Not too much to set the pulse racing about tomorrow’s meetings. Glasshoughton runs well at Carlisle and he should go well in the 5.10 there. Deserted Dane returns to the track where he won this race last season at 20/1 on his only previous visit.
Talking of course specialists you have to respect Dvinski in the 7.50 at Kempton as he is a triple course and distance winner.
Racing over the next couple of days is fairly low key after the glamour of Royal Ascot. Still, I will try to dig out a few points of interest.
Harrison’s Flyer runs in the Chepstow 8.50 tomorrow. He last won on this day last year off a mark 5 lbs higher. The stable won the race in 2004 and Harrison’s Flyer is well drawn so there are a few positives. Generally Harrison’s Flyer seems to act best with some ease in the ground. Hayley Turner has the ride.
At Lingfield Hereford Boy is a runner from our list to follow in the 4.45. He is a course and distance winner but is 7 lbs higher now. Almaty Edxpress won last time out at Great Leighs but is really a Wolverhampton specialist. He has won 9 times there.
Glorious Gift has not been out of the first 3 this season. A winner at Nottingham in soft ground 2 runs ago he should be in the shake up in the 8.10 at Windsor.
There are a couple of runners from our list to follow in the 9.10. Rock Peak runs off a mark of 72 which could be lenient, especially if the ground rides on the fast side. Genral Tufto was a well beaten favourite on his last run and has come down the weights as a result. He is another that may be capable of better than he has shown so far.
There are 3 flat meetings on Tuesday. Starting at Beverley Pacific Pride represents our list to follow in the 3.15. He won first time out this season but has not cut much ice in two subsequent efforts. Best watched for the present. The Tatling would be a popular winner here. Now 11 years old he has won 11 times in his career, including 4 at Group level. Fast ground suits him best.
John Dunlop has won the 7.25 at Newbury for the last two seasons. He runs 3 in the race this year and a market move for any of these would be worth noting. Of those that have run already Henry Cecil’s Samara Valley will be bound to appreciate this 7 furlongs.
The pictures of The Tatling and the pre parade ring at Newbury are by kind permission of Lisa Miller.
The only runner from my list to follow in action tomorrow is Peruvian Prince in the Pontefract 3.10.
Starting with the Chesham Stakes tomorrow Andrew Balding introduces a well thought of newcomer in Swindler. Regardless of the outcome tomorrow this son of Sinndar looks one to keep tabs on.
Maraahel goes for a hat trick of wins in the 3.05. He is ultra tough and ultra consistent and will take all the beating. Macarthur from all conquering Aiden O’Brien stable looks the obvious threat. The lightly raced Spanish Moon needs to step up on previous form but he may well have the scope to do so and he has proved that he acts of the track and firm ground. Others to consider are the improving Speed Gifted and St Leger winner Lucarno.
If the ground continues to ride fast I will go with Sakhee’s Secret in the 3.45. The fast improving Marchand D’Or would be interesting if there some ease in the going.
In the Wokingham at 4.25 it might pay to choose one with a low draw and one drawn high. Of the single figure draws Intrepid Jack, Knot in Wood and Machinist make most appeal while I thought that Big Timer, drawn 28 put in a good run at Haydock last time out. If pushed to select one it would be Knot in Wood.
Mad Rush was perhaps a little unlucky when runner up at Newmarket to the well handicapped Punjabi and is my selection for the 5.00. Pevensey was a fast finishing runner up at York and is another to consider. Basalt represents our list to follow in the 5.35 but although he has run with credit on both his last 2 starts he looks to have a bit too much to do at the weights.
David Allan has a very impressive record when riding Birkside and the partnership team up again in the 3.50 at Ayr.
Shanafarahan went into my notebook on the strength of some promise shown as a juvenile but he spoiled his chance on his seasonal reappearance by failing to settle. He runs in the 9.15.
At Newmarket in the 2 year old maiden at 4.35 newcomer Seminole is a half brother to the top class Le Vie Di Colori.
At Redcar I fancy President Elect in the 5.20.
