The networks up the ante with their coverage of racing this weekend as Saratoga and Monmouth Park take centre stage for three excellent renewals.
First up on Saturday is the Grade 1 Diana Stakes where a number of foreign bred horses, including Britain's Aviate and French mount Zagora, take on a number of interesting US rivals. The Grade 2 Jim Dandy Stakes follows half an hour later, with both races live on Versus.
The main event on Sunday is the Grade 1 Haskell Invitational at Monmouth Park, New Jersey. Billed as the fourth biggest three-year-old race of the year after the Triple Crown contests, ABC dedicate an hour of scheduling to the $1,000,000 feature, which should be long enough to bore people to death.
Saturday
Saratoga, NY (Firm/Fast)
5.12 (10.12BST) $500,000 Diana Stakes (Grade 1) 9f, 3-year-olds+ fillies & mares (10 runners) turf
Aruna (Graham Motion/RA Dominguez) 3/1 or Dyna Waltz (Jonathan Sheppard/E Prado) 12/1ew
One of two Graham Motion runners in the field, Aruna won on her last time out in the Grade 3 All Along Stakes at Virginia's Colonial Downs, and has the chance to reverse places with Aviate following a swing in the weights. Dyna Waltz spent her first two years competing in Britain but has run well in her first US campaign and appears to love firm ground.
5.45 (10.45BST) $500,000 Jim Dandy Stakes (Grade 2) 9f, 3-year-olds (7 runners) dirt
Scotus (KG McPeek/A Garcia) 8/1ew or Dominus (Steve Asmussen/JR Leparoux) 3/1
On paper an open race with Belmont Stakes runner-up Stay Thirsty and third placed Brilliant Speed the headline entrants. Brilliant Speed carries the heaviest weight, however, and Stay Thirsty's runs in the Florida Derby and Kentucky Derby don't inspire confidence. I'm siding with outsider Scotus, winner of the Grade 3 Matt Winn Stakes at Churchill Downs in June. Dominus' last outing resulted in a Grade 2 victory at Belmont Park.
Sunday
Monmouth Park, NJ (Fast)
5.43 (10.43BST) $1,000,000 Haskell Invitational (Grade 1), 9f, 3-year-olds (8 runners) dirt
Shackleford (Dale Romans/JL Castenon) 5/2fav or Astrology (Steve Asmussen/JR Leparoux) 5/1
Preakness victor Shackleford heads the market for this prestigious contest and I see no need to oppose him, despite a relatively poor showing in the Belmont Stakes (distance/conditions good excuses for that). Astrology ran well in finishing third at Pimlico behind Shackleford and could shrug off a poor run in the Iowa Derby last time out. Pants On Fire and Belmont winner Ruler On Ice are two other Triple Crown participants that could feature.
Friday, July 29, 2011
Goodwood - Day 5
A good end to an entertaining week at Goodwood includes a couple of large handicaps and another dual between Snow Fairy and Midday, in the Group 1 Nassau Stakes.
Goodwood (good-to-firm)
2.05 Stewards' Sprint Stakes (Class 2 handicap) 6f, 3-year-olds+ (26 runners)
Dubai Media (Ed Dunlop/Jamie Spencer) 20/1ew or Free For All (Sylvester Kirk/Richard Hughes) 14/1ew
2.35 Summer Stakes (Class 2 handicap) 14f, 3-year-olds+ (14 runners)
Activate (Michael Bell/Jamie Spencer) 7/1ew or Sentry Duty (Nicky Henderson/Keiren Fallon) 14/1ew
3.10 Nassau Stakes (Group 1) 9f192yards, 3-year-olds+ (7 runners)
Snow Fairy (Ed Dunlop/Frankie Dettori) 6/4fav
In what could turn out to be a two-horse battle between Midday and Snow Fairy, I side with Ed Dunlop's runner who blazed a winning trail through Group 1s in Asia at the backend of last year. Midday may rebound after losing to AP O'Brien Misty For Me (a non-runner in this one) in Ireland last time out.
3.45 Stewards' Cup (Heritage handicap) 6f, 3-year-olds+ (28 runners)
Mac's Power (James Fanshawe/Pat Cosgrave) 8/1ew or Atlantic Sport (Mick Channon/Hugh Bowman) 40/1ew
4.20 Maiden Stakes, 7f, 2-year-olds (16 runners)
Take your pick!
4.55 Nursery Stakes, 6f, 2-year-olds (16 runners)
Safari Storm (Brian Meehan/Martin Dwyer) 8/1ew or Tell Dad (Richard Hannon/Richard Hughes) 11/1ew
5.35 Apprentice Stakes (Class 3 handicap) 9f, 4-year-olds+ (18 runners)
Moynahan (Paul Cole/Matthew Lawson) 14/1ew
Friday round-up...
Finally a better day. Jukebox Jury's third in the Glorious Stakes allowed a small each-way gain as favourite Redwood bombed out. Western Aristocrat was closely beaten into third by Neebras in the RSA Thoroughbred Stakes. Sooraah ran an excellent race in fourth at 16/1 to secure each-way money in the big handicap of the day. The banker of the day came in at 3.45 as 5/6 favourite Harbour Watch survived to score ahead of 10/1 each-way choice Bannock.
Goodwood (good-to-firm)
2.05 Stewards' Sprint Stakes (Class 2 handicap) 6f, 3-year-olds+ (26 runners)
Dubai Media (Ed Dunlop/Jamie Spencer) 20/1ew or Free For All (Sylvester Kirk/Richard Hughes) 14/1ew
2.35 Summer Stakes (Class 2 handicap) 14f, 3-year-olds+ (14 runners)
Activate (Michael Bell/Jamie Spencer) 7/1ew or Sentry Duty (Nicky Henderson/Keiren Fallon) 14/1ew
3.10 Nassau Stakes (Group 1) 9f192yards, 3-year-olds+ (7 runners)
Snow Fairy (Ed Dunlop/Frankie Dettori) 6/4fav
In what could turn out to be a two-horse battle between Midday and Snow Fairy, I side with Ed Dunlop's runner who blazed a winning trail through Group 1s in Asia at the backend of last year. Midday may rebound after losing to AP O'Brien Misty For Me (a non-runner in this one) in Ireland last time out.
3.45 Stewards' Cup (Heritage handicap) 6f, 3-year-olds+ (28 runners)
Mac's Power (James Fanshawe/Pat Cosgrave) 8/1ew or Atlantic Sport (Mick Channon/Hugh Bowman) 40/1ew
4.20 Maiden Stakes, 7f, 2-year-olds (16 runners)
Take your pick!
4.55 Nursery Stakes, 6f, 2-year-olds (16 runners)
Safari Storm (Brian Meehan/Martin Dwyer) 8/1ew or Tell Dad (Richard Hannon/Richard Hughes) 11/1ew
5.35 Apprentice Stakes (Class 3 handicap) 9f, 4-year-olds+ (18 runners)
Moynahan (Paul Cole/Matthew Lawson) 14/1ew
Friday round-up...
Finally a better day. Jukebox Jury's third in the Glorious Stakes allowed a small each-way gain as favourite Redwood bombed out. Western Aristocrat was closely beaten into third by Neebras in the RSA Thoroughbred Stakes. Sooraah ran an excellent race in fourth at 16/1 to secure each-way money in the big handicap of the day. The banker of the day came in at 3.45 as 5/6 favourite Harbour Watch survived to score ahead of 10/1 each-way choice Bannock.
Thursday, July 28, 2011
Glorious Goodwood - Day 4
A number of really good battles are set to take place at Goodwood on Friday with Redwood and Green Destiny the standout horses, along with potential two-year-old sensation Harbour Watch. One of last year's brilliant two-year-olds Memory gets another chance to prove she has what it takes in the Oak Tree Stakes and Western Aristocrat will be looking to further enhance his reputation in the 2.35 listed contest.
