Happy Friday folks, if you aren't at work today then lucky you, if you are then I hope you find a way of listening or watching the racing. I'm sure the boss isn't looking. The 2013 Derby meeting kicks off in style today with high class racing with the feature of course being the Investec Oaks. Last year Aidan O'Brien won his 3rd English classic of the year when Was sprung a surprise partnered by Seamie Heffernan. This year Seamie rides a horse with an equally exciting name when he partners Say again for his boss, Aidan O'Brien. Ralph Beckett trains the favourite however in Secret Gesture, the winner of Lingfield's Oaks Trial earlier in the month.
Backing up the card today is the Diomed Stakes which is a group three in which last year's high class three year old Gregorian is the likely favourite. The older girls get their chance in the first race on the card when they go to post for the Princess Elizabeth Stakes, also a Group 3. That race will be earmarked for the return of Frankie Dettori when he makes his comeback on board Beatrice Aurore, but I am sure you have heard enough of that story!
Without further stalling, lets begin today's action.
1:35 Epsom Downs - Ladys First
Richard Fahey's Filly has been ultra consistent for a long time now running only one bad race in her career when 6th of 7 behind Highland Knight. Last time out was her seasonal reappearance when she was 3rd, only a length and a quarter behind the exciting Dalkala from France. That was her first time tackling a trip further than a mile, she is dropped back in trip today to the extended mile, 1 mile and 114 yards, which is near enough half a furlong. Despite that being a good run, she is still inclined to come on for that run and any improvement will surely see her close today. Two pieces of form late last season worth looking at are her runs behind Dank and Chigun, who are both group race winners this season. With further improvement possibly on the cards, in a competitive race Ladys First can win the opener to the Derby meeting. (15/2)
2:10 Epsom Downs - Area Fifty One
Dr Marwan Koukash can own his first 2013 Derby Meeting winner here with the course and distance winner Area Fifty One. Epsom is one of those weird courses in which your horse either runs well on it or absolutely hates it, major factors for this are Tattenham Corner and the steep camber in the home straight. But Area Fifty One proved he can handle the track well, but did hang down the camber a little late on hampering Vasily when winning a big handicap 2 outings ago. On his latest outing he ran a useful race at Chester when 4th to Sir John Hawkwood, but previous runs would suggest he doesn't handle Chester too well. So with that run easily forgotten and proven course form, Jamie Spencer can guide Area Fifty One home and make it a double for Richard Fahey. (8/1)
2:45 Epsom Downs - Gregorian
Gregorian was a fantastic three year old last year and is one of my horses to watch for this year after following him all last season. His reappearance saw him just get denied by Eton Forever in a good Listed race at Haydock, the closest rival was a further length and a quarter behind. It was only a matter of strides past the post until Gregorian had hit the front, but in the actual race he just ran out of time. Sensibly that performance now ensures he is stepped up in trip to the extended mile which will suit him much better. The only doubt you can have in your mind is whether he will handle Epsom, although I don't think that will be much of a problem for him. One for William Buick and John Gosden here with the ultimate professional Gregorian. (7/2)
3:20 Epsom Downs - Maverik
Maverik makes his first start for William Knight today after three good performances this year for Ralph Beckett including one win. His victory came off a mark 5 pounds lower than today, but showed he can still be competitive off today's mark of 92 when third last time out. Jim Crowley gets on particularly well with Maverik and was on board when he won very easily over course and distance last season. He handled the course fantastically that day and to this date it remains his only visit to Epsom, however it is a huge positive. In an ultra competitive race, the flashy Chestnut can take all the beating on stable debut. (8/1)
4:00 Epsom Downs - Secret Gesture
Jim Crowley can notch up a quick double here aboard the favourite Secret Gesture for Ralph Beckett. The Filly has only had three career starts, suffering defeat only on debut before going on to win at Newbury late last year. She shot on to the Oaks scene after she absolutely hacked up in the Oaks Trial at Lingfield, which is widely regarded as the best trial due to the nature of the course. She didn't even come off the bridle that day and while rain will help her case the conditions aren't too much of a worry for her. Since her Lingfield Procession she has been half bought by Qatar Racing and will run in the famous red colours today. Secret Gesture to win the Oaks for Ralph Beckett and Jim Crowley. Note the trainer won this with Look Here back in 2008 after running in the Lingfield Oaks Trial. (9/4)