Picture by kind permission of Ann Duffield Racing
The field for the Coronation Stakes (3.45) at Ascot tomorrow includes 5 of the first 8 home in the 1,000 Guineas. The winner that day went on to finish 3rd in the French Derby so there is no reason to doubt the form. Spacious was 2nd in the Guineas despite not having had a prep run and she would have to be my choice. Infallible who was 4th in the Guineas looks next best while Muthabara would prefer some ease in the ground. Modern Look was 4th in the French 1,000 and would normally come into the equation but her last 3 wins have all come on soft ground.
I don’t have a strong view in the 4.20 where Championship Point attempts to follow up his win in the race last season. Four year olds have a good record in this and Monte Alto makes some appeal.
Age of Reason put up an encouraging display when 3rd to Unnefer at Newmarket over 10 furlongs. He went in my notebook that day as a likely winner over further. He tackles 2 miles in the 4.55 which is a bit further than I had in mind! Still I will stick with him for my selection with all weather winner Unleashed worth a small each way interest.
The big field handicap at 5.35 will take some sorting out. Docofthebay is entered having finished second in the Royal Hunt Cup yesterday. The drop down to 7 furlongs shouldn’t inconvenience him and he will be a major contender if taking his chance.
Celtic Sultan loves to bowl along in front and he will be suited by the fast ground. A winner at Chester two runs ago he could go well although he is unlikely to get things all his own way in front. Smart Enough has not been at his best this season so far and he has not won at this trip while Dabbers Ridge, although a course and distance winner, is better on an easy surface. Giganticus is suited by firm ground and a straight track but may not have the best of the draw.
Zaahid has gone up 6 lbs for his win in the Victoria Cup and should again go well here. Dhaular Dhar has never won with an “F” in the going description.
Zaahid and Docfofthebay are the pair I like best while Atlantic Story could be an interesting dark horse.
At Newmarket in the 6.30 both Green Beret and Rose Diamond showed promise on their debut runs. Slight preference is for the Roger Charlton trained Rose Diamond.
I had high hopes for Royal Jasra at the start of the season but he has been pretty disappointing. He runs in the 7.05 but I think I will leave him alone (probably win at a big price then!)
In the 8.10 the veteran Presumptive holds his form well and will like the fast ground. I still think that Tudor Prince is going to pop up at a big price one of these days as well.
Good luck
Pictures are by courtesy of Lisa Miller (see links)
I only have time for a quick look at Thursday’s action. I tipped Michita for the Oaks but she didn’t seem to handle the track at Epsom. She looks the obvious choice in the Ribblesdale at 3.05, but favourites do have a poor record in the race. There are several runners from my list to follow involved in this notably Arthur’s Girl, Cape Amber and Dar Re Mi. Cape Amber would perhaps have the best chance of the 3.
It has not paid to oppose Aiden O’Brien’s runners this week and Yeats will be a warm order for the Gold Cup at 3.45. Coastal Path would be my suggestion as a viable alternative.
Recent Doncaster winner Redford is my main fancy for the 4.20. At bigger prices Throne of Power, Perks and Lazy Days have each way chances.
In the 4.55 I like the chances of the stable companions Kensington Oval and Dr Faustus. Ryan Moore has chosen to ride the former so I think I will have to go along with him.
In the 5.30 I am hoping that Missioner and Colony will give me a run for my money.
I thought above The Fifth Member in the 8.20 at Leicester. He has been dropped a couple of pounds in the weights and should be fitter for a couple of recent runs. It is a pity that there are only 7 runners so we wouldn’t get 3 places each way.
Old Caribbean Coral runs in a claimer in the 3.20 at Ripon. He must have a chance in this company although most of his wins have come at the minimum trip.
Smarterthanuthink won at Hamilton recently and could go in again in the 4.35.
Finally, Plane Painter would be my suggestion for the 3.30 at Warwick.
Picture by courtesy of artist Jo Stockdale.
