners in the 4.45.

At Great Leighs Royal Jasra is my fancy for the 6.40. A lightly raced type he may well be on a lenient mark. He will probably stay further in time.

Although Swop is a 5 year old he has been hard to train and had 1 run, winning at Lingfield last season. He faces some exposed sorts in the 7.10 and should go well.

 

The Chester may meeting was the first race meeting I ever watched live and it has always remained a favourite.

Sir Michael Stoute has an impressive recent record at the track and he saddles the once raced Laughter in the 2.15. This filly won a 7 furlong maiden at Leicester on soft ground last season. Bred to appreciate middle distances she looks an interesting contender.

Greenwich Meantime looks to follow up last season’s success in the Chester Cup at 2.45. He won off a mark of 83 last season and was 3^rd off 93 in 2006. He is rated 94 now and could well be competitive again. He wouldn’t want soft ground though. From the same stable Halla San looks to be on a high mark but he has been winning over hurdles and has a talented 3 lbs claimer on board. He also has a nice low draw. Fair Along was runner up last year but is now 10 lbs higher, while another that ran well last season is Som Tala from Mick Channon’s yard. He has the benefit of a recent run but is another that look high enough in the weights. Michael Jarvis has a good record in the race and is represented by Black Rock who was progressive last season. He looks worth a try at this trip but is not guaranteed to stay. He really needs give in the ground.

The top weight, the giant Shipmaster, comes here on the back of a Group 3 win at Ascot. His best form has come on soft ground and given his size I wonder if he will act on the track. My 2 against the field would be Double Banded and Highland Legacy. Double Banded should be suited by both trip and left handed track. Highland Legacy has won his last 3 races and has Jamie Spencer in the saddle. He might not want the ground too firm.

In the sprint at 3.15 we need to keep the draw in mind as a low one will be an advantage. Green Park is drawn 2 but is best on soft ground. Ebraam will appreciate the drying ground and is one for the short list as is the fast starting King Orchisios. I wouldn’t rule out last season’s winner Caribbean Coral with the useful claimer Luke Morris taking 3 lbs off.

Recent Newbury winner Tighnabruaich is lightly raced and open to improvement. He tackles 12 furlongs in the 4.35 and given his pedigree the trip could really suit him. On top of that he has William Buick in the plate.

At Beverley a high draw is favoured in the sprints. The consistent course and distance winner Pawan is drawn 10 of 11 in the 2.30 and is my each way selection.

In the 3.40 Moheebb has been placed in 5 of his last 6 starts. His record at Beverley is 21 so he cannot be ruled out. Zero Tolerance would be interesting should the ground ride soft while I have a sneaking fancy for Bajan Pride who was heavily backed on his last outing but may not have been suited by the ground. The other one I thought about was Hurlingham who looks on a handy mark on the best of his form.

President Elect ran well enough at Thirsk recently to suggest that he can take a hand in the 4.15.

In the 4.50 I am interested in Piverina and Princess Maria.