Last Saturday wasnt a bad day by any stretch of the imagination with Cay Verde and Grandeur going in for us. Unfortunately it went downhill from then on but Fiorente and Qahriman finished second with only Shahzan being unplaced on the day.
I must stress that it is a very disappointing turn out for the Derby this year with my fancy Imperial Monarch opting to go for the French Derby on Sunday. It would seem that Camelot has scared away most of the worthwhile competitors. Bonfire and Main Sequence remain in the mix up. Onto today.
1:40 - Epsom - Barefoot Lady - She bounced right back to form with a good fourth behind Izzi Top at York. This is a much weaker race than her last outing and I fully expect her to take all the beating today. Tony Hamilton has been riding out of his skin since being given the chance to fill in Paul Hanagan's shoes as Richard Fahey's number one. The stable has just started to hit some form in the last few days. This fast ground should bring out even more improvement in Barefoot Lady who had some very strong 3 year old form. That includes a victory in the Nell Gwyn and a good fifth in the 1000 Guineas, a return to that will see her win this and she looks the value here.
2:15 - Epsom - Ramona Chase - I like to call this horse Mr consistent as he never fails to run a bad race. A return to faster ground last time ended up in a win at Windsor, before that he ran a good fifth in very testing ground at this course. He effectively runs off a one pound higher mark today with Mark Coumbe taking 5 pounds off his back, that all but cancels out his 6 pound penalty. He is a course and distance winner which is crucial at a course like Epsom, at 16/1 he is a fantastic each way bet who will be rattling down the outside late on.
2:50 - Epsom - Side Glance - Won a listed race at Ascot 2 years ago and looked to be a horse very much on the up. Since then he has disappointed a little. Worthadd admittedly will be a very tough rival to beat but upped slightly in trip if he handles the course then he could upset the favourite. Jimmy Fortune gets on particularly well with the horse and he could just steal it coming out of Tattenham Corner today. Tentative selection.
3:25 - Epsom - Highland Knight - Lowered two pounds since his last run when he failed to land a blow, excuses can be made for that, the most important one being that he doesn't enjoy softer ground. He also couldn't get to the front end of the field which is where he enjoys to run. This return to faster ground will see him improve no end. He has been tried at the top level, most notably when being beat 5 3/4 lengths by Dick Turpin. He should be able to boss the race tomorrow and they may not be able to pass him, a very strong each way bet.
4:05 - Epsom - Vow - She was oddly impressive whilst being very green when winning the Oaks trial at Lingfield. She showed a devastating turn of foot at the top of the straight and despite hanging towards the stand side rail still won well. There is little chance of her hanging today as to be quite frank no horses hang up the hill at Epsom. She should be able to show her turn of foot turning out of Tattenham Corner and it would take a very good horse to catch her.
4:05 - Epsom - BetterBetterBetter - An outside chance here today after getting bogged down at Chester, She was caught on the line last time when kicking on early doors. She should have no problem in getting home on this ground at this course and there would be no surprises were she to run into a place. Generally being backed in (night before) as first shows of 16/1 are coming through. She is now a best priced 20/1.
I hope that this brings some winners to everyone today and that we can do over the bookies on day one of Epsom. As always Happy Punting.
Thursday 31 May 2012
Tuesday 22 May 2012
Sue Smith Appreciation Day 2
Well Frankel couldn't have been more impressive on his return and is now rated 138. This just confirms his status as the best racehorse in the world and begs the question, who can beat him? Thought Worthy was given a mention on the blog and he won at 15/8 though I hardly count that as a tip worthy price. The main selection was the Richard Hannon trained Poetic Lord and it was clear he was severely lacking in race fitness but showed up well for a long way. He will be one to stick with throughout the season and should go very well next time out.
But in more recent times I have been flying however that means nothing as they have not been on the blog. On Monday Tony McCoy landed a four timer at Newton Abbot which paid well in a Lucky 15. But for today as you can tell it's a Sue Smith Day. On we go.
6:30 - Sedgefield - Fill The Power - One that could never get competitive at Cheltenham in the Albert Bartlett but earlier in the season had some smart form. The main part of that form is when he landed a grade 2 at Newcastle in November, he went from the front the whole way that time and galloped on relentlessly. He was considered good enough to contest in the Challow Hurdle at Newbury. He was probably outclassed that day and also got a bit stuck in the mud. This looks to be an ideal race for him to open up his account over fences, chasing looks set to be his game in relation to his size. As long as he can jump a fence he will take all the beating today in a possibly weak looking chase. Ryan Mania takes the ride who is the number one jockey for the Sue Smith yard.
7:30 - Sedgefield - Alba King - Last time out his hat trick attempt was flawed when possibly the ground went against him, he still ran a blinder that day to come second. This race looks a lot easier for him today and the ground will be much more in his favour. He is up 20 pounds for his last win but ran into a fast improving horse in Hi Dancer last time, he was still clear of the rest of the field that day. With Jonathan England taking off a more than valuable 7 pounds he is taken to make amends for fluffing his lines last time with a win today.
8:00 - Sedgefield - Kent Street - He didn't get too far on his chasing debut after flying the first fence then being too brave at the second and landing on the fence. Ryan Mania made an outstanding recovery when at one point being on one side of his mount. He regained balance but the saddle had slipped right round at that point but there was no point in continuing and pulled up before the 3rd. He will have learnt a lot from that outing and chasing does look his game. Shane Byrne gets the leg up on him today which is a huge bonus as he rides chasers probably better than he rides hurdlers. In my mind he is up there with the best at presenting a horse to a fence. Hopefully i'm not tempting fate here.
9:00 - Sedgefield - Grate Fella - Only one appearance to his name but it was a more than encouraging one when finishing third at Market Rasen. He should come on leaps and bounds for that experience and should take some beating in this field at a decent enough price. Even though the Donald McCain horse looks a worthy opponent today and these two should have it between them. Should be thereabouts when it counts on the line.
Also one more mention before I close up today's blog, Jason Maguire has two rides up at Sedgefield today and both of them should win and could pay a nice double.
6:00 - Sud Pacifique - He was considered good enough to take on Grumeti on his hurdling debut but went out like a light when quietly fancied by connections. He will be much better for that run and this highly rated flat performer should take all the beating in this race. It would be a shock were he defeated today in the opener.
7:00 - Beeves - he won his first race under rules nicely but on bottomless ground at Hexham, this is a different kettle of fish today but the result should be no different. Before joining the McCain yard he was already a Point to Point winner so should have no troubles on his hurdling debut here.