4:45 Epsom Downs - Hasopop
Marco Botti looked to have a good horse on his hands last time when Hasopop won a big handicap over six furlongs when giving weight away all round. He was stuck against the rail that day and forced to wait until a furlong out before he was able to produce his effort. However when he did Dane O'Neill was rewarded for his patience with a strong turn of foot that would carry him to the front. Hasopop went on to score by a neck that day and although the race didn't really scream out for him to be upped in trip to 7 furlongs, it certainly wont be against him. Before that he put in a good effort against an exciting horse of Richard Hannon's in Ninjago who won very well. That run would suggest 7 furlongs would suit well. Hasopop can take all the beating here for Dane O'Neill and Marco Botti. (9/4)
5:20 Epsom Downs - Lancelot Du Lac
Ryan Moore is allowed to jump ship today from Sir Michael Stoute's fancied runner to ride for Dean Ivory who saddles Lancelot Du Lac. The colt by Shamardal finally came good last time but has been improving with each of his five runs to date. That was his first time in a handicap and has been risen 5 pounds for the success which still looks below him. On that run winning looked unlikely a furlong out with himself not being given a clear run by any stretch of the imagination. Ryan Moore remained cool headed though and weaved himself a gap before winning going away in fairly easy fashion, on that performance there is a lot more to come. Lancelot Du Lac can take the finale today. (7/2)
NAP - Gregorian
Nb - Secret Gesture
One last thing before we conclude today's blog, last week I put up a post with horses to follow over the coming months. Recently they have done well with the select few that have run, they have included an 11/4 winner and a 25/1 runner up. Today we have three runners, all three of them have a huge chance and are worth backing.
1:55 Market Rasen - Brother Scott (Nap) 2/1
2:45 Epsom - Gregorian (Nb) 7/2
4:55 Market Rasen - Sparkling Tara 12/1
Happy Punting today guys! Be lucky!
Thursday, 30 May 2013
Friday, 24 May 2013
Irish 2000 Guineas Day
Happy Weekend to you all, I trust you didn't overdo it last night and are up bright and early on Saturday morning, ok maybe not. I hope everyone had a good 5 day week as I very much enjoyed my shorter 4 day week as Monday was Victoria Day which everyone has off work. Today is the Irish 2000 Guineas which Aidan O'Brien took last year with Power, this year he holds the favourite in Chester winner Magician amongst 4 Ballydoyle entries. He is opposed by the English 2000 Guineas third and also the Johnny Murtagh trained and ridden Fort Knox who steps up in class today. We also race at Haydock where they hold the annual Temple Stakes meeting which sees the reappearance of smart juvenile Reckless Abandon. They also go to post at Goodwood, Chester and York with jumping action from Ffos Las and also Cartmel. All I can say is I hope the Racing UK guys have their wit's about them today.
Many of you have asked on Twitter where it was I was dragged off to last weekend and in case you haven't seen my replies I shall reveal on here too. Early Saturday morning me and my Brother go into the car for a 9 hour drive across the Province of British Columbia. Where were we going though? To a place called Golden which is located in the Rockies, no not the Colorado ones. So we spent our weekend driving around National Park's trying to spot bears and other wildlife to no avail. However we did manage to see some pretty incredible views and it makes you appreciate just how big this country is. But enough of my holiday and back to the Racing.
Last week our day didn't get off to the best start with Zama Zama just getting edged out of a place at a nice enough price. All hope is not lost with him however and his run looked as if Evan Williams wanted to send him handicapping from the outset. Definitely one to watch out for as he took to chasing very nicely. Dundonnell then went in for us and in nice style as well, it looks for the world as if he will stay a mile on that run, time will tell though. Trumpet Major ran an absolute shocker in the Lockinge and one can only assume that something was wrong with him. The same can be said for Cityscape, but we almost nailed the forecast for the last two home, only to be foiled by Libranno separating the two. We ended the day on a high however with our NAP absolutely sauntering home under Aidan Coleman. Of course I speak of Toubeera who looks a lovely prospect for a fence and could still win a few more hurdles if persisting with that route. Not a bad week by all costs with our NAP and Nb winning, lets hope for another week like the last.