Day 2 of the Royal meeting opens with the Group 3 Jersey Stakes at 2.30 where I quite like the chances of Calming Influence. The Godolphin colt needs to step on his previous runs but this is only his 3rd start so further improvement is on the cards. He won a listed race at Newmarket last month, beating Free Handicap winner Stimulation, who had the benefit of a previous run. Stimulation is again in opposition and is a tough sort who should not be ignored. Of the rest Royal Confidence was behind Stimulation in the Free Handicap and is worse off at the weights. Beacon Lodge has been disappointing this season but Jupiter Pluvius might be worth a look. He was well fancied for classic success at the start of the season but suffered a training setback. Although he could only finish 4th of 5 in the Irish 2,000 Guineas he could well come on a good deal for that run. I will stick with Calming Influence although I certainly wouldn’t rule out Jupiter Pluvius.
The Prince of Wales Stakes at 3.45 looks to be between Duke of Marmalade, Literato, Ask, Phoenix Tower and Pipedreamer. Duke of Marmalade is the obvious choice as he is a dual Group 1 winner and was a neck second in this race last year. He is the most likely winner but is a short price. Literato would be a serious contender on his form last season when he won the Champion Stakes and was runner up in the French Derby. His form this season has not been up to much but it would not be such a big surprise if he returned to form here. More of a concern might be the ground as he probably would not want it too firm. Last season’s Cambridgeshire winner Pipedreamer has run with credit in a couple of Group 3 races this season. He handles the ground but he will need to step up on previous from to win this.
Phoenix Tower narrowly beat Pipedreamer at Newmarket and then lost his unbeaten record when 2nd in the Lockinge. Ask is a high class colt but he has never won in a field of more than 8 runners and there is a suspicion that he might be best over further. Gun to head time I would have to say that Duke of Marmalade has the best form but his price is too short. Phoenix Tower could go well, at a better price while Literato is over proved at 20/1.
The Royal Hunt Cup ought to go to the very well handicapped Bankable who has more ticks than boxes. He is going to go off at a very skinny price in such a competitive handicap and any value has gone. Lang Shining has claims on the basis of his win in the Newbury Spring Mile, but that was on soft ground. If he handles the ground he would be a major contender. Oceana Gold will handle the fast ground and comes from an in form stable. Docofthebay was runner up to Pipedreamer in the Cambridgeshire only getting 4 lbs and the winner is now competing at Group class. He acts on the ground and has a good draw. Another well drawn is Diamond Tycoon who has only had 6 runs. When he won his maiden last season he had Lucano and Pipedreamer behind. Dream Lodge is something of a favourite of mine. His last run at Epsom can be ignored as he lost a shoe but more of a concern could be the going. Crocodile Bay won a 4 runner race at Beverley earlier in the season but doesn’t look good enough in this company. We’ll Come has only been out of the first 4 once in his career and has consistent form in big field handicaps.
In summary Bankable would have to be the most likely winner. We’ll Come could easily make the frame while at 25/1 Oceana Gold is over priced.
There are 3 runners from our list to follow in the 5.30. Cruel Sea is preferred to Amanjena and Tathkaar.
At Kempton Albarouche and Basanti are the two that make the most appeal in the 6.45, while Martyr looks reasonably handicapped in the 7.15.
See you tomorrow.
Well, Swop was a winning tip today, coming in at 9/4 at Doncaster. Monday looks a tricky day. Piverina is certainly nothing special but started favourite a couple of runs ago so must have shown something to somebody! She has dropped down to a mark of only 52 and that might enable her to get into contention in the 4.15 at Carlisle. Piverina is with Julie Camacho and another from the same yard is Pegasus Prince. This one is related to various winners in Latin America and has won 3 of his last 4 starts, all at Southwell. He has a turf pedigree but has seemed less effective on that surface thus far. He is upped inn trip in the 5.15 at Carlisle but strictly on what we can glean from his pedigree you would think he was an obvious stayer. He won easily enough over 12 furlongs on his last start though and he is an interesting runner. Tom Eaves has the ride.
I has Cecily (pictured below) down as a sure fire winner based on her pedigree but she didn’t show a lot on her racecourse debut. This filly by Oasis Dream might be worth another chance in the 7.10 at Warwick.
Gallantry was only beaten a short head at Chester last time out and this course and distance winner looks the one to beat in the 8.10 at Warwick.