That is it for today. As always Happy Punting and I hope you get some winners.
But in more recent times I have been flying however that means nothing as they have not been on the blog. On Monday Tony McCoy landed a four timer at Newton Abbot which paid well in a Lucky 15. But for today as you can tell it's a Sue Smith Day. On we go.
6:30 - Sedgefield - Fill The Power - One that could never get competitive at Cheltenham in the Albert Bartlett but earlier in the season had some smart form. The main part of that form is when he landed a grade 2 at Newcastle in November, he went from the front the whole way that time and galloped on relentlessly. He was considered good enough to contest in the Challow Hurdle at Newbury. He was probably outclassed that day and also got a bit stuck in the mud. This looks to be an ideal race for him to open up his account over fences, chasing looks set to be his game in relation to his size. As long as he can jump a fence he will take all the beating today in a possibly weak looking chase. Ryan Mania takes the ride who is the number one jockey for the Sue Smith yard.
7:30 - Sedgefield - Alba King - Last time out his hat trick attempt was flawed when possibly the ground went against him, he still ran a blinder that day to come second. This race looks a lot easier for him today and the ground will be much more in his favour. He is up 20 pounds for his last win but ran into a fast improving horse in Hi Dancer last time, he was still clear of the rest of the field that day. With Jonathan England taking off a more than valuable 7 pounds he is taken to make amends for fluffing his lines last time with a win today.
8:00 - Sedgefield - Kent Street - He didn't get too far on his chasing debut after flying the first fence then being too brave at the second and landing on the fence. Ryan Mania made an outstanding recovery when at one point being on one side of his mount. He regained balance but the saddle had slipped right round at that point but there was no point in continuing and pulled up before the 3rd. He will have learnt a lot from that outing and chasing does look his game. Shane Byrne gets the leg up on him today which is a huge bonus as he rides chasers probably better than he rides hurdlers. In my mind he is up there with the best at presenting a horse to a fence. Hopefully i'm not tempting fate here.
9:00 - Sedgefield - Grate Fella - Only one appearance to his name but it was a more than encouraging one when finishing third at Market Rasen. He should come on leaps and bounds for that experience and should take some beating in this field at a decent enough price. Even though the Donald McCain horse looks a worthy opponent today and these two should have it between them. Should be thereabouts when it counts on the line.
Also one more mention before I close up today's blog, Jason Maguire has two rides up at Sedgefield today and both of them should win and could pay a nice double.
6:00 - Sud Pacifique - He was considered good enough to take on Grumeti on his hurdling debut but went out like a light when quietly fancied by connections. He will be much better for that run and this highly rated flat performer should take all the beating in this race. It would be a shock were he defeated today in the opener.
7:00 - Beeves - he won his first race under rules nicely but on bottomless ground at Hexham, this is a different kettle of fish today but the result should be no different. Before joining the McCain yard he was already a Point to Point winner so should have no troubles on his hurdling debut here.
That is it for today. As always Happy Punting and I hope you get some winners.
Friday 18 May 2012
The Return Of Frankel
Well William Buick appreciation didn't go to plan with Arctic Cosmos getting beat miles out of sight. We did however get one winner with Laugh Out Loud who was 3/1 when I put the blog up, but went off at an SP of 15/8. Daneking almost gave us a nice double but just being outstayed and beaten a neck on the line. If i'm perfectly honest about today, there isn't alot that I fancy in today's racing so it will be a shorter one and also a bit different today.
If you aren't excited about the return of Frankel then you have something wrong with you, but today may be where he is most vulnerable on his return from injury. It's nice to see that he hasn't scared the class acts away with his old friend Excelebration taking him on again but now of course for Ballydoyle. For some reason Sir Henry Cecil still believes Frankel needs a Pacemaker which is why Bullet Train is there even though Ransom Note will probably be more than happy to lead. Excelebration has his own pacemaker in the race and has already left Joseph O'Brien red faced once this year, when leaving it too late on St. Nicholas Abbey. But for me Strong Suit could well be the one to chase home Frankel, he was a much improved horse last year and his Breeders Cup attempt was never going well. Lets hope Frankel can show us another fantastic performance and show us why he is the best horse in the world.
The race before that is a wide open handicap and this spells the return of a horse I have been very keen on seeing this year. He entered my notebook last year at Sandown when 7th behind Martin Chuzzlewit, he was running well when inexperience kicked in, and he threw away a place in the last 50 yards. It wasnt that, that caught my eye though. Before hand in the parade ring is where he caught my eye, his frame was alot bigger than any other horse in the field. He went on to score twice in two races on the turf at Lingfield and then at Goodwood before running into Main Sequence at Newmarket. He was beaten 5 lengths that day and gave the winner heaps of weight, since then Main Sequence has won a Derby trial and is now one of the main protagonists in the betting for the Derby. As long as Poetic Lord is racefit he will take all the beating today and is a fantastic bet at 14/1 (as tonight's prices are).
That really is my only fancy of the day but the only other horse I would consider backing with confidence is Thought Worthy. He gets 5 pounds from Frankel's brother Noble Mission and that should be enough to see him beaten today.
Sorry about the lack of selections today but hopefully Poetic Lord can land us a nice win at 14/1.
Happy Punting as always guys
If you aren't excited about the return of Frankel then you have something wrong with you, but today may be where he is most vulnerable on his return from injury. It's nice to see that he hasn't scared the class acts away with his old friend Excelebration taking him on again but now of course for Ballydoyle. For some reason Sir Henry Cecil still believes Frankel needs a Pacemaker which is why Bullet Train is there even though Ransom Note will probably be more than happy to lead. Excelebration has his own pacemaker in the race and has already left Joseph O'Brien red faced once this year, when leaving it too late on St. Nicholas Abbey. But for me Strong Suit could well be the one to chase home Frankel, he was a much improved horse last year and his Breeders Cup attempt was never going well. Lets hope Frankel can show us another fantastic performance and show us why he is the best horse in the world.
The race before that is a wide open handicap and this spells the return of a horse I have been very keen on seeing this year. He entered my notebook last year at Sandown when 7th behind Martin Chuzzlewit, he was running well when inexperience kicked in, and he threw away a place in the last 50 yards. It wasnt that, that caught my eye though. Before hand in the parade ring is where he caught my eye, his frame was alot bigger than any other horse in the field. He went on to score twice in two races on the turf at Lingfield and then at Goodwood before running into Main Sequence at Newmarket. He was beaten 5 lengths that day and gave the winner heaps of weight, since then Main Sequence has won a Derby trial and is now one of the main protagonists in the betting for the Derby. As long as Poetic Lord is racefit he will take all the beating today and is a fantastic bet at 14/1 (as tonight's prices are).