Before that I have set up another tipping challenge, but a triple threat challenge this week with George back again and one of my good friends Rob Cook. Don't worry he isn't just a random friend, we have been going racing together since we were 12 years old, he can sometimes land a bet as well. But on with the selections
Luke George Rob
2:20 York - Bite Of The Cherry Address Unknown Address Unknown
3:20 Curragh - Van Der Neer Fort Knox Gale Force Ten
3:50 Haydock - Kingsgate Native Reckless Abandon Reckless Abandon
4:00 York - Roman Flight Ace Of Valhalla Reflect
Lets hope for a few winners between us, and lets face it if at least one of us cant find a winner then we should just give up! If you would like to follow any of us on twitter, you can find George on @GeorgeFGorman, You can find Rob on @Robertcook_ alternatively you can follow me on @Lukeyboy1325, its all appreciated!
Onto the selections!
3:20 Curragh - Van Der Neer
Richard Hannon was doubly represented in the English equivalent of this race, but it was thought that Toronado was his best chance. That was foiled when Van Der Neer passed him in the final furlong to grab third in the dying strides for William Buick. Stable jockey Richard Hughes is back on board today and he is 3 out of 4 aboard Van Der Neer, beaten only by Kingsbarns. Despite winning on softer ground, I think that he is better on a faster surface and he won his Maiden on Good to Firm. The going description for the 2000 Guineas at Newmarket is misleading, officially it says Good to Firm, but it definitely wasn't after a downpour before the race. The top was coming off the ground and it looked hard work so third for Van Der Neer was a very good effort. One last thing is that he was 7 and a quarter lengths behind Dawn Approach, thankfully there isn't any horse of that standard here today. The second horse is hard to place though as Glory Awaits was 150/1 but it looks as if those odds were very much an insult to his ability. Van Der Neer can take the Irish 2000 Guineas for Richard Hannon and Richard Hughes who took the race in 2010 with Canford Cliffs. (7/2)
3:50 Haydock - Kingsgate Native
Reckless Abandon will take some beating here if he has trained on from 2 to a 3 year old and is in receipt of 4 pounds from his elders. One who there is no doubt about is Robert Cowell's gelding Kingsgate Native who was second to the reopposing Sole Power last time out. That was his seasonal reappearance whereas Sole Power had the benefit of a run in Meydan to put him straight. The selection hasn't won since 2010 when landing this race but was off for a while with injury and has posted some useful performances since. With no doubt about retaining his ability and a now fully fit horse he could take some beating and reverse the form with Sole Power. It is worth noting that Kingsgate Native was a very unlucky loser at Newbury last year behind Swiss Spirit when not getting a run till late and flying home. With the ground in his favour, race fitness on his side and the horse seemingly in good heart, its Kingsgate Native that could take the beating in this years Temple Stakes. (10/1)
4:00 York - Roman Flight
Dave O'Meara's yard have been flying lately with 6 wins from their last 9 runners and 6 winners in the last three days. Roman Flight wasn't one of them winners but did visit the winners enclosure on his last outing at Thirsk when winning in nice style. That day he looked streets ahead of the handicapper and is raised 10 pounds for his win, though that wouldn't have stopped him then. He has been more well known for his hurdling since coming over from Charlie Swan's stable in Ireland and has run in some good races. However you couldn't not be impressed by his win last time out and he has the look of a horse that could improve into group company. Danny Tudhope also shuns a few rides at Haydock to come here and ride, but Roman Flight must be his best chance of the day. A very strong selection here and Roman Flight can improve again to land the spoils for a bang in form yard. (4/1)
6:55 Cartmel - Badgers Retreat
From one in form stable to another and a very much in form horse with the Ferdy Murphy trained Badgers Retreat. For two wins he has only been raised 9 pounds and the talented Catherine Walton takes off 7 pounds with her claim, meaning he carries 11 stone and 5 pounds today. In truth this possibly isn't the best race, however Badgers Retreat looks to have something in hand on the handicapper albeit not too much. To win this Badgers Retreat will need to post a career best but is definitely going in the right direction and wouldn't have to improve much to win this today. There isn't much else to say about him as he is still relatively new to the game but will take all the beating here today. (7/4)
7:30 Cartmel - Samson Collonges
The handsome Grey, Samson Collonges can complete a double for Ferdy Murphy in the hands of top lady rider Samantha Drake who was a revelation last season. When he came over from France he took a while to find his feet, but when finding them he recorded back to back wins at Hexham late last year. After that he took a heavy fall at Ayr but was none the worse for that experience but was pulled up in the race after that at Newcastle. Both of them runs have come on heavy ground and he started both races a grey horse and returned half grey half bay, today will pose no issues for whoever has to clean him on better ground. He posted an improved effort next time at Hexham but ran into two good types and was well beaten by them under Harry Challoner. It was a similar story at Hexham next time but he has been hinting at the signs of a big run in his locker and that could well be today. One last point that he is now 1 pound above his last winning rating and Sam Drake's claim puts him 4 pounds below that. Sneaking into the handicap off a low weight, Samson Collonges can complete a Ferdy Murphy double. (17/2)
NAP - Roman Flight
Nb - Samson Collonges
If you have a bet today good luck and hopefully you can find a couple of winners or more from this blog. May your fish and chip supper be paid for by the nice people at the local bookies!