Goodwood (good)
2.00 Glorious Stakes (Group 3) 12f, 4-year-olds+ (10 runners)
Redwood (BW Hills/Michael Hills) 11/4fav or Jukebox Jury (Mark Johnston/Neil Callan) 5/1ew
Look for the globaltrotting Redwood to rebound from an eight length defeat at Newmarket to take a race that is below his usual standard. Jukebox Jury returned from a long lay off to win at Newmarket last time out and looks one of the better remaining runners.
2.35 RSA Thoroughbred Stakes (Listed) 8f, 3-year-olds (8 runners)
Western Aristocrat (Jeremy Noseda/Ryan Moore) 11/8fav or Neebras (Mahmood Al-Zarooni/Frankie Dettori) 3/1
An impressive third behind Strong Suit at Royal Ascot, Western Aristocrat is expected to improve on his first run at a mile and is the one to beat. Neebras should be his main rival.
3.10 Heritage Handicap, 8f, 3-year-olds+ (22 runners)
Green Destiny (Jim Boyle/Micky Fenton) 11/4fav or Sooraah (William Haggas/John Fahy) 16/1ew
John Smith's Cup winner Green Destiny is the short priced favourite for this large handicap and could take all the beating again after winning well at York. Sooraah won a listed contest last time out at Ascot and could sneek a place.
3.45 Tanqueray Richmond Stakes (Group 2) 6f, 2-year-olds (10 runners)
Harbour Watch (Richard Hannon/Richard Hughes) 4/5fav or Bannock (Mark Johnston/Silvester De Sousa) 10/1ew
Harbour Watch has won both his starts so far in impressive fashion and is thought to be one of the better two-year-olds this term. Bannock should appreciate firmer ground and has been running well in Group company.
4.20 Nursery handicap, 7f, 2-year-olds (15 runners)
Camanche (Bryan Smart/Paul Hanagan) 14/1ew or Poetic Dancer (Clive Cox/John Fahy) 10/1ew
4.50 Oak Tree Stakes (Group 3) 7f, 3-year-olds+ fillies & mares (18 runners)
Memory (Richard Hannon/Richard Hughes) 10/1ew or Maqaasid (John Gosden/Richard Hills) 7/1ew
Memory drops down to seven furlongs for the first time this season and hopefully will rediscover some of her form from last year. Maqaasid finished third in the 1000 Guineas and a drop back to seven furlongs may also suit.
5.25 Turf Club Stakes (Class 3 handicap) 5f, 3-year-olds (13 runners)
Quality Art (Gary Moore/Ryan Moore) 6/1 or Bold Bidder (Kevin Ryan/Philip Makin) 14/1ew
Thursday recap...
Masamah was the only winner from my picks today, at 11/4. Motrice ran a good race to finish third in the Lillie Langtry Stakes at an each-way price of 9/1.
Goodwood (good)
2.00 Glorious Stakes (Group 3) 12f, 4-year-olds+ (10 runners)
Redwood (BW Hills/Michael Hills) 11/4fav or Jukebox Jury (Mark Johnston/Neil Callan) 5/1ew
Look for the globaltrotting Redwood to rebound from an eight length defeat at Newmarket to take a race that is below his usual standard. Jukebox Jury returned from a long lay off to win at Newmarket last time out and looks one of the better remaining runners.
2.35 RSA Thoroughbred Stakes (Listed) 8f, 3-year-olds (8 runners)
Western Aristocrat (Jeremy Noseda/Ryan Moore) 11/8fav or Neebras (Mahmood Al-Zarooni/Frankie Dettori) 3/1
An impressive third behind Strong Suit at Royal Ascot, Western Aristocrat is expected to improve on his first run at a mile and is the one to beat. Neebras should be his main rival.
3.10 Heritage Handicap, 8f, 3-year-olds+ (22 runners)
Green Destiny (Jim Boyle/Micky Fenton) 11/4fav or Sooraah (William Haggas/John Fahy) 16/1ew
John Smith's Cup winner Green Destiny is the short priced favourite for this large handicap and could take all the beating again after winning well at York. Sooraah won a listed contest last time out at Ascot and could sneek a place.
3.45 Tanqueray Richmond Stakes (Group 2) 6f, 2-year-olds (10 runners)
Harbour Watch (Richard Hannon/Richard Hughes) 4/5fav or Bannock (Mark Johnston/Silvester De Sousa) 10/1ew
Harbour Watch has won both his starts so far in impressive fashion and is thought to be one of the better two-year-olds this term. Bannock should appreciate firmer ground and has been running well in Group company.
4.20 Nursery handicap, 7f, 2-year-olds (15 runners)
Camanche (Bryan Smart/Paul Hanagan) 14/1ew or Poetic Dancer (Clive Cox/John Fahy) 10/1ew
4.50 Oak Tree Stakes (Group 3) 7f, 3-year-olds+ fillies & mares (18 runners)
Memory (Richard Hannon/Richard Hughes) 10/1ew or Maqaasid (John Gosden/Richard Hills) 7/1ew
Memory drops down to seven furlongs for the first time this season and hopefully will rediscover some of her form from last year. Maqaasid finished third in the 1000 Guineas and a drop back to seven furlongs may also suit.
5.25 Turf Club Stakes (Class 3 handicap) 5f, 3-year-olds (13 runners)
Quality Art (Gary Moore/Ryan Moore) 6/1 or Bold Bidder (Kevin Ryan/Philip Makin) 14/1ew
Thursday recap...
Masamah was the only winner from my picks today, at 11/4. Motrice ran a good race to finish third in the Lillie Langtry Stakes at an each-way price of 9/1.
Wednesday, July 27, 2011
Glorious Goodwood - Day 3
The stayers take centre stage on day three at Goodwood as 16 runners go head-to-head for the two mile Goodwood Cup. The fillies and mares provide the best of the rest in the Lillie Langtry stakes.
Goodwood (good)
2.15 Class 2 handicap, 9f192yrds, 3-year-olds (16 runners)
Specific Gravity (Sir Henry Cecil/Tom Queally) 16/1ew or Tropical Beat (John Gosden/William Buick) 12/1ew
Specific Gravity drops down to handicap company after running well twice in a listed event at Newmarket and a Group 3 contest at Royal Ascot this season. Tropical Beat makes the move up in trip, but has run well at nine furlongs in the past.
2.45 King George Stakes (Group 2) 5f, 3-year-olds+ (12 runners)
Masamah (Kevin Ryan/Jamie Spencer) 11/2 or Golden Destiny (Peter Makin/William Buick) 16/1ew
A difficult race to call but I'm siding with Masamah, winner of a listed race at York earlier in the month. Golden Destiny was fourth in that race and performed better back at five furlongs after disappointing runs over six.
3.15 Goodwood Cup (Group 2) 16f, 3-year-olds+ (16 runners)
Bergo (Gary Moore/Ryan Moore) 16/1ew or Montaff (Mick Channon/Hugh Bowman) 16/1ew
A number of good horses line up for main race of the day, including Opinion Poll, Manighar and Chiberta King. I'm siding with former hurdler Bergo, however, who makes his first appearance in Britain this year after finishing second in the DRC Gold Cup at Meydan during the spring. Montaff could run well again after finishing second in the Group 2 Henry II at Sandown and second in the Northumberland Plate.