That really is my only fancy of the day but the only other horse I would consider backing with confidence is Thought Worthy. He gets 5 pounds from Frankel's brother Noble Mission and that should be enough to see him beaten today.
Sorry about the lack of selections today but hopefully Poetic Lord can land us a nice win at 14/1.
Happy Punting as always guys
Thursday 17 May 2012
William Buick Appreciation Day
A fantastic day for the blog yesterday with a 5/1 advised price winner in Burke's Rock and a 16/1 winner in Coronea Lilly this evening. Personally for me I got a 55/1 double and thanks to some feedback quite a few of you guys also had them in a double. Also one more thing before we move onto today's selections, Burke's Rock was outpaced for the majority of the race today but finished very strongly over a mile. In my eyes this makes her a prime candidate for the Ribblesdale at Royal Ascot over 1 mile and 4 furlongs. Now onto today with the money we won yesterday.
I have named today's blog 'William Buick Appreciation Day'. Last time I did an appreciation day was for Sue Smith that came up with multiple winners and i expect today to be no different.
CAUCUS (NB) - Buick's first ride of the day and one that ran a fantastic race on his reappearance in a good handicap at HQ. He will strip much fitter for that run off of the same mark and is a relatively lightly raced five year old with a group one entry. That entry is for the Ascot Gold Cup over 2 miles and 4 furlongs. For the moment today's trip is his ideal one and should take all the beating to get us off to a flyer on the afternoon. Wont be out of the places.
ARCTIC COSMOS (NAP) - Today's NAP and the 2010 St. Leger winner. Last time out was a disaster for him on bottomless ground when becoming completely bogged down at Newbury. That run is best forgotten and a return to faster ground couldn't be more welcome. He has only run over this distance once and that was his Leger win, it seems the further he goes the better and for a short while he was going to be aimed at the Neptune over hurdles at Cheltenham. He is a huge price for a horse of his quality today and is the one to beat in this field. He has had his problems but they now seem behind him and he is taken to land this on his way to bigger and better things.
LAUGH OUT LOUD - Ran well enough in the 1000 guineas to suggest she is a very good improving horse. She was a short head behind Lily's Angel on that occasion and meets her on 3 pounds better terms today, before that she had 3 good wins on the all weather. She proved in the Guineas that she can handle the turf just as well as anything and should take all the beating in a hot contest today. Mr Buick is one from one on this filly, that win came in her highest profile victory, she is also taken to win today with her name down in a group 1 entry at Royal Ascot.
DANEKING - Ran very well on his comeback run and looks set to improve for that experience. His last two runs have been on Heavy ground which isn't his preferred going by a long way yet has still turned in good efforts. This means he has maintained a mark of 77 and looks set to blow that out of the water today with a Derby Entry still on the cards. He looks to be thrown in off this mark today and could well win this doing handstands. There really isn't much else to say about him that i haven't said already.
The bets that I have put on already are as follows:
Arctic Cosmos (single)
Win Lucky 15 with all the above horses
Caucus, Arctic Cosmos and Daneking (Win Treble)
hopefully we can follow up with another big one today
as always happy punting.
one more thing, a few of you have taken time to email me to let me know if and how you got on my selections. I love hearing from people that have read my blog and taken the tips. Let me know of any winners you get on lukethebest@btopenworld.com (ignore the immaturity)
Thanks guys, good luck
I have named today's blog 'William Buick Appreciation Day'. Last time I did an appreciation day was for Sue Smith that came up with multiple winners and i expect today to be no different.
CAUCUS (NB) - Buick's first ride of the day and one that ran a fantastic race on his reappearance in a good handicap at HQ. He will strip much fitter for that run off of the same mark and is a relatively lightly raced five year old with a group one entry. That entry is for the Ascot Gold Cup over 2 miles and 4 furlongs. For the moment today's trip is his ideal one and should take all the beating to get us off to a flyer on the afternoon. Wont be out of the places.
ARCTIC COSMOS (NAP) - Today's NAP and the 2010 St. Leger winner. Last time out was a disaster for him on bottomless ground when becoming completely bogged down at Newbury. That run is best forgotten and a return to faster ground couldn't be more welcome. He has only run over this distance once and that was his Leger win, it seems the further he goes the better and for a short while he was going to be aimed at the Neptune over hurdles at Cheltenham. He is a huge price for a horse of his quality today and is the one to beat in this field. He has had his problems but they now seem behind him and he is taken to land this on his way to bigger and better things.
LAUGH OUT LOUD - Ran well enough in the 1000 guineas to suggest she is a very good improving horse. She was a short head behind Lily's Angel on that occasion and meets her on 3 pounds better terms today, before that she had 3 good wins on the all weather. She proved in the Guineas that she can handle the turf just as well as anything and should take all the beating in a hot contest today. Mr Buick is one from one on this filly, that win came in her highest profile victory, she is also taken to win today with her name down in a group 1 entry at Royal Ascot.
DANEKING - Ran very well on his comeback run and looks set to improve for that experience. His last two runs have been on Heavy ground which isn't his preferred going by a long way yet has still turned in good efforts. This means he has maintained a mark of 77 and looks set to blow that out of the water today with a Derby Entry still on the cards. He looks to be thrown in off this mark today and could well win this doing handstands. There really isn't much else to say about him that i haven't said already.
The bets that I have put on already are as follows:
Arctic Cosmos (single)
Win Lucky 15 with all the above horses
Caucus, Arctic Cosmos and Daneking (Win Treble)
hopefully we can follow up with another big one today
as always happy punting.
one more thing, a few of you have taken time to email me to let me know if and how you got on my selections. I love hearing from people that have read my blog and taken the tips. Let me know of any winners you get on lukethebest@btopenworld.com (ignore the immaturity)
Thanks guys, good luck
Wednesday 16 May 2012
ATR Tracker updates
I have just received a notification email about two horses running from my ATR Tracker today and I will throw in the Dante for good measure. The first day of York saw The Fugue make his step in trip a very successful one when laughing at her opponents in the Musidora and is now a leading light for the Oaks at Epsom. Hoof It was possibly the highest profile running on the first day of the Dante meeting but he looked outpaced the whole way in the 6 furlong group 2 event. There is talk of a step up to a mile for him in time but for the moment a clash with Black Caviar looks on the cards at Ascot.