In the 7.30 at Windsor One Cool Quest makes his debut. He is a half brother to the multiple winner of a few seasons ago, Macaw, and is by the new sire One Cool Cat. Speed Ticket only had one run last season but ran with promise when 3rd at Kempton. He makes his seasonal reappearance in the 8.30.
Moving on to Tuesday and Royal Ascot I will start with the 2.30. Horses that were beaten in the Lockinge are often worth noting in this race and Tariq, who was 3rd at Newbury, is the one I like in this. He didn’t entirely get the run of the race in the Lockinge, but likes fast ground and has won at Ascot before.
The Australian raiders look likely to dominate the King’s Stand at 3.05. If there is to be a home based winner it could be Kingsgate Native (pictured below). In any event it will be fascinating to see how he gets on as a 3 year old.
It is hard to see past Henrythenavigator in the 3.45. Raven’s Pass, Twice Over and Rio de la Plata represent our list to follow and look like competing for the minor placings.
Four year olds have won 7 of the last 10 runnings of the 4.55. Bukit Tinggi and Basalt who were first and second at York would be the two that most interest me. I see that Waverley runs here having been off the track since September 2005. He was a Royal Ascot winner back in 2003 when he won the Duke of Edinburgh Stakes.
At Thirsk Shanafarahan represents our list to follow in the 3.25.
Bye for now
Pictures by kind permission of British 2YO Racing
Having been away for a week I have had some catching up to do today looking back at the racing over the last 8 days.
Jim Bolger hasn’t proved too popular with the British Press of late but I don’t suppose he will lose too much sleep over that. I wasn’t convinced that his New Approach would stay the Derby trip but of course he did, winning an epic struggle with Tartan Bearer in the process. Tartan Bearer is a rapidly improving colt though and there are big races to be won with him as the season progresses. Saturday was not a bad day on the tipping front at Epsom, thanks to Conduit (11/8), Lady Gloria (7/1) and Holbeck Ghyll (15/2).
Elsewhere on Saturday Redford gave my list to follow an 8/1 win at Doncaster, ridden by Hayley Turner, while Navajo Joe won the mile maiden at Lingfield justifying favouritism.
Zarkava produced another breathtaking display to win the Prix de Diane on Sunday. She is an outstanding filly and undoubtedly the best of her age group in Europe.
The 10 furlong handicap at Pontefract on Monday saw an intriguing finish between the game galloper Missioner and the talented but perhaps quirky Formation. The latter was finessed home by Jamie Spencer but both will be interesting in future races.
At Redcar on Tuesday Kiwi Bay was an easy winner for Michael Dods. He was not winning out of turn as he has been running well all season. Party in the Park (pictured below) was second.
Patthepainter is a horse I have been keeping tabs on and he came good in first rime blinkers at Beverley on Wednesday. He made most of the running and actually fought back to lead again when headed a furlong out. In the evening meeting at Kempton Unleashed made it 2 from 3 starts and continues to go the right way. The in form Ted Durcan rode the winner. The horse to take out of the race might be General Ting who managed to finish 3rd despite running very green and not steering anything like a straight course.
There are a couple of horses to take out of the maiden at Nottingham on Wednesday over an extended mile. The Barry Hills trained Tourist (pictured below) got up to score a narrow victory. He has plenty of size and scope and there should be more to come. In 5th place I thought that Ascot Lime ran a promising race.
On Thursday Rosa Grace (pictured below) was a deserved winner on the listed race. She met all sorts of trouble in running but when Chris Catlin managed to extricate himself from the pack she picked up well to cut down the consistent Melodramatic.
Friday the 13th was certainly not an unlucky day for my list to follow as Mountain Pride (pictured below) gave me a 20/1 winner, while moving on to Saturday sprinter Corrybrough continues to impress and completed his hat trick at Sandown.
Tonight Majeen represents our list to follow in the 9.15 at Leicester. Certainly in with an each way chance although I am not sure of his ability to handle fast ground.
Tomorrow I see that the lightly raced Swop is in action in the 2.20 at Doncaster. This 5 year old has only had 2 career starts and may be a blot on the handicap.