3.45 Lillie Langtry Stakes (Group 3) 14f, 3-year-olds+ fillies & mares (10 runners)
Motrice (Sir Mark Prescott/Seb Saunders) 8/1ew or Ships Biscuit (Sir Michael Stoute/Ryan Moore) 14/1ew
Motrice's best runs have come at 14 and 16 furlongs, so a drop back to familiar territory from her first run of the season at Royal Ascot is bound to suit. Ships Biscuit looks decent value and could run into a place following okay performances in listed contests.
4.20 Maiden Fillies Stakes, 7f, 2-year-old fillies (19 runners)
Take your pick!
4.55 Tatler Stakes (class 2 handicap) 7f, 3-year-olds (15 runners)
Bertiewhittle (David Barron/Silvestre De Sousa) 11/1ew
5.25 Class 3 handicap, 11f, 3-year-olds (14 runners)
Dragonera (Ed Dunlop/Frankie Dettori) 5/1 or Goldenveil (Richard Fahey/Paul Hanagan) 14/1ew
Wednesday wrap up
Frankel aside, nothing to report. A thoroughly awful day on the tipping front.
Goodwood (good)
2.15 Class 2 handicap, 9f192yrds, 3-year-olds (16 runners)
Specific Gravity (Sir Henry Cecil/Tom Queally) 16/1ew or Tropical Beat (John Gosden/William Buick) 12/1ew
Specific Gravity drops down to handicap company after running well twice in a listed event at Newmarket and a Group 3 contest at Royal Ascot this season. Tropical Beat makes the move up in trip, but has run well at nine furlongs in the past.
2.45 King George Stakes (Group 2) 5f, 3-year-olds+ (12 runners)
Masamah (Kevin Ryan/Jamie Spencer) 11/2 or Golden Destiny (Peter Makin/William Buick) 16/1ew
A difficult race to call but I'm siding with Masamah, winner of a listed race at York earlier in the month. Golden Destiny was fourth in that race and performed better back at five furlongs after disappointing runs over six.
3.15 Goodwood Cup (Group 2) 16f, 3-year-olds+ (16 runners)
Bergo (Gary Moore/Ryan Moore) 16/1ew or Montaff (Mick Channon/Hugh Bowman) 16/1ew
A number of good horses line up for main race of the day, including Opinion Poll, Manighar and Chiberta King. I'm siding with former hurdler Bergo, however, who makes his first appearance in Britain this year after finishing second in the DRC Gold Cup at Meydan during the spring. Montaff could run well again after finishing second in the Group 2 Henry II at Sandown and second in the Northumberland Plate.
3.45 Lillie Langtry Stakes (Group 3) 14f, 3-year-olds+ fillies & mares (10 runners)
Motrice (Sir Mark Prescott/Seb Saunders) 8/1ew or Ships Biscuit (Sir Michael Stoute/Ryan Moore) 14/1ew
Motrice's best runs have come at 14 and 16 furlongs, so a drop back to familiar territory from her first run of the season at Royal Ascot is bound to suit. Ships Biscuit looks decent value and could run into a place following okay performances in listed contests.
4.20 Maiden Fillies Stakes, 7f, 2-year-old fillies (19 runners)
Take your pick!
4.55 Tatler Stakes (class 2 handicap) 7f, 3-year-olds (15 runners)
Bertiewhittle (David Barron/Silvestre De Sousa) 11/1ew
5.25 Class 3 handicap, 11f, 3-year-olds (14 runners)
Dragonera (Ed Dunlop/Frankie Dettori) 5/1 or Goldenveil (Richard Fahey/Paul Hanagan) 14/1ew
Wednesday wrap up
Frankel aside, nothing to report. A thoroughly awful day on the tipping front.
Tuesday, July 26, 2011
Glorious Goodwood - Day 2
The eagerly anticipated clash of top milers Canford Cliffs and Frankel dominates the card on day two at the Goodwood festival, with Sir Henry Cecil's undefeated three-year-old fancied to come out on top due to the generous weight allowance afforded the classic generation.
Grade One hurdles winner Spirit Of Adijisa is another classy performer on show as he takes on 19 rivals in the 21 furlong Goodwood Stakes.
Goodwood (good)
2.00 Goodwood Stakes (Class 2 handicap) 21f, 3-year-olds+ (20 runners)
Spirit Of Adijisa (Tim Vaughan/Ryan Moore) 5/1fav or L Frank Baum (Gay Kelleway/Jimmy Fortune) 40/1ew
A mixture of hurdlers and flat runners take on this grueling 21 furlong handicap with Tim Vaughan's Spirit Of Adijisa heading the market following success in a Grade One novice hurdle at Punchestown in May. L Frank Baum sits at the foot of the betting, but has run over a long distance before, unlike many others in the field.
2.35 Vintage Stakes (Group 2) 7f, 2-year-olds (7 runners)
Red Duke (John Quinn/Kieron Fallon) 11/4fav
Red Duke won the Superlative Stakes at Newmarket last time out and is fancied again ahead of the horse he beat that day Chandlery (Richard Hannon/Richard Hughes, 3/1)
3.10 Sussex Stakes (Group 1) 8f, 3-year-olds+ (4 runners)
Frankel (Sir Henry Cecil/Tom Queally) 8/11fav
The prominence of favourite Frankel and last year's victor Canford Cliffs forced a number of rivals to pull out, leaving only the brave Rio De La Plata and Rajsaman remaining as challengers. However, Sir Henry Cecil's 2000 Guineas winner receives eight pounds in weight from the field, which should allow him to make it eight victories from eight starts.
3.45 Class 2 handicap, 12f, 3-year-olds (12 runners)
Halifax (Mark Johnston/Kieron Fallon) 5/1fav or Sadler's Risk (Mark Johnston/Neil Callan) 8/1ew
After Namibian's success in the Gordon Stakes, Halifax's run behind him at Royal Ascot looks better than first thought. The drop back to a mile and a half should suit Mark Johnston's runner. Sadler's Risk finished just behind Irish Derby winner Treasure Beach in the Chester Vase, and despite conceding weight all round, could be a contender.
4.20 Maiden Stakes, 6f, 2-year-olds (13 runners)
Deduction (BW Hills/Michael Hills) 8/1ew
4.55 Classified Stakes, 7f, 3-year-olds+ (15 runners)
Shamandar (William Haggas/Ryan Moore) 7/1ew or Decent Fella (Andrew Balding/Liam Keniry) 9/1ew
5.30 Class 3 handicap, 9f, 3-year-olds+ fillies & mares (18 runners)
Musharakaat (Ed Dunlop/Richard Hughes) 16/1ew or Imaginary World (Alan McCabe/David Probert) 25/1ew
Tuesday's recap
A satisfactory start to the festival yielded two winners and two placings over the seven races on Tuesday. Strong Suit won the Lennox Stakes easily at 5/2, with Beacon Lodge running an excellent race in third at 16/1. Requinto could be one to watch for the rest of the season after edging out his rivals in the Molecomb at 6/1. Guest Book yielded a decent each-way return following a second placed finish in the 4.50 at 7/1. As for the rest of my selections, Modun performed brightest finishing second in the opening race of the day after going off the 7/2 favourite.
Grade One hurdles winner Spirit Of Adijisa is another classy performer on show as he takes on 19 rivals in the 21 furlong Goodwood Stakes.
Goodwood (good)
2.00 Goodwood Stakes (Class 2 handicap) 21f, 3-year-olds+ (20 runners)
Spirit Of Adijisa (Tim Vaughan/Ryan Moore) 5/1fav or L Frank Baum (Gay Kelleway/Jimmy Fortune) 40/1ew
A mixture of hurdlers and flat runners take on this grueling 21 furlong handicap with Tim Vaughan's Spirit Of Adijisa heading the market following success in a Grade One novice hurdle at Punchestown in May. L Frank Baum sits at the foot of the betting, but has run over a long distance before, unlike many others in the field.