York - 2:30 - Betfred Dante Stakes
We saw one horse from a Guineas win yesterday in The Fugue, FENCING takes a step up in trip today after staying on well in the 2000 Guineas behind Camelot. Only one win on his CV but he has been very highly tried including some very smart 2 year old form, he is improving the whole time and is one of five in the race with a Derby entry. BONFIRE is the choice of poor tipster Matthew Wynn and he won a very smart maiden before being unlucky at Saint Cloud in France when finishing third behind French Fifteen in the Criterium. He has been the favourite for this race for a while and should be thereabouts. EKTIHAAM has won 3 out of his 4 starts but in his only loss he was the last of 9 to finish, that was his only step up to a Group 1 but this is a lower grade today. He may just be outclassed a little today with 4 of his opponents expected to make it at the top level. MANADEAN is having his first run for Godolphin and must overcome a 187 day break as well as proving his love for faster ground at the top level after winning his last run on testing going. That said he won very easily that day and looks to be going in the right direction and looks a very promising young horse. I'm siding with Aidan O'Brien's classy maiden winner ERNEST HEMINGWAY who hardly broke sweat when winning at Dundalk by 10 lengths. He is thrown in at the deep end today but Ballydoyle have been making some good noises about him and is a very strong understudy to Camelot for the Derby. He will have to prove he is as effective on turf but that really shouldnt be any problem for him and a confident vote goes his way.
5:55 - Newmarket
BURKE'S ROCK has been a winner for the blog already but more is expected of her and she wont be running off a mark of 73 for much longer. She had a very unlucky debut when getting murdered on the turn for home at Lingfield when making progress. Hayley Turner rode hands and heels for the remainder of the race and she picked up again in good fashion to get fourth. Since that She has won on a saturday at Lingfield when seemingly having much more left in the tank at the line. Ryan Moore gets the leg up today and that is in no way a negative thing. She also has an entry in the Ribblesdale at Royal Ascot, that is over further and it would be expected that she will stay very well over the trip today and should be very hard to beat.
8:15 - Ludlow
CORONEA LILLY won at the first time of asking under rules at the Galway Festival in a flat race. She then wasnt seen for 607 days before returning at Hereford for Neil Mulholland when getting a very tender ride from Dougie Costello. She stayed on very takingly in third and should build on that hurdling debut today. The form isnt the strongest from the race but there have been a few placed efforts from the others. She will strip all the fitter for that run and could turn out to be a useful performer over hurdles. It would be no surprise were she to win today and is open to a lot of improvement on this occasion.
NAP - Burke's Rock
NB - Ernest Hemingway
I would be surprised if at least one of them didnt win and for one I will be putting all three in a treble.
Happy Punting
York - 2:30 - Betfred Dante Stakes
We saw one horse from a Guineas win yesterday in The Fugue, FENCING takes a step up in trip today after staying on well in the 2000 Guineas behind Camelot. Only one win on his CV but he has been very highly tried including some very smart 2 year old form, he is improving the whole time and is one of five in the race with a Derby entry. BONFIRE is the choice of poor tipster Matthew Wynn and he won a very smart maiden before being unlucky at Saint Cloud in France when finishing third behind French Fifteen in the Criterium. He has been the favourite for this race for a while and should be thereabouts. EKTIHAAM has won 3 out of his 4 starts but in his only loss he was the last of 9 to finish, that was his only step up to a Group 1 but this is a lower grade today. He may just be outclassed a little today with 4 of his opponents expected to make it at the top level. MANADEAN is having his first run for Godolphin and must overcome a 187 day break as well as proving his love for faster ground at the top level after winning his last run on testing going. That said he won very easily that day and looks to be going in the right direction and looks a very promising young horse. I'm siding with Aidan O'Brien's classy maiden winner ERNEST HEMINGWAY who hardly broke sweat when winning at Dundalk by 10 lengths. He is thrown in at the deep end today but Ballydoyle have been making some good noises about him and is a very strong understudy to Camelot for the Derby. He will have to prove he is as effective on turf but that really shouldnt be any problem for him and a confident vote goes his way.
5:55 - Newmarket
BURKE'S ROCK has been a winner for the blog already but more is expected of her and she wont be running off a mark of 73 for much longer. She had a very unlucky debut when getting murdered on the turn for home at Lingfield when making progress. Hayley Turner rode hands and heels for the remainder of the race and she picked up again in good fashion to get fourth. Since that She has won on a saturday at Lingfield when seemingly having much more left in the tank at the line. Ryan Moore gets the leg up today and that is in no way a negative thing. She also has an entry in the Ribblesdale at Royal Ascot, that is over further and it would be expected that she will stay very well over the trip today and should be very hard to beat.
8:15 - Ludlow
CORONEA LILLY won at the first time of asking under rules at the Galway Festival in a flat race. She then wasnt seen for 607 days before returning at Hereford for Neil Mulholland when getting a very tender ride from Dougie Costello. She stayed on very takingly in third and should build on that hurdling debut today. The form isnt the strongest from the race but there have been a few placed efforts from the others. She will strip all the fitter for that run and could turn out to be a useful performer over hurdles. It would be no surprise were she to win today and is open to a lot of improvement on this occasion.
NAP - Burke's Rock
NB - Ernest Hemingway
I would be surprised if at least one of them didnt win and for one I will be putting all three in a treble.
Happy Punting
Friday 11 May 2012
Ascot and Haydock Handicaps
Its been a great week of racing at Chester, but the highlight of the week for me was Overturn running yet another fantastic race when coming second in the Chester Cup under top weight. Donald McCain had the first two home with Ile De Re passing overturn just under 2 furlongs out under Jim Crowley.
The Jumpers seemed to dominate the week with Donald McCain also training the hurdler Absinthe to win the first race on Thursday in the hands of ex jump jockey Graham Lee. Lee went on to score a double that day with a later winner. But in a hope that all race meetings will be on come Saturday morning we shall crack on with the weekends racing.