In the 3.25 Mastership will appreciate the fast ground while Kashimin might be another to consider.
Fantastic Lass may not have taken to the all weather on her last run. She could do better in the 4.00 at Doncaster.
Pictures by kind permission of British 2YO Racing
I should have stuck with the horses from my list to follow in The Oaks as Look Here, Clowance and Cape Amber were 1st, 4th and 6th respectively.
The Epsom Derby card tomorrow kicks off with a Heritage Handicap at 1.40 over 10 furlongs. Conduit is one of my fancies for this. On his last outing he was 3rd behind his stable companion Colony at Sandown when he was staying on at the finish. He has gone up 5 lbs for that but still looks potentially well handicapped although I am a bit surprised that he is being kept to a mile and a quarter as he looked at Sandown as though he would benefit from further. Sir Michael Stoute has won this race twice in the last 4 years and Conduit has to be a serious contender. The other one I like is the Montjeu colt First Avenue who is trained by Michael Jarvis. With only 3 runs in his career First Avenue is open to improvement. He was 3rd at Windsor on good to firm ground last month but being by Montjeu he is likely to be better suited with some give, which hopefully he will get at Epsom.
Another that will appreciate some juice in the ground is Lady Gloria in the 2.40. She was runner up to Royal Hunt Cup favourite Bankable last month which was no disgrace and she gets on well with her pilot Tom Queally.
The “Dash” at 3.15 will take some solving. Hogmaneigh won it last year and is only 1 lb higher in the weights. He does need some luck in running though and I don’t think I would take him to follow up. The David Nicholls pair of Tournedos and Masta Plasta both come here on the back of wins and both carry 4 lbs penalties. Of the pair I prefer Masta Plasta. He is likely to be ridden prominently by Adele Rothery. Hereford Boy is another I considered but for my selection I am going for Holbeck Ghyll who was 4th last season and comes here on the back of a decent second at Newbury. He had earlier beaten the subsequent dual winner Valery Borzov at Kempton.
And so to the Derby at 4.00, which looks one of the most open for years. Two of the best trials for the race are the Dante at York and the Derrinstown Stud Derby Trial. Tartan Bearer won the Dante by a head from Frozen Fire and both run in the Derby. Being a full brother to Golan Tartan Bearer should have no problem with the trip and he should also go on the ground. He has only had 3 runs in his career so is open to improvement and he has also shown a willing attitude.
Casual Conquest has only had 2 career starts winning them both. He slammed odds on favourite Washing Irvine in the Derrinstown and the manner of his victory impressed many good judges.
New Approach possibly has the best form in the race having finished 2nd in both the English and Irish Guineas. He certainly has the class but there is a doubt about his stamina and perhaps also his ability to handle the preliminaries. It is always worth considering Chester form when looking at the Derby and Tajaweed put himself in the picture when beating subsequent winner Unnefer in the Dee Stakes. He shapes as though a mile and a half should suit and he is a lively outsider.
Curtain Call didn’t run in any of the recognised trials but won a small race at Nottingham easily enough. He us bred to get a mile and a half and his trainer has won the race twice before. None of the Aiden O’Brien horses really appeal. Alessandro Volta won the Lingfield Trial on fast ground without really handling the track, while King of Rome, who was second that day is the chosen ride of Johnny Murtagh. Of the rest Kandahar Run and Rio De La Plata are not sure to stay.
My idea of the first 3 would be Casual Conquest, Tartan Bearer and Tajaaweed.
The ultra consistent Birkside runs in the 4.45. He is in stall 10 which has supplied the winner in 2 of the last 4 seasons.
Sprint king Dandy Nicholls is well represented in the 5.20 where his Joseph Henry looks worth an interest.
Rossini’s Dancer was a losing favourite at Newcastle on his last run but there appeared to be something amiss that day and we might be able to ignore the run. He has previously put up a much better effort when 2nd at Beverley and he could be worth another chance in the Musselburgh 4.35.
On Sunday there is no obvious reason for supporting Iron Cross in the Southwell 3.40 but any market move for him would be worth noting.
Pictures by kind permission of Ann Duffield Racing
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