What a crazy week in the world it has been, amongst fertilizer plants blowing up and other shootings, Monday saw two bombs set off at the Boston Marathon. How anyone could think to do something so destructive and plain evil is beyond me, but thankfully in the past hour they have caught the last suspect. Its a crazy world we live in but we must raise our caps to the Boston Police Department for their efficiency of the matter and professionalism. Another word of admiration for the people of Boston and the surrounding areas. Watching the NHL game earlier in the week between Buffalo and Boston, you couldn't help but feel touched by the pride in which they sang the National Anthem.
Last week was a blank for us with all selections running oh so poorly, but I'm optimistic that this week will be better with a few strong fancies. One man will be missing from the action today and indeed at Punchestown next week. That man is AP McCoy after a fall at Cheltenham earlier in the week in which he has broken a few ribs, I'm sure he would ride if he'd be allowed, but thankfully the doctors are telling him to rest and get back to full health.
Only a short intro this week as we will be cracking on with the main part now, also its late and I want my dinner...
1:50 Newbury - Model Pupil
Model Pupil looks to be a top class stayer in the making and confirmed that thought with a fantastic win at Doncaster by as far as you like. He takes a step up in class today however and has to face Frankel's brother Noble Mission who himself is a very classy animal. Charlie Hills colt has race fitness on his side and in a race like this it could be vital despite being much more inexperienced. Since his first run he has improved with every outing, if he improves again from last time he should take some beating, even with a strong field against him. Ryan Moore rides again and he looks set to land the first bet of the day for us. (3/1)
2:40 Ayr - Une Artiste
Nicky Henderson drops Une Artiste back in trip to the minimum today after a very poor display in the mares hurdle at Cheltenham. Many say that she simply wasn't good enough that day and was outclassed, but believe it or not there were a few Henderson horses that under achieved at the Festival. Before then she had beaten Alasi nicely at Wetherby and gave Kentford Grey Lady a beating at Sandown. That form wouldn't suggest she really needs two miles but her Wetherby win was over the distance and she can definitely handle it. Simon Munir took this last year with his Raya Star and can own the winner here again for Barry Geraghty and Nicky Henderson. (8/1)
2:55 Newbury - Maureen
Maureen has been beaten twice in her short career so far, both at HQ and both times she had a horrible passage rendering her unlucky. The first time she would have definitely won, but last time out it is harder to say as she was ninth but not too far behind Rosdhu Queen. I watched her debut at this track and she won in the manner of a very good filly before her second at Newmarket. She then won easily at Ascot before once again being unlucky at Newmarket and is forgiven easily for that run. For me she could turn out to be the class horse in the race and is a live 1000 Guineas hope despite strong opposition from Rosdhu Queen. (7/2)
3:30 Newbury - Moohaajim
Marco Botti has had his string in fine form for the early part of this year and runs one of his stable stars here today. Moohaajim has only ever been beaten by Reckless Abandon and last time looked to be crying out for the longer trip after just being denied. This came after a nice win at Newbury in which he beat a useful Richard Hannon horse in Master Of War. Realistically today he only has one horse to beat in the odds on Favourite Olympic Glory who was very good last year. But Richard Hughes has said he will come on for the run, not something you wish to hear about an odds on favourite. Preference is for Moohaajim this afternoon. (6/4)
3:50 Ayr - Lion Na Bearnai
Just the one outing this season for the Irish National winner of 2012 which came in the Hennessy at Newbury. The fact of the matter is that he wasn't fast enough for the race that day and ran well until classier horses got away from him and he pulled up. There is no disgrace in losing to Bobs Worth, Tidal Bay and First Lieutenant though is there! Today is also a much easier race. He is lowered a pound in the handicap and over the longer trip he can make it count on his trip over from Ireland. Lion Na Bearnai is only from a very small yard with a handful of horses in, they wouldn't bring him over for the day out. A live outsider and can ruffle a few feathers today in his preferred ground and a distance sure to suit. (50/1)
5:00 Ayr - Fentara
Connections really fancied Fentara for a mares race at Newbury last time, the meeting was however abandoned so they have to re-route here today. She broke her maiden chase tag on her fourth attempt at Kelso when an odds on favourite, prior to that she had run some really good races. On debut she wasn't beaten too far by the classy Aland Islands at Newcastle and followed up with a second, again at Newcastle. The second time she can be considered a tad unfortunate after being badly hampered late on and still making it to within 2 lengths of the winner. She then fell when favourite in a good race at Catterick but was probably beat at the time when coming down at the last. Her strongest form however comes when third to Goulanes and Super Duty and would have been closer were it not for a mistake at the last. One last note is that she comes here fresh when a few other fancied rivals ran at Cheltenham and may have gone over the top. (8/1)
NAP - Maureen
Nb - Model Pupil
Good luck this week guys, the interview with Racheal Kneller will be up early next week and then I will be lining up my next interview and article.
Happy Punting!
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