Ascot - 2:50
One of the races that will be on today on the straight course and a competitive one with the ground being so testing. MOONE'S MY NAME looks the likely favourite, she is a rapidly improving filly but she has never encountered ground like this. With that being a massive gamble on whether she handles today others are easily preferred. CERTRAL ran well on her reappearance at Nottingham but has done all her winning on fast ground, for that reason she isnt fancied to go one better today. The humourously named FORK HANDLES has the burden of carrying top weight, that will be no easy task today with the ground being this soft. She was considered good enough to contest in the Oaks last year but never really figured. If she is able to build on an encouraging reappearance she will go close today and could be the each way value. MAKING EYES was tried in top Handicaps as a three year old but seemed well short in that class. This is a weaker race today but is still hard enough to fancy. DIVERTING was well ahead of Ian Mongan's mount today the last time out at Newmarket. But like many others in the field she is an unknown on the ground and may just struggle to get competitive today. COCHABAMBA was well out of her depth last time behind Penitent at Sandown. She has already had 4 runs this year and in good company, however three of them were on the all weather. In her early two year old days she had some very smart form and looked a useful prospect. If she returns today that today she will be a big player, but its a big if. SHESASTAR must overcome the longest layoff in the field of 248 days. She went well first time out last year and also landed a valuable Fillies Handicap at York last season. Her stamina will have to be proven over the mile trip and that will be no easy task today. IMAGINARY WORLD didnt get home over the mile at Doncaster on soft ground last time but still until the final furlong was bang in contention so must be considered as must RUSSIAN RAVE who has some good form on softer ground but has to prove stamina over the trip on testing ground today. If she does stay then she could be a major player. A trio of 3 year olds go to post today and powerful stables are represented. CHATTERATI carries the lowest weight in the field and Dominic Fox takes off a further three. But all of Mark Johnston's filly's better form is on the polytrack and not on turf therefore has something to prove today. The other two 3 year olds belong to Richard Hannon with FREE VERSE seeming the first string after winning on Softer ground last year in a nursery. She may just need the run today and the selection is the other Hannon horse. MY QUEENIE had a pipe opener at Kempton where she was running on in third under a pretty tender ride from Richard Hughes. She also ran a credible race in a top two year old contest at Goodwood last year. Her only win has come on quick ground but has run well on more testing ground. She will have to improve to win today and should go close.
Ascot - 3:25
Jim Goldie is going for back to back wins in this race with HAWKEYETHENOO who hasn't been seen since fourth Behind PASTORAL PLAYER last year over Course and Distance. Both would need firmer ground to perform to their best today. MABAIT is dropped a furlong in trip today after a disappointing first run for David Simcock he needs firm ground to win and is opposed today. BONNIE BRAE won a competitive handicap at Doncaster in November but may just need this run, Ryan Moore is a very interesting jockey booking for today. KING OF JAZZ ran a cracker on debut for Michael Bell but goes well on better ground. NASRI has some decent form to his name and some of that on softer ground so cant be dismissed easily today, however his last run was on testing ground and left something to be desired. LIGHTNING CLOUD is an ultra consistent type but needs faster ground and is left alone today. ADVANCED is the other Kevin Ryan runner in the race and is an admirable veteran, if he can put his best foot forward he will go close but has place claims at best. EXCELLENT GUEST will have to overcome a long layoff and a career high mark which means improvement will be needed. WHITE FROST is inexperienced compared to others in this field and enjoys softer ground it would be no surprise to see him go well today. FATHSTA has showed form on soft ground before but would be a surprise winner today, although he has been slipping down the weights as of late. GLOBAL VILLAGE is a confirmed mudlark but must overcome a career high mark, if he can overcome that then he will be right there when it counts. BRAE HILL won the Lincoln last time out but performs best on firmer ground and others are preferred. TARIQ TOO is one out of one for Amy Weaver and loves testing ground. He is the selection today after winning his last two and being a fast improving horse. Id be surprised if he isnt at least placed.
Haydock - 3:50
It's a shame that winner of the last two years isn't in it as Eradicate seems to come into his own in this race each year. Nicky Henderson is still very strong handed in this race with 3 fancied horses. LIFESTYLE looks to be the most fancied one off top weight but after seeing her in the flesh, id have my doubts that she can carry top weight in a handicap like this as she is very small framed. PETIT ROBIN has struggled since coming back from injury and is best watched right now. The last of the Henderson trio is ALL THE ACES who disappointed when i fancied him last time at Aintree. He will appreciate the softer ground today though. SAPHIR RIVER has form on soft ground in France and improved at Aintree from his fall at Cheltenham. He has to be in with a chance today. ARAB LEAGUE is in good form with himself and seems to improve on soft ground, Frances Hayes gets on very well with him and it would be no surprise were he good enough to win today. IFYOULETMEFINISH was outpaced the whole time in the County Hurdle, the softer ground will ensure he has enough pace today and id fancy he will get on with soft ground. DOUBLE ROSS was beaten two and a half lengths by Cinders and Ashes on bottomless ground over course and distance. He could go well off a low weight today. PAINTBALL won the Imperial Cup really well then disappointed at Aintree when fancied to follow up. He is best watched right now as it remains a thought that his win at Sandown is a flash in the pan. Darryl Jacob is a positive jockey booking. DREAM ESTEEM is improving this year and loves softer ground, both of David Pipe's should go well today. CHARM SCHOOL is a tough horse but may come up short today. SECRET EDGE stays further but has had some tough races as of late and they may catch up with him today. Real place claims though. UBI ACE has disappointed on two runs since switching to Jonjo O'Neill but on his day is very talented, a return to his best will put him right there at the end. The selection today is DREAMBROOK LADY who travelled well into the race last time at Cheltenham behind Une Artiste on softer ground but was hampered before the turn for home and could never quicken afterwards. She looks very well handicapped today and Nick Scholfield prefers her to the other Jeremy Scott runner.
Nap - Dreambrook Lady
NB - My Queenie
But id just like to say that there really isnt much between the three selections and i fancy all three fairly strongly.
As always Happy Punting. I usually try and put up some ante post selections on my twitter account, if you dont follow me but would like to its @lukeyboy1325
Have a Good day
The Jumpers seemed to dominate the week with Donald McCain also training the hurdler Absinthe to win the first race on Thursday in the hands of ex jump jockey Graham Lee. Lee went on to score a double that day with a later winner. But in a hope that all race meetings will be on come Saturday morning we shall crack on with the weekends racing.