2.35 Vintage Stakes (Group 2) 7f, 2-year-olds (7 runners)
Red Duke (John Quinn/Kieron Fallon) 11/4fav
Red Duke won the Superlative Stakes at Newmarket last time out and is fancied again ahead of the horse he beat that day Chandlery (Richard Hannon/Richard Hughes, 3/1)
3.10 Sussex Stakes (Group 1) 8f, 3-year-olds+ (4 runners)
Frankel (Sir Henry Cecil/Tom Queally) 8/11fav
The prominence of favourite Frankel and last year's victor Canford Cliffs forced a number of rivals to pull out, leaving only the brave Rio De La Plata and Rajsaman remaining as challengers. However, Sir Henry Cecil's 2000 Guineas winner receives eight pounds in weight from the field, which should allow him to make it eight victories from eight starts.
3.45 Class 2 handicap, 12f, 3-year-olds (12 runners)
Halifax (Mark Johnston/Kieron Fallon) 5/1fav or Sadler's Risk (Mark Johnston/Neil Callan) 8/1ew
After Namibian's success in the Gordon Stakes, Halifax's run behind him at Royal Ascot looks better than first thought. The drop back to a mile and a half should suit Mark Johnston's runner. Sadler's Risk finished just behind Irish Derby winner Treasure Beach in the Chester Vase, and despite conceding weight all round, could be a contender.
4.20 Maiden Stakes, 6f, 2-year-olds (13 runners)
Deduction (BW Hills/Michael Hills) 8/1ew
4.55 Classified Stakes, 7f, 3-year-olds+ (15 runners)
Shamandar (William Haggas/Ryan Moore) 7/1ew or Decent Fella (Andrew Balding/Liam Keniry) 9/1ew
5.30 Class 3 handicap, 9f, 3-year-olds+ fillies & mares (18 runners)
Musharakaat (Ed Dunlop/Richard Hughes) 16/1ew or Imaginary World (Alan McCabe/David Probert) 25/1ew
Tuesday's recap
A satisfactory start to the festival yielded two winners and two placings over the seven races on Tuesday. Strong Suit won the Lennox Stakes easily at 5/2, with Beacon Lodge running an excellent race in third at 16/1. Requinto could be one to watch for the rest of the season after edging out his rivals in the Molecomb at 6/1. Guest Book yielded a decent each-way return following a second placed finish in the 4.50 at 7/1. As for the rest of my selections, Modun performed brightest finishing second in the opening race of the day after going off the 7/2 favourite.
Monday, July 25, 2011
Glorious Goodwood - Day 1
The five-day Glorious Goodwood festival kicks off tomorrow with three Group races, three handicaps and a two-year-old maiden.
Star of the day could be three-year-old Strong Suit, who has rebounded from a slow start to the season and is now progressing nicely under the trainer/jockey combination of Richard Hannon and Richard Hughes.
Fiorente and Slumber could give us an intriguing battle in the three-year-old Gordon Stakes, while a few stars of tomorrow could be found in the two-year-old Molecomb Stakes.
Goodwood (good)
2.00 Class 2 handicap, 9f192yrds, 4-year-olds+ (18 runners)
Modun (Sir Michael Stoute/Ryan Moore) 7/2fav or Circumvent (Paul Cole/Richard Hughes) 14/1ew
Second in the John Smith's Cup at York on July 9th, Modun should challenge again after being only slightly moved up the handicap rankings. Circumvent, who has run in Group company before, showed signs of improvement in his last run, and his handicap mark is low enough to make him an outside each-way selection.
2.35 Gordon Stakes (Group 3) 12f, 3-year-olds (11 runners)
Slumber (BW Hills/Michael Hills) 9/2 or Well Sharp (Michael Dods/Philip Makin) 25/1ew
Fiorente is the favourite for this Group 3 contest after his second place finish in the King Edward VII Stakes at Royal Ascot, behind King George winner Nathaniel. Slumber's only run at this distance was a decent third behind Irish Derby victor Treasure Beach, and he should give Fiorente a good run for his money at a decent price. Well Sharp is the lowest ranked runner, but did finish third behind Brown Panther in the King George V handicap last month.
3.10 Lennox Stakes (Group 2) 7f, 3-year-olds+ (9 runners)
Strong Suit (Richard Hannon/Richard Hughes) 5/2fav or Beacon Lodge (Clive Cox/Adam Kirby) 12/1ew
After a slow start to his three-year-old campaign (included breathing surgery), Strong Suit has responded well by taking the Jersey Stakes at Royal Ascot before finishing third in the Group 1 Prix Jean Prat at Chantilly. The weight advantage over his older peers rightly makes him favourite. Beacon Lodge's result this year have been decent, the ground will suit and he ran well at Goodwood last year.
3.45 Molecomb Stakes (Group 3) 5f, 2-year-olds (14 runners)
Requinto (David Wachman/WM Lordan) 5/1 or Crown Dependency (Richard Hannon/Richard Hughes) 9/2fav
Irish raider Requinto ran extremely well when winning back at five furlongs in the listed Tipperary Stakes on July 9th and is expected to go well again. Crown Dependency finished third in the Group 2 Norfolk Stakes at Royal Ascot, with the firmer ground likely to work in his favour.
4.20 Maiden Stakes, 6f, 2-year-old colts & geldings (13 runners)
Muarrab (Ed Dunlop/Richard Hills) 6/1ew
This well bred (and expensive) colt runs his debut race and is expected to make a good impression ahead of bigger races later in the summer.
4.50 Class 3 handicap, 8f, 3-year-olds+ (20 runners)
Suited & Booted (Jane Chapple-Hyam/Luke Morris) 25/1ew or Guest Book (Mark Johnston/Silvestre De Sousa) 12/1ew
5.25 Class 3 handicap, 5f, 4-year-olds+ (19 runners)
Verinco (Bryan Smart/Tom Eaves) 14/1ew or Judge N Jury (Ronald Harris/Luke Morris) 14/1ew
Star of the day could be three-year-old Strong Suit, who has rebounded from a slow start to the season and is now progressing nicely under the trainer/jockey combination of Richard Hannon and Richard Hughes.
Fiorente and Slumber could give us an intriguing battle in the three-year-old Gordon Stakes, while a few stars of tomorrow could be found in the two-year-old Molecomb Stakes.
Goodwood (good)
2.00 Class 2 handicap, 9f192yrds, 4-year-olds+ (18 runners)
Modun (Sir Michael Stoute/Ryan Moore) 7/2fav or Circumvent (Paul Cole/Richard Hughes) 14/1ew
Second in the John Smith's Cup at York on July 9th, Modun should challenge again after being only slightly moved up the handicap rankings. Circumvent, who has run in Group company before, showed signs of improvement in his last run, and his handicap mark is low enough to make him an outside each-way selection.
2.35 Gordon Stakes (Group 3) 12f, 3-year-olds (11 runners)
Slumber (BW Hills/Michael Hills) 9/2 or Well Sharp (Michael Dods/Philip Makin) 25/1ew
Fiorente is the favourite for this Group 3 contest after his second place finish in the King Edward VII Stakes at Royal Ascot, behind King George winner Nathaniel. Slumber's only run at this distance was a decent third behind Irish Derby victor Treasure Beach, and he should give Fiorente a good run for his money at a decent price. Well Sharp is the lowest ranked runner, but did finish third behind Brown Panther in the King George V handicap last month.