Happy Punting!
Many of you have asked on Twitter where it was I was dragged off to last weekend and in case you haven't seen my replies I shall reveal on here too. Early Saturday morning me and my Brother go into the car for a 9 hour drive across the Province of British Columbia. Where were we going though? To a place called Golden which is located in the Rockies, no not the Colorado ones. So we spent our weekend driving around National Park's trying to spot bears and other wildlife to no avail. However we did manage to see some pretty incredible views and it makes you appreciate just how big this country is. But enough of my holiday and back to the Racing.
Last week our day didn't get off to the best start with Zama Zama just getting edged out of a place at a nice enough price. All hope is not lost with him however and his run looked as if Evan Williams wanted to send him handicapping from the outset. Definitely one to watch out for as he took to chasing very nicely. Dundonnell then went in for us and in nice style as well, it looks for the world as if he will stay a mile on that run, time will tell though. Trumpet Major ran an absolute shocker in the Lockinge and one can only assume that something was wrong with him. The same can be said for Cityscape, but we almost nailed the forecast for the last two home, only to be foiled by Libranno separating the two. We ended the day on a high however with our NAP absolutely sauntering home under Aidan Coleman. Of course I speak of Toubeera who looks a lovely prospect for a fence and could still win a few more hurdles if persisting with that route. Not a bad week by all costs with our NAP and Nb winning, lets hope for another week like the last.
Before that I have set up another tipping challenge, but a triple threat challenge this week with George back again and one of my good friends Rob Cook. Don't worry he isn't just a random friend, we have been going racing together since we were 12 years old, he can sometimes land a bet as well. But on with the selections
Luke George Rob
2:20 York - Bite Of The Cherry Address Unknown Address Unknown
3:20 Curragh - Van Der Neer Fort Knox Gale Force Ten
3:50 Haydock - Kingsgate Native Reckless Abandon Reckless Abandon
4:00 York - Roman Flight Ace Of Valhalla Reflect
Lets hope for a few winners between us, and lets face it if at least one of us cant find a winner then we should just give up! If you would like to follow any of us on twitter, you can find George on @GeorgeFGorman, You can find Rob on @Robertcook_ alternatively you can follow me on @Lukeyboy1325, its all appreciated!
Onto the selections!
3:20 Curragh - Van Der Neer
Richard Hannon was doubly represented in the English equivalent of this race, but it was thought that Toronado was his best chance. That was foiled when Van Der Neer passed him in the final furlong to grab third in the dying strides for William Buick. Stable jockey Richard Hughes is back on board today and he is 3 out of 4 aboard Van Der Neer, beaten only by Kingsbarns. Despite winning on softer ground, I think that he is better on a faster surface and he won his Maiden on Good to Firm. The going description for the 2000 Guineas at Newmarket is misleading, officially it says Good to Firm, but it definitely wasn't after a downpour before the race. The top was coming off the ground and it looked hard work so third for Van Der Neer was a very good effort. One last thing is that he was 7 and a quarter lengths behind Dawn Approach, thankfully there isn't any horse of that standard here today. The second horse is hard to place though as Glory Awaits was 150/1 but it looks as if those odds were very much an insult to his ability. Van Der Neer can take the Irish 2000 Guineas for Richard Hannon and Richard Hughes who took the race in 2010 with Canford Cliffs. (7/2)
3:50 Haydock - Kingsgate Native
Reckless Abandon will take some beating here if he has trained on from 2 to a 3 year old and is in receipt of 4 pounds from his elders. One who there is no doubt about is Robert Cowell's gelding Kingsgate Native who was second to the reopposing Sole Power last time out. That was his seasonal reappearance whereas Sole Power had the benefit of a run in Meydan to put him straight. The selection hasn't won since 2010 when landing this race but was off for a while with injury and has posted some useful performances since. With no doubt about retaining his ability and a now fully fit horse he could take some beating and reverse the form with Sole Power. It is worth noting that Kingsgate Native was a very unlucky loser at Newbury last year behind Swiss Spirit when not getting a run till late and flying home. With the ground in his favour, race fitness on his side and the horse seemingly in good heart, its Kingsgate Native that could take the beating in this years Temple Stakes. (10/1)