Ascot - 2:50
One of the races that will be on today on the straight course and a competitive one with the ground being so testing. MOONE'S MY NAME looks the likely favourite, she is a rapidly improving filly but she has never encountered ground like this. With that being a massive gamble on whether she handles today others are easily preferred. CERTRAL ran well on her reappearance at Nottingham but has done all her winning on fast ground, for that reason she isnt fancied to go one better today. The humourously named FORK HANDLES has the burden of carrying top weight, that will be no easy task today with the ground being this soft. She was considered good enough to contest in the Oaks last year but never really figured. If she is able to build on an encouraging reappearance she will go close today and could be the each way value. MAKING EYES was tried in top Handicaps as a three year old but seemed well short in that class. This is a weaker race today but is still hard enough to fancy. DIVERTING was well ahead of Ian Mongan's mount today the last time out at Newmarket. But like many others in the field she is an unknown on the ground and may just struggle to get competitive today. COCHABAMBA was well out of her depth last time behind Penitent at Sandown. She has already had 4 runs this year and in good company, however three of them were on the all weather. In her early two year old days she had some very smart form and looked a useful prospect. If she returns today that today she will be a big player, but its a big if. SHESASTAR must overcome the longest layoff in the field of 248 days. She went well first time out last year and also landed a valuable Fillies Handicap at York last season. Her stamina will have to be proven over the mile trip and that will be no easy task today. IMAGINARY WORLD didnt get home over the mile at Doncaster on soft ground last time but still until the final furlong was bang in contention so must be considered as must RUSSIAN RAVE who has some good form on softer ground but has to prove stamina over the trip on testing ground today. If she does stay then she could be a major player. A trio of 3 year olds go to post today and powerful stables are represented. CHATTERATI carries the lowest weight in the field and Dominic Fox takes off a further three. But all of Mark Johnston's filly's better form is on the polytrack and not on turf therefore has something to prove today. The other two 3 year olds belong to Richard Hannon with FREE VERSE seeming the first string after winning on Softer ground last year in a nursery. She may just need the run today and the selection is the other Hannon horse. MY QUEENIE had a pipe opener at Kempton where she was running on in third under a pretty tender ride from Richard Hughes. She also ran a credible race in a top two year old contest at Goodwood last year. Her only win has come on quick ground but has run well on more testing ground. She will have to improve to win today and should go close.
Ascot - 3:25
Jim Goldie is going for back to back wins in this race with HAWKEYETHENOO who hasn't been seen since fourth Behind PASTORAL PLAYER last year over Course and Distance. Both would need firmer ground to perform to their best today. MABAIT is dropped a furlong in trip today after a disappointing first run for David Simcock he needs firm ground to win and is opposed today. BONNIE BRAE won a competitive handicap at Doncaster in November but may just need this run, Ryan Moore is a very interesting jockey booking for today. KING OF JAZZ ran a cracker on debut for Michael Bell but goes well on better ground. NASRI has some decent form to his name and some of that on softer ground so cant be dismissed easily today, however his last run was on testing ground and left something to be desired. LIGHTNING CLOUD is an ultra consistent type but needs faster ground and is left alone today. ADVANCED is the other Kevin Ryan runner in the race and is an admirable veteran, if he can put his best foot forward he will go close but has place claims at best. EXCELLENT GUEST will have to overcome a long layoff and a career high mark which means improvement will be needed. WHITE FROST is inexperienced compared to others in this field and enjoys softer ground it would be no surprise to see him go well today. FATHSTA has showed form on soft ground before but would be a surprise winner today, although he has been slipping down the weights as of late. GLOBAL VILLAGE is a confirmed mudlark but must overcome a career high mark, if he can overcome that then he will be right there when it counts. BRAE HILL won the Lincoln last time out but performs best on firmer ground and others are preferred. TARIQ TOO is one out of one for Amy Weaver and loves testing ground. He is the selection today after winning his last two and being a fast improving horse. Id be surprised if he isnt at least placed.
Haydock - 3:50
It's a shame that winner of the last two years isn't in it as Eradicate seems to come into his own in this race each year. Nicky Henderson is still very strong handed in this race with 3 fancied horses. LIFESTYLE looks to be the most fancied one off top weight but after seeing her in the flesh, id have my doubts that she can carry top weight in a handicap like this as she is very small framed. PETIT ROBIN has struggled since coming back from injury and is best watched right now. The last of the Henderson trio is ALL THE ACES who disappointed when i fancied him last time at Aintree. He will appreciate the softer ground today though. SAPHIR RIVER has form on soft ground in France and improved at Aintree from his fall at Cheltenham. He has to be in with a chance today. ARAB LEAGUE is in good form with himself and seems to improve on soft ground, Frances Hayes gets on very well with him and it would be no surprise were he good enough to win today. IFYOULETMEFINISH was outpaced the whole time in the County Hurdle, the softer ground will ensure he has enough pace today and id fancy he will get on with soft ground. DOUBLE ROSS was beaten two and a half lengths by Cinders and Ashes on bottomless ground over course and distance. He could go well off a low weight today. PAINTBALL won the Imperial Cup really well then disappointed at Aintree when fancied to follow up. He is best watched right now as it remains a thought that his win at Sandown is a flash in the pan. Darryl Jacob is a positive jockey booking. DREAM ESTEEM is improving this year and loves softer ground, both of David Pipe's should go well today. CHARM SCHOOL is a tough horse but may come up short today. SECRET EDGE stays further but has had some tough races as of late and they may catch up with him today. Real place claims though. UBI ACE has disappointed on two runs since switching to Jonjo O'Neill but on his day is very talented, a return to his best will put him right there at the end. The selection today is DREAMBROOK LADY who travelled well into the race last time at Cheltenham behind Une Artiste on softer ground but was hampered before the turn for home and could never quicken afterwards. She looks very well handicapped today and Nick Scholfield prefers her to the other Jeremy Scott runner.
Nap - Dreambrook Lady
NB - My Queenie
But id just like to say that there really isnt much between the three selections and i fancy all three fairly strongly.
As always Happy Punting. I usually try and put up some ante post selections on my twitter account, if you dont follow me but would like to its @lukeyboy1325
Have a Good day
Friday 4 May 2012
2000 Guineas day
Well the day is finally here, the first classic of the year, to think that this time last year we were having doubts about how good Frankel was. This year the hype is about Aiden O'Brien's Camelot. A great support card and supporting meetings at Goodwood and Thirsk to look forward to. Also a big well done to Graham Lee who rode two winners this week, his first since switching to the flat. Without further ado onto today's racing.
2:35 - Qatar Bloodstock Jockey Club Stakes
MASKED MARVEL attracts the eye first up here after breaking the course record when winning the St. Leger last year at Doncaster. He went on to disappoint in the Arc when it was most likely too short for him in distance. His participation today relies heavily on the ground drying out which it shouldn't do over night. AL KAZEEM is a bit of a bridesmaid at the top level, however the only time he has encountered soft ground he was disappointing. But that was in his first run and can be forgiven. His best hope looks to be for a place today though. BLUE BAJAN won at Sandown last year but this will be much to short for him and he will have a bigger target down the line. FIORENTE is another that looks a bit short in the top class category and today looks tougher than he has experienced before. He is open to improvement and will need to show it if he is going to land the spoils today. MEANDRE ventures outside of France for the first time today and is good enough if he handles the ground but 2/1 is plenty short enough for a horse who isnt proven on going like this. If he handles it then he could win easily though. QUEST FOR PEACE beat Arctic Cosmos last year but all his best form is on faster ground than today and is easily opposed as is SADEEK'S SONG who is yet to encounter ground like this. That leaves us with confirmed mudlark DUNADEN who won the Melbourne cup back in November and went on to win the Hong Kong Vase the next month. His early form in France is all on soft and heavy but is in very useful races which is why he is fancied to make his first visit to England a winning one.