3.10 Lennox Stakes (Group 2) 7f, 3-year-olds+ (9 runners)
Strong Suit (Richard Hannon/Richard Hughes) 5/2fav or Beacon Lodge (Clive Cox/Adam Kirby) 12/1ew
After a slow start to his three-year-old campaign (included breathing surgery), Strong Suit has responded well by taking the Jersey Stakes at Royal Ascot before finishing third in the Group 1 Prix Jean Prat at Chantilly. The weight advantage over his older peers rightly makes him favourite. Beacon Lodge's result this year have been decent, the ground will suit and he ran well at Goodwood last year.
3.45 Molecomb Stakes (Group 3) 5f, 2-year-olds (14 runners)
Requinto (David Wachman/WM Lordan) 5/1 or Crown Dependency (Richard Hannon/Richard Hughes) 9/2fav
Irish raider Requinto ran extremely well when winning back at five furlongs in the listed Tipperary Stakes on July 9th and is expected to go well again. Crown Dependency finished third in the Group 2 Norfolk Stakes at Royal Ascot, with the firmer ground likely to work in his favour.
4.20 Maiden Stakes, 6f, 2-year-old colts & geldings (13 runners)
Muarrab (Ed Dunlop/Richard Hills) 6/1ew
This well bred (and expensive) colt runs his debut race and is expected to make a good impression ahead of bigger races later in the summer.
4.50 Class 3 handicap, 8f, 3-year-olds+ (20 runners)
Suited & Booted (Jane Chapple-Hyam/Luke Morris) 25/1ew or Guest Book (Mark Johnston/Silvestre De Sousa) 12/1ew
5.25 Class 3 handicap, 5f, 4-year-olds+ (19 runners)
Verinco (Bryan Smart/Tom Eaves) 14/1ew or Judge N Jury (Ronald Harris/Luke Morris) 14/1ew
Thursday, July 21, 2011
An early look at Saturday
Just a quick preview for the weekend, laptop problems still "bugging" me. Full service will resume next Tuesday in time for the start of Goodwood.
A good number of races this Saturday, including the King George & Queen Elizabeth Stakes at Ascot, where Rewilding, St Nicholas Abbey and Workforce go head-to-head-to-head for one of the biggest prize pots in UK flat racing.
Ascot (good to soft)
2.40 Princess Margaret Stakes (Group 3) 6f, 2-year-old fillies (7 runners)
Russelliana (Sir Michael Stoute/Ryan Moore)
3.15 Class 2 handicap, 8f, 3-year-olds (11 runners)
Mariachi Man (Tim Easterby/David Allen) or My Freedom (Saeed Bin Suroor/Frankie Dettori)
3.50 Class 2 Heritage handicap, 7f, 3-year-olds+ (24 runners)
Manassas (Brian Meehan/Martin Dwyer) 16/1ew or Excellent Guest (George Margarson/Philip Robinson) 10/1ew
4.30 King George VI & Queen Elizabeth Stakes (Group 1) 12f, 3-year-olds+ (5 runners)
Rewilding (Mahmood Al-Zarooni/Frankie Dettori) 7/2
York (good-to-soft)
3.05 York Stakes (Group 2) 10f, 3-year-olds+ (7 runners)
Twice Over (Sir Henry Cecil/Tom Queally) 2/1fav
A good number of races this Saturday, including the King George & Queen Elizabeth Stakes at Ascot, where Rewilding, St Nicholas Abbey and Workforce go head-to-head-to-head for one of the biggest prize pots in UK flat racing.
Ascot (good to soft)
2.40 Princess Margaret Stakes (Group 3) 6f, 2-year-old fillies (7 runners)
Russelliana (Sir Michael Stoute/Ryan Moore)
3.15 Class 2 handicap, 8f, 3-year-olds (11 runners)
Mariachi Man (Tim Easterby/David Allen) or My Freedom (Saeed Bin Suroor/Frankie Dettori)
3.50 Class 2 Heritage handicap, 7f, 3-year-olds+ (24 runners)
Manassas (Brian Meehan/Martin Dwyer) 16/1ew or Excellent Guest (George Margarson/Philip Robinson) 10/1ew
4.30 King George VI & Queen Elizabeth Stakes (Group 1) 12f, 3-year-olds+ (5 runners)
Rewilding (Mahmood Al-Zarooni/Frankie Dettori) 7/2
York (good-to-soft)
3.05 York Stakes (Group 2) 10f, 3-year-olds+ (7 runners)
Twice Over (Sir Henry Cecil/Tom Queally) 2/1fav
Wednesday, July 13, 2011
Longchamp takes centre stage
Two high-end races head the card at Longchamp on Thursday as Irish Derby winner Treasure Beach renews his rivalry with Seville in the Group 1 Grand Pirx De Paris. Preceding this, 13 runners compete in the Group 2 Prix Maurice De Nieuil.
Longchamp
6.15 Prix Maurice De Nieuil (Group 2) 4-year-olds+, 14f (13 runners)
Times Up (Ryan Moore/John Dunlop) 9/2fav or Kasbah Bliss (Thierry Thulliez/F Douman) 9/1ew
John Dunlop's five-year-old continued his upward slant this season by winning on his last appearance in the Grand Cup at York two months ago. Despite his years, nine-year-old Kasbah Bliss has place claims and is back running at a more suitable distance following his seventh place in the Ascot Gold Cup.
6.50 Grand Prix De Paris (Group 1) 3-year-olds, 12f (7 runners)
Treasure Beach (C O'Donoghue/AP O'Brien) 11/4fav or Bubble Chic (Stephane Pasquier/G Botti) 13/2ew
Stable mates Treasure Beach and Seville (Seamie Heffernan/AP O'Brien, 3/1) go head-to-head once again after finishing first and second respectively in the Irish Derby last month. The fact that Treasure Beach also finished ahead of Seville in the Epsom Derby gives him an added advantage. Of the French-trained horses involved, Reliable Man (Gerald Mosse/A De Royer-Dupre, 11/4) is sure to run well after winning the Prix Du Jockey Club, but Bubble Chic, second behind A De Royer-Dupre's mount at Chantilly, is better value.
Hamilton
3.40 Glasgow Stakes (Listed) 3-year-olds, 11f (7 runners)
Stella Point (Hugh Bowman/Mick Channon) 4/1
There is little-to-no form over 11 furlongs for any of the runners in this contest, although favourite Malthouse (Silvestre De Sousa/Mark Johnston) finished halfway down the field in the 12 furlong King George V handicap at Royal Ascot. My pick is filly Stella Point, who won a 10 furlong maiden easily last time out, and should progress further again.
Longchamp
6.15 Prix Maurice De Nieuil (Group 2) 4-year-olds+, 14f (13 runners)
Times Up (Ryan Moore/John Dunlop) 9/2fav or Kasbah Bliss (Thierry Thulliez/F Douman) 9/1ew
John Dunlop's five-year-old continued his upward slant this season by winning on his last appearance in the Grand Cup at York two months ago. Despite his years, nine-year-old Kasbah Bliss has place claims and is back running at a more suitable distance following his seventh place in the Ascot Gold Cup.
6.50 Grand Prix De Paris (Group 1) 3-year-olds, 12f (7 runners)
Treasure Beach (C O'Donoghue/AP O'Brien) 11/4fav or Bubble Chic (Stephane Pasquier/G Botti) 13/2ew
Stable mates Treasure Beach and Seville (Seamie Heffernan/AP O'Brien, 3/1) go head-to-head once again after finishing first and second respectively in the Irish Derby last month. The fact that Treasure Beach also finished ahead of Seville in the Epsom Derby gives him an added advantage. Of the French-trained horses involved, Reliable Man (Gerald Mosse/A De Royer-Dupre, 11/4) is sure to run well after winning the Prix Du Jockey Club, but Bubble Chic, second behind A De Royer-Dupre's mount at Chantilly, is better value.
Hamilton
3.40 Glasgow Stakes (Listed) 3-year-olds, 11f (7 runners)
Stella Point (Hugh Bowman/Mick Channon) 4/1
There is little-to-no form over 11 furlongs for any of the runners in this contest, although favourite Malthouse (Silvestre De Sousa/Mark Johnston) finished halfway down the field in the 12 furlong King George V handicap at Royal Ascot. My pick is filly Stella Point, who won a 10 furlong maiden easily last time out, and should progress further again.
Saturday, July 9, 2011
There was money to be made
As far as Saturday afternoon tipping goes, I'd rank that as a good. Four winners (Tactician, Dream Ahead, Dick Turpin and Saucy Brown) coupled with two long odds each way finishers (Fanunalter and Snow Bay) allows me a brief smile after what was a poor opening blog on Thursday.
I'm not going to crow too loudly, however, as luck has a habit of changing rapidly. So all I'll say is onwards to the US tonight and I will return with more value bets next week.
I'm not going to crow too loudly, however, as luck has a habit of changing rapidly. So all I'll say is onwards to the US tonight and I will return with more value bets next week.
Friday, July 8, 2011
Cape Blanco makes US debut
Irish raider Cape Blanco continues trainer AP O'Brien's modest 2011 assault on US racing tomorrow (Saturday) when lining up against six others in the Grade 1 Man O'War Stakes at Belmont Park, New York. Partnered by jockey Jamie Spencer, the four-year-old moves back up to a favourable 11 furlongs after dropping down to a mile for Royal Ascot's Queen Anne Stakes.
Winner of the last two Man O'Wars, Gio Ponti, is favourite for the late afternoon contest on Long Island, with 2010 second and fourth placed runners Mission Approved and Bearpath also trying their luck again.
Other Grade 1 contests taking place on Saturday include the Hollywood Gold Cup at Hollywood Park, Inglewood, California, and the Princess Rooney Handicap at Calder Park, Miami, Florida.
Belmont Park (Turf)
5.17 (10.17 BST) $600,000, Man O'War Stakes (Grade 1) 11f, 3-year-olds+ (7 runners)
Cape Blanco (AP O'Brien/Jamie Spencer) 3/1
Irish Derby and Champion Stakes winner Cape Blanco takes on the US challenge for the first time as he looks to get his season going following close runs in the UAE and France earlier in the year. His appearance at Royal Ascot was over a trip that doesn't suit. The firm ground, coupled with a move up to 11 furlongs, should work in his favour. Gio Ponti (Christophe Clement/RA Dominguez) and Mission Approved (Naipaul Chatterpaul/JL Espinoza) appear to be the biggest dangers.
Calder Park (Dirt)
5.32 (10.32 BST) $350,000, Princess Rooney Handicap (Grade 1) 6f, 3-year-olds+ fillies & mares (10 runners)
Sassy Image (Dale Romans/ME Smith)
Hollywood Park (Cushion Track)
7.37ET (12.37am BST) $500,000, Hollywood Gold Cup Handicap (Grade 1) 10f, 3-year-olds+ (8 runners)
Game On Dude (Bob Baffert/Chantal Sutherland) 8/1ew
Bob Baffert's four-year-old claimed the Santa Anita Handicap in March ahead of four of today's rivals, and although he hasn't won in two outings since, the Charles Town Classic (2nd) was on sloppy ground and the Lone Star Park Handicap (3rd) was over a shorter trip.
Winner of the last two Man O'Wars, Gio Ponti, is favourite for the late afternoon contest on Long Island, with 2010 second and fourth placed runners Mission Approved and Bearpath also trying their luck again.
Other Grade 1 contests taking place on Saturday include the Hollywood Gold Cup at Hollywood Park, Inglewood, California, and the Princess Rooney Handicap at Calder Park, Miami, Florida.
Belmont Park (Turf)
5.17 (10.17 BST) $600,000, Man O'War Stakes (Grade 1) 11f, 3-year-olds+ (7 runners)
Cape Blanco (AP O'Brien/Jamie Spencer) 3/1
Irish Derby and Champion Stakes winner Cape Blanco takes on the US challenge for the first time as he looks to get his season going following close runs in the UAE and France earlier in the year. His appearance at Royal Ascot was over a trip that doesn't suit. The firm ground, coupled with a move up to 11 furlongs, should work in his favour. Gio Ponti (Christophe Clement/RA Dominguez) and Mission Approved (Naipaul Chatterpaul/JL Espinoza) appear to be the biggest dangers.
Calder Park (Dirt)
5.32 (10.32 BST) $350,000, Princess Rooney Handicap (Grade 1) 6f, 3-year-olds+ fillies & mares (10 runners)
Sassy Image (Dale Romans/ME Smith)
Hollywood Park (Cushion Track)
7.37ET (12.37am BST) $500,000, Hollywood Gold Cup Handicap (Grade 1) 10f, 3-year-olds+ (8 runners)
Game On Dude (Bob Baffert/Chantal Sutherland) 8/1ew
Bob Baffert's four-year-old claimed the Santa Anita Handicap in March ahead of four of today's rivals, and although he hasn't won in two outings since, the Charles Town Classic (2nd) was on sloppy ground and the Lone Star Park Handicap (3rd) was over a shorter trip.
Bumper Saturday preview
After a day off to concentrate on Texan food and baseball I'm back with a bumper Saturday preview on what should be another fantastic day of racing in the UK. My so far less-than-accurate US tips will follow in due course, but for now I'll begin at Ascot where the Group 2 Summer Mile sees the reappearance of one of my favourite horses Dick Turpin. It appears Richard Hannon's four-year-old is being written off already after two bad runs but I say at 3/1 he is worth backing to get one over on favourite Cityscape.
The City Plate listed contest at Chester includes a number of horses that have run well at a higher level, including Doncaster Rover and Rerouted.
The biggest race at Newmarket is the Group 1 July Cup where a number of high class sprinters, including Australian colt Star Witness, vie for one of the bigger prizes of the summer. The Bunbury Cup handicap preceeds the July Cup, with 20 runners attempting to take home the 31,000GBP first prize.
York's Knavesmire track hosts a number of valuable handicaps on John Smith's Cup day.
Ascot
3.45 Summer Mile Stakes (Group 2), 8f, 4-year-olds+ (6 runners)
Dick Turpin (Pat Dobbs) 5/2 or Fanunalter (Adam Kirby) 12/1ew
Ground permitting, Group 1 winner Dick Turpin will attempt to get back on track against a distinctively average-looking Group 2 line up, Cityscape (Roger Charlton/Pat Cosgrave) notwithstanding. Fanunalter looks excellent value at 12/1 considering the five-year-old's performance in the Diomed Stakes at Epsom and in the UAE this March.
Chester
4.35 City Plate (Listed), 7f, 3-year-olds+ (11 runners)
Doncaster Rover (David Brown/Robert Winston) 4/1JF or Our Jonathan (Kevin Ryan/Franny Norton) 7/1ew
David Brown's five-year-old sprinter has only run over seven furlongs three times in the last 30 months, all Group 3 contests, and has finished no lower than third. Our Jonathan won a class 2 handicap at Chester in May and can go close again at this higher level.
Newmarket
2.55 Bunbury Cup (Class 2 handicap), 7f, 3-year-olds+ (20 runners)
Manassas (Brian Meehan/Frankie Dettori) 9/1ew or Red Gulch (Ed Walker/J-P Guillamber) 14/1ew
Manassas won the Buckingham Palace Stakes at Royal Ascot last time out after finishing second in the Victoria Cup over the same course and distance in May. Red Gulch is at the bottom of the weights, but has progressed well this year with three second place finishes at Newmarket over seven furlongs.
3.25 July Cup (Group 1), 6f, 3-year-olds+ (17 runners)
Dream Ahead (David Simcock/Hayley Turner) 8/1ew or Regal Parade (David Nicholls/Adrian Nicholls) 25/1ew
David Simcock's three-year-old had an excellent two-year-old career before losing out twice over a longer trip to undefeated Frankel. He gains weight all round and the drop back to six furlongs may be favourable. Dual Group 1 winner Regal Parade looks good each way value if his run at Newcastle two weeks previously was just a blip.
4.10 Class 2 handicap, 8f, 3-year-olds (14 runners)
Las Verglas Star (Richard Fahey/Barry McHugh) 12/1ew or Chosen Character (Tom Dascombe/Richard Kingscote) 14/1ew
York
2.05 City Walls Stakes (Listed), 5f, 3-year-olds (14 runners)
Hamish McGonagall (Tom Easterby/David Allen) 5/1 or Golden Destiny (Philip Makin/William Buick) 14/1ew
The six-year-old Hamish McGonagall hasn't won this year, but has performed extremely well in group company over the last few months at Haydock, Chantilly and Curragh. Golden Destiny's best runs have all come at five furlongs and so a drop back to that trip should suit the five-year-old who has appeared only once so far this season.
2.40 Silver Cup handicap (Listed), 14f, 3-year-olds+ (20 runners)
Eternal Heart (Mark Johnston/Jimmy Quinn) 8/1ew or Tactician (Michael Bell/Eddie Ahern) 11/1ew
Third place in the Queen's Vase makes Eternal Heart an interesting horse to consider. The only three-year-old in the race gives Mark Johnston's mount a considerable weight advantage over his older peers. Tactician is a smart performer over 14 furlongs.
3.15 John Smith's Cup (Heritage handicap) 10f, 3-year-olds+ (20 runners)
Pekan Star (Roger Varian/Neil Callan) 4/1fav or Tepmokea (Richard Fahey/Lee Topliss) 18/1ew
Pekan Star's first outing in a handicap resulted in a victory over the course and distance in May. Tepmokea performed well over 10 furlongs last year and has continued that trend over a mile and a half this season.
3.55 Class 3 handicap, 8f, 3-year-olds+ (20 runners)
Prince Of Dance (Tom Tate/Mickael Barzalona) 12/1ew (nap) or Snow Bay (David Nicholls/Dane O'Neill) 14/1ew
Tom Tate's five-year-old was once considered good enough to run in group company, but has since dropped as far as a class 4 handicap. Back on the way up now and with an excellent chance in this with a good jockey on board. Snow Bay is near the top of the weights but has run consistantly well this year.
5.35 Class 4 handicap, 6f, 3-year-olds+ (20 runners)
Saucy Brown (David Nicholls/Paul Quinn) 16/1ew or Walvis Bay (Tom Tate/Tom Queally) 12/1ew
The City Plate listed contest at Chester includes a number of horses that have run well at a higher level, including Doncaster Rover and Rerouted.
The biggest race at Newmarket is the Group 1 July Cup where a number of high class sprinters, including Australian colt Star Witness, vie for one of the bigger prizes of the summer. The Bunbury Cup handicap preceeds the July Cup, with 20 runners attempting to take home the 31,000GBP first prize.
York's Knavesmire track hosts a number of valuable handicaps on John Smith's Cup day.
Ascot
3.45 Summer Mile Stakes (Group 2), 8f, 4-year-olds+ (6 runners)
Dick Turpin (Pat Dobbs) 5/2 or Fanunalter (Adam Kirby) 12/1ew
Ground permitting, Group 1 winner Dick Turpin will attempt to get back on track against a distinctively average-looking Group 2 line up, Cityscape (Roger Charlton/Pat Cosgrave) notwithstanding. Fanunalter looks excellent value at 12/1 considering the five-year-old's performance in the Diomed Stakes at Epsom and in the UAE this March.
Chester
4.35 City Plate (Listed), 7f, 3-year-olds+ (11 runners)
Doncaster Rover (David Brown/Robert Winston) 4/1JF or Our Jonathan (Kevin Ryan/Franny Norton) 7/1ew
David Brown's five-year-old sprinter has only run over seven furlongs three times in the last 30 months, all Group 3 contests, and has finished no lower than third. Our Jonathan won a class 2 handicap at Chester in May and can go close again at this higher level.
Newmarket
2.55 Bunbury Cup (Class 2 handicap), 7f, 3-year-olds+ (20 runners)
Manassas (Brian Meehan/Frankie Dettori) 9/1ew or Red Gulch (Ed Walker/J-P Guillamber) 14/1ew
Manassas won the Buckingham Palace Stakes at Royal Ascot last time out after finishing second in the Victoria Cup over the same course and distance in May. Red Gulch is at the bottom of the weights, but has progressed well this year with three second place finishes at Newmarket over seven furlongs.
3.25 July Cup (Group 1), 6f, 3-year-olds+ (17 runners)
Dream Ahead (David Simcock/Hayley Turner) 8/1ew or Regal Parade (David Nicholls/Adrian Nicholls) 25/1ew
David Simcock's three-year-old had an excellent two-year-old career before losing out twice over a longer trip to undefeated Frankel. He gains weight all round and the drop back to six furlongs may be favourable. Dual Group 1 winner Regal Parade looks good each way value if his run at Newcastle two weeks previously was just a blip.
4.10 Class 2 handicap, 8f, 3-year-olds (14 runners)
Las Verglas Star (Richard Fahey/Barry McHugh) 12/1ew or Chosen Character (Tom Dascombe/Richard Kingscote) 14/1ew
York
2.05 City Walls Stakes (Listed), 5f, 3-year-olds (14 runners)
Hamish McGonagall (Tom Easterby/David Allen) 5/1 or Golden Destiny (Philip Makin/William Buick) 14/1ew
The six-year-old Hamish McGonagall hasn't won this year, but has performed extremely well in group company over the last few months at Haydock, Chantilly and Curragh. Golden Destiny's best runs have all come at five furlongs and so a drop back to that trip should suit the five-year-old who has appeared only once so far this season.
2.40 Silver Cup handicap (Listed), 14f, 3-year-olds+ (20 runners)
Eternal Heart (Mark Johnston/Jimmy Quinn) 8/1ew or Tactician (Michael Bell/Eddie Ahern) 11/1ew
Third place in the Queen's Vase makes Eternal Heart an interesting horse to consider. The only three-year-old in the race gives Mark Johnston's mount a considerable weight advantage over his older peers. Tactician is a smart performer over 14 furlongs.
3.15 John Smith's Cup (Heritage handicap) 10f, 3-year-olds+ (20 runners)
Pekan Star (Roger Varian/Neil Callan) 4/1fav or Tepmokea (Richard Fahey/Lee Topliss) 18/1ew
Pekan Star's first outing in a handicap resulted in a victory over the course and distance in May. Tepmokea performed well over 10 furlongs last year and has continued that trend over a mile and a half this season.
3.55 Class 3 handicap, 8f, 3-year-olds+ (20 runners)
Prince Of Dance (Tom Tate/Mickael Barzalona) 12/1ew (nap) or Snow Bay (David Nicholls/Dane O'Neill) 14/1ew
Tom Tate's five-year-old was once considered good enough to run in group company, but has since dropped as far as a class 4 handicap. Back on the way up now and with an excellent chance in this with a good jockey on board. Snow Bay is near the top of the weights but has run consistantly well this year.
5.35 Class 4 handicap, 6f, 3-year-olds+ (20 runners)
Saucy Brown (David Nicholls/Paul Quinn) 16/1ew or Walvis Bay (Tom Tate/Tom Queally) 12/1ew
Wednesday, July 6, 2011
Newmarket's July Festival begins
A decent looking card awaits today as Newmarket's summer course gets an airing at the start of the Suffolk track's 3-day July Festival.
Today's feature race is the Group 2 Prince Of Wales Stakes, where consistant performer Redwood (BW Hills/Michael Hills) makes his first appearance of the year in Britain following an excellent March run in the valuable Dubai Sheema Classic at Meydan.
There are two further group encounters on the card, as the meet opens at 1.20 with an interesting Group 3 encounter for three-year-olds over 13 furlongs. Oaks runner Zain Al Boldan (Mick Channon/Hugh Bowman) is moved up in trip for this one after a couple of disappointing runs at a higher level.
The July Stakes follows at 1.50 as a number of stand-out Royal Ascot performers go head-to-head, including Windsor Castle Stakes winner Frederick Engels (David Brown/Eddie Ahern) and Coventry Stakes runner-up Roman Soldier (Jeremy Noseda/Ryan Moore).
A Class 2 handicap, two conditioning stakes and a Class 3 handicap complete the lineup. My tips cover five of the seven races.
1.20 Bahrain Trophy (Group 3), 13f, 3-year-olds (6 runners)
Solar Sky (Sir Henry Cecil/Tom Queally) 9/4 joint favourite
Sir Henry Cecil's mount proved his stamina by finishing second behind Namibian in the 16 furlong Queen's Vase at Royal Ascot after winning a 12 furlong maiden at Haydock in May. The lightly-run colt gets my vote ahead of Derby runner Masked Marvel (John Gosden/Jimmy Fortune).
1.50 July Stakes ( Group 2), 6f, 2-year-olds (8 runners)
Roman Soldier (Jeremy Noseda/Ryan Moore) 13/8 fav or Sans Loi (Alan McCabe/Robert Winston) 14/1 each way
Roman Solider ran Power close in the Group 2 Coventry Stakes and that performance makes him rightly the favourite. Frederick Engels should go close again, as could once-raced Church Music (Kevin Ryan/Richard Mullen). Two-time winner Sans Loi offers value at 14/1 if he progresses further.
2.25 Class 2 handicap, 10f, 3-year-olds (19 runners)
Club Oceanic (Jeremy Noseda/Mickael Barzalona) 9/1 ew or Tullius (P Winkworth/Luke Morris) 16/1 ew
Club Oceanic has progressed up the distances and handicap classes over three runs this season and could go well again despite going off a career-high mark. Tullius has done likewise this term, but hasn't run over 10 furlongs, so Jeremy Noseda's runner gets my vote. Mica Mika (Richard Fahey/Paul Hanagan, 28/1) has a chance to put a poor last run behind him at a big price.
3.00 Prince Of Wales Stakes (Group 2) 12f, 3-year-olds+ (9 runners)
Redwood (BW Hills/Michael Hills) 11/4 fav or Dordogne (Mark Johnston/Silvestre De Sousa) 11/1 ew
My nap of the day is 5-year-old stallion Redwood, who in his only run this year finished second behind Rewilding in the Group 1 Dubai Sheema Classic. Dordogne receives a massive weight advantage for being a three-year-old and should progress to 12 furlongs after winning on his last run, the 11 furlong Group3 Derby Trial at Lingfield.
4.40 Class 3 handicap, 5f, 3-year-olds+ (10 runners)
Fol Hollow (David Nicholls/Shirley Teasdale) 10/1 ew or Lujeanie (Dean Ivory/Neil Callan) 6/1
Fol Hollow ran his best race for nearly a year finishing fifth in Musselburgh's Scottish Sprint Cup class 2 handicap last month. A further drop in rating after that race, as well as jockey Shirley Teasdale claiming seven pounds, means more improvement could be on the cards. Another progressive type is five-year-old Lujeanie, who finished second in his last outing. That was the first time the gelding had competed over five furlongs since his two-year-old campaign.
Today's feature race is the Group 2 Prince Of Wales Stakes, where consistant performer Redwood (BW Hills/Michael Hills) makes his first appearance of the year in Britain following an excellent March run in the valuable Dubai Sheema Classic at Meydan.
There are two further group encounters on the card, as the meet opens at 1.20 with an interesting Group 3 encounter for three-year-olds over 13 furlongs. Oaks runner Zain Al Boldan (Mick Channon/Hugh Bowman) is moved up in trip for this one after a couple of disappointing runs at a higher level.
The July Stakes follows at 1.50 as a number of stand-out Royal Ascot performers go head-to-head, including Windsor Castle Stakes winner Frederick Engels (David Brown/Eddie Ahern) and Coventry Stakes runner-up Roman Soldier (Jeremy Noseda/Ryan Moore).
A Class 2 handicap, two conditioning stakes and a Class 3 handicap complete the lineup. My tips cover five of the seven races.
1.20 Bahrain Trophy (Group 3), 13f, 3-year-olds (6 runners)
Solar Sky (Sir Henry Cecil/Tom Queally) 9/4 joint favourite
Sir Henry Cecil's mount proved his stamina by finishing second behind Namibian in the 16 furlong Queen's Vase at Royal Ascot after winning a 12 furlong maiden at Haydock in May. The lightly-run colt gets my vote ahead of Derby runner Masked Marvel (John Gosden/Jimmy Fortune).
1.50 July Stakes ( Group 2), 6f, 2-year-olds (8 runners)
Roman Soldier (Jeremy Noseda/Ryan Moore) 13/8 fav or Sans Loi (Alan McCabe/Robert Winston) 14/1 each way
Roman Solider ran Power close in the Group 2 Coventry Stakes and that performance makes him rightly the favourite. Frederick Engels should go close again, as could once-raced Church Music (Kevin Ryan/Richard Mullen). Two-time winner Sans Loi offers value at 14/1 if he progresses further.
2.25 Class 2 handicap, 10f, 3-year-olds (19 runners)
Club Oceanic (Jeremy Noseda/Mickael Barzalona) 9/1 ew or Tullius (P Winkworth/Luke Morris) 16/1 ew
Club Oceanic has progressed up the distances and handicap classes over three runs this season and could go well again despite going off a career-high mark. Tullius has done likewise this term, but hasn't run over 10 furlongs, so Jeremy Noseda's runner gets my vote. Mica Mika (Richard Fahey/Paul Hanagan, 28/1) has a chance to put a poor last run behind him at a big price.
3.00 Prince Of Wales Stakes (Group 2) 12f, 3-year-olds+ (9 runners)
Redwood (BW Hills/Michael Hills) 11/4 fav or Dordogne (Mark Johnston/Silvestre De Sousa) 11/1 ew
My nap of the day is 5-year-old stallion Redwood, who in his only run this year finished second behind Rewilding in the Group 1 Dubai Sheema Classic. Dordogne receives a massive weight advantage for being a three-year-old and should progress to 12 furlongs after winning on his last run, the 11 furlong Group3 Derby Trial at Lingfield.
4.40 Class 3 handicap, 5f, 3-year-olds+ (10 runners)
Fol Hollow (David Nicholls/Shirley Teasdale) 10/1 ew or Lujeanie (Dean Ivory/Neil Callan) 6/1
Fol Hollow ran his best race for nearly a year finishing fifth in Musselburgh's Scottish Sprint Cup class 2 handicap last month. A further drop in rating after that race, as well as jockey Shirley Teasdale claiming seven pounds, means more improvement could be on the cards. Another progressive type is five-year-old Lujeanie, who finished second in his last outing. That was the first time the gelding had competed over five furlongs since his two-year-old campaign.
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