4:00 York - Roman Flight
Dave O'Meara's yard have been flying lately with 6 wins from their last 9 runners and 6 winners in the last three days. Roman Flight wasn't one of them winners but did visit the winners enclosure on his last outing at Thirsk when winning in nice style. That day he looked streets ahead of the handicapper and is raised 10 pounds for his win, though that wouldn't have stopped him then. He has been more well known for his hurdling since coming over from Charlie Swan's stable in Ireland and has run in some good races. However you couldn't not be impressed by his win last time out and he has the look of a horse that could improve into group company. Danny Tudhope also shuns a few rides at Haydock to come here and ride, but Roman Flight must be his best chance of the day. A very strong selection here and Roman Flight can improve again to land the spoils for a bang in form yard. (4/1)
6:55 Cartmel - Badgers Retreat
From one in form stable to another and a very much in form horse with the Ferdy Murphy trained Badgers Retreat. For two wins he has only been raised 9 pounds and the talented Catherine Walton takes off 7 pounds with her claim, meaning he carries 11 stone and 5 pounds today. In truth this possibly isn't the best race, however Badgers Retreat looks to have something in hand on the handicapper albeit not too much. To win this Badgers Retreat will need to post a career best but is definitely going in the right direction and wouldn't have to improve much to win this today. There isn't much else to say about him as he is still relatively new to the game but will take all the beating here today. (7/4)
7:30 Cartmel - Samson Collonges
The handsome Grey, Samson Collonges can complete a double for Ferdy Murphy in the hands of top lady rider Samantha Drake who was a revelation last season. When he came over from France he took a while to find his feet, but when finding them he recorded back to back wins at Hexham late last year. After that he took a heavy fall at Ayr but was none the worse for that experience but was pulled up in the race after that at Newcastle. Both of them runs have come on heavy ground and he started both races a grey horse and returned half grey half bay, today will pose no issues for whoever has to clean him on better ground. He posted an improved effort next time at Hexham but ran into two good types and was well beaten by them under Harry Challoner. It was a similar story at Hexham next time but he has been hinting at the signs of a big run in his locker and that could well be today. One last point that he is now 1 pound above his last winning rating and Sam Drake's claim puts him 4 pounds below that. Sneaking into the handicap off a low weight, Samson Collonges can complete a Ferdy Murphy double. (17/2)
NAP - Roman Flight
Nb - Samson Collonges
If you have a bet today good luck and hopefully you can find a couple of winners or more from this blog. May your fish and chip supper be paid for by the nice people at the local bookies!
Happy Punting!
Thursday, 23 May 2013
ATR Tracker Horses To Follow
Today I have decided to tell you all the horses I have in my Attheraces Tracker and all the horses I intend to follow over the coming season.
If you didn't already know, an Attheraces Tracker is a service provided for punters to follow a horse they would like to back next time out or for the season. In each tracker you can enter up to 100 horses and the night before the race you will receive an email to remind you that horse is running. As well as the notification you will also receive what you wrote about the horse, what Timeform think of their chances and also the race details. Id also like to stress that I am in no way benefitting from this blog, I just think that it is a fantastic service that I wish to share.
If you haven't set up an account and would like to set up your own ATR Tracker then follow this link. http://www.attheraces.com/tracker/
So without further a do, below are the horses in my tracker, the comment I put with them and a little extra of what I expect from them. Some of the grammar will be a bit off as you only get 140 characters to enter your comment, accept my apologies for that!
Altaria - ran well in all runs to date, potentially hard to win with, second a lot but losing to nice types. Probably Better on turf
Altaria is yet to be seen this year but showed some promise last season when runner up three times and a 5th at Wolverhampton. It is easy to forgive that 5th as she didn't enjoy the track too much and is better than she showed there. Her losses have come at the hands of useful types and it may be a bit unfair of me to say she is hard to win with, but she needs to prove she can. Altaria shows all the