3:10 - Qipco 2000 Guineas
BORN TO SEA is closely related to Sea The Stars through Urban Sea, and his half brother needs no introduction at all. He lost his second race by one and a half lengths but it was revealed after the race that he had tore a muscle and did well to finish so close to Nephrite. BRONTERRE is a very buzzy sort and the preliminaries wont help him tomorrow and neither will the step up in distance. If he can remain calm before the race and throughout he will have a huge chance, but its more likely that the ground will be good to firm. POWER wont have any worries with the ground and the distance should be no problem at all, Ryan Moore gets on well with him and has to be one of the leading chances today. His stable mate is the hot favourite for this race and has been for some time. Of course I talk about CAMELOT who won the Racing Post trophy easily, compared to some others in the field he is relatively inexperienced and there are major doubts about the ground for him. FRENCH FIFTEEN beat ABTAAL last time out by a neck but in all you have to question how strong the French form is. The most I can say Olivier Peslier's mount is that he ticks the ground box. CASPAR NETSCHER was a top two year old last year but there are major doubts about him staying the mile here, especially in testing ground, even though he has won in similar conditions. FENCING is inexperienced but is probably better than he has shown thus far, if he handles the ground he could well be the surprise package in the race this year. TOP OFFER has only had his single run but was very impressive when winning it, if he can handle everything today he shouldn't be too far away from the principles. TRUMPET MAJOR comes here race fit after destroying the Craven field here last month when giving weight all round. There is a doubt that he will handle really testing ground but last time out he looked a very much improved horse. If he progresses again then he could well be the winner. TALWAR won a Listed race well at Lingfield first time out so is another that comes here race fit, he has won on soft ground at Sandown so the going shouldnt really be too much of a problem. Connections supplemented him into the race for £30,000 and its clear that you dont do that for a day out. He could well come up with a shock today and is today's selection at a juicy price.
4:55 - Qatar Racing Newmarket Stakes
Frankel will have a racecourse gallop today at 12:30 and his full brother races later in this race. NOBLE MISSION won nicely on very testing ground at Newbury last time out, the time before that he lost on his debut at Yarmouth to a very smart horse in SWEDISH SAILOR who unfortunately wont be going to post today. STENCIVE looks a bit outclassed today unless he improves markedly on his debut. PRINCE ALZAIN is experienced but has pretty much all his form on the fibresand, if he transfers his form to the turf then he could go close but looks one to avoid today and MISTER MUSIC looks exposed now. MICHELANGELO is thrown in here and the son of Galileo may be better good enough to win first time up but looks very much up against it. MARINERS CROSS won the Wood Ditton here last month and looks like the step up in trip will be ideal. The ground also shouldn't be a problem which is why he is today's selection.
Nap - Mariners cross
NB - Dunaden
I shall try and put more races up later, but as for now i'm off to bed, I hope everyone has a successful day and you find a winner or two through my guidance. Happy Punting
2:35 - Qatar Bloodstock Jockey Club Stakes
MASKED MARVEL attracts the eye first up here after breaking the course record when winning the St. Leger last year at Doncaster. He went on to disappoint in the Arc when it was most likely too short for him in distance. His participation today relies heavily on the ground drying out which it shouldn't do over night. AL KAZEEM is a bit of a bridesmaid at the top level, however the only time he has encountered soft ground he was disappointing. But that was in his first run and can be forgiven. His best hope looks to be for a place today though. BLUE BAJAN won at Sandown last year but this will be much to short for him and he will have a bigger target down the line. FIORENTE is another that looks a bit short in the top class category and today looks tougher than he has experienced before. He is open to improvement and will need to show it if he is going to land the spoils today. MEANDRE ventures outside of France for the first time today and is good enough if he handles the ground but 2/1 is plenty short enough for a horse who isnt proven on going like this. If he handles it then he could win easily though. QUEST FOR PEACE beat Arctic Cosmos last year but all his best form is on faster ground than today and is easily opposed as is SADEEK'S SONG who is yet to encounter ground like this. That leaves us with confirmed mudlark DUNADEN who won the Melbourne cup back in November and went on to win the Hong Kong Vase the next month. His early form in France is all on soft and heavy but is in very useful races which is why he is fancied to make his first visit to England a winning one.
3:10 - Qipco 2000 Guineas
BORN TO SEA is closely related to Sea The Stars through Urban Sea, and his half brother needs no introduction at all. He lost his second race by one and a half lengths but it was revealed after the race that he had tore a muscle and did well to finish so close to Nephrite. BRONTERRE is a very buzzy sort and the preliminaries wont help him tomorrow and neither will the step up in distance. If he can remain calm before the race and throughout he will have a huge chance, but its more likely that the ground will be good to firm. POWER wont have any worries with the ground and the distance should be no problem at all, Ryan Moore gets on well with him and has to be one of the leading chances today. His stable mate is the hot favourite for this race and has been for some time. Of course I talk about CAMELOT who won the Racing Post trophy easily, compared to some others in the field he is relatively inexperienced and there are major doubts about the ground for him. FRENCH FIFTEEN beat ABTAAL last time out by a neck but in all you have to question how strong the French form is. The most I can say Olivier Peslier's mount is that he ticks the ground box. CASPAR NETSCHER was a top two year old last year but there are major doubts about him staying the mile here, especially in testing ground, even though he has won in similar conditions. FENCING is inexperienced but is probably better than he has shown thus far, if he handles the ground he could well be the surprise package in the race this year. TOP OFFER has only had his single run but was very impressive when winning it, if he can handle everything today he shouldn't be too far away from the principles. TRUMPET MAJOR comes here race fit after destroying the Craven field here last month when giving weight all round. There is a doubt that he will handle really testing ground but last time out he looked a very much improved horse. If he progresses again then he could well be the winner. TALWAR won a Listed race well at Lingfield first time out so is another that comes here race fit, he has won on soft ground at Sandown so the going shouldnt really be too much of a problem. Connections supplemented him into the race for £30,000 and its clear that you dont do that for a day out. He could well come up with a shock today and is today's selection at a juicy price.
4:55 - Qatar Racing Newmarket Stakes
Frankel will have a racecourse gallop today at 12:30 and his full brother races later in this race. NOBLE MISSION won nicely on very testing ground at Newbury last time out, the time before that he lost on his debut at Yarmouth to a very smart horse in SWEDISH SAILOR who unfortunately wont be going to post today. STENCIVE looks a bit outclassed today unless he improves markedly on his debut. PRINCE ALZAIN is experienced but has pretty much all his form on the fibresand, if he transfers his form to the turf then he could go close but looks one to avoid today and MISTER MUSIC looks exposed now. MICHELANGELO is thrown in here and the son of Galileo may be better good enough to win first time up but looks very much up against it. MARINERS CROSS won the Wood Ditton here last month and looks like the step up in trip will be ideal. The ground also shouldn't be a problem which is why he is today's selection.
Nap - Mariners cross
NB - Dunaden
I shall try and put more races up later, but as for now i'm off to bed, I hope everyone has a successful day and you find a winner or two through my guidance. Happy Punting
Wednesday 2 May 2012
Sagaro at Kempton
Wow! how impressive was Sanctuaire at the weekend, I was confident about him winning but who could have expected him to be 25 lengths clear at the first railway fence and beat Somersby easily by 17 lengths. He jumped probably better than any horse I've seen round Sandown gaining a couple of lengths at each fence over his rivals. All I can say is that the Champion Chase next year is going to be an unbelievable race, Sanctuaire tearing off in front with Sprinter Sacre getting the lead in and Finian's Rainbow trying to get them late. But surely its too early to get excited about Cheltenham, is it?
But onto today's racing and Ascot was Abandoned which means the Sagaro is transferred to Kempton instead, a fairly high class field tackles the race, even with 6 runners in there.
3:45
ELECTROLYSER popped up in a good race at Nottingham last time out to end his 3 year losing spell. Even in that winless run he was still running well consistently and it will be interesting to see if he has turned a corner in his career. He may just be playing for the minor prize money. Both him and RED CADEAUX carry penalties and must give 3 pounds to the others who are all 4 year olds. The latter has been running well all round the world lately when getting touched off by Dunaden in the Melbourne Cup and coming 3rd behind the same horse in the Hong Kong Vase. He has come placed here on this surface but that form wouldn't be strong enough to win a race of this standard. Saying that he has been running well lately and if the break has freshened him up he should go close. SOLAR SKY is the lowest rated in the field but is by no stretch of the imagination out of it. He was 2nd behind Namibian in the Queens Vase at Ascot last year and was staying on behind ELECTROLYSER last time out over a shorter trip, this looks ideal today. He will have to improve however. COLOUR VISION is coming back from a break today and also has his first run for Mahmood Al-Zarooni which can only be a positive. He was third in the Cesarewitch last year and then went on to be 3rd behind Fame and Glory when staying on very strongly on QIPCO Champions day last year. He by far brings the strongest form to the table and a strong run race will suit him down to the ground. BARBICAN returns from an unsuccessful raid in Dubai when he had more in front than behind when beaten soundly by Opinion Poll, on that form the Godolphin runner holds him however Darryl Holland's mount has won at Kempton before and clearly has no problem with the fibresand. I just feel that there are horses more open to improvement int his field and he could struggle today. One of them more open to improvement is the selection today which is THIMAAR who is a dual winner over the distance and also a course and distance winner. That course and distance win came last time out when he beat Gulf Of Naples early last month. Them two were well clear of their opponents that day and both look good horses. I was impressed with how well he stayed on for Paul Hanagan and the race looks sure to set up to his strengths today. The way I see the race panning out is Electrolyser and Barbican making the running and possibly cutting each others throats with Thimaar settled in behind. He should be able to pick them up turning for home and his stamina can kick in with Solar Sky and Colour Vision coming late but not getting there. THIMAAR to win the Sagaro.
I know last week I said I will be trying to put a blog up each day and I was trying to stick with that but there have been things going on and haven't been able to update them. I will be trying to update the blog more often and I may even try and get a couple of jockey interviews if possible.
Happy punting as always :)
But onto today's racing and Ascot was Abandoned which means the Sagaro is transferred to Kempton instead, a fairly high class field tackles the race, even with 6 runners in there.
3:45
ELECTROLYSER popped up in a good race at Nottingham last time out to end his 3 year losing spell. Even in that winless run he was still running well consistently and it will be interesting to see if he has turned a corner in his career. He may just be playing for the minor prize money. Both him and RED CADEAUX carry penalties and must give 3 pounds to the others who are all 4 year olds. The latter has been running well all round the world lately when getting touched off by Dunaden in the Melbourne Cup and coming 3rd behind the same horse in the Hong Kong Vase. He has come placed here on this surface but that form wouldn't be strong enough to win a race of this standard. Saying that he has been running well lately and if the break has freshened him up he should go close. SOLAR SKY is the lowest rated in the field but is by no stretch of the imagination out of it. He was 2nd behind Namibian in the Queens Vase at Ascot last year and was staying on behind ELECTROLYSER last time out over a shorter trip, this looks ideal today. He will have to improve however. COLOUR VISION is coming back from a break today and also has his first run for Mahmood Al-Zarooni which can only be a positive. He was third in the Cesarewitch last year and then went on to be 3rd behind Fame and Glory when staying on very strongly on QIPCO Champions day last year. He by far brings the strongest form to the table and a strong run race will suit him down to the ground. BARBICAN returns from an unsuccessful raid in Dubai when he had more in front than behind when beaten soundly by Opinion Poll, on that form the Godolphin runner holds him however Darryl Holland's mount has won at Kempton before and clearly has no problem with the fibresand. I just feel that there are horses more open to improvement int his field and he could struggle today. One of them more open to improvement is the selection today which is THIMAAR who is a dual winner over the distance and also a course and distance winner. That course and distance win came last time out when he beat Gulf Of Naples early last month. Them two were well clear of their opponents that day and both look good horses. I was impressed with how well he stayed on for Paul Hanagan and the race looks sure to set up to his strengths today. The way I see the race panning out is Electrolyser and Barbican making the running and possibly cutting each others throats with Thimaar settled in behind. He should be able to pick them up turning for home and his stamina can kick in with Solar Sky and Colour Vision coming late but not getting there. THIMAAR to win the Sagaro.
I know last week I said I will be trying to put a blog up each day and I was trying to stick with that but there have been things going on and haven't been able to update them. I will be trying to update the blog more often and I may even try and get a couple of jockey interviews if possible.
Happy punting as always :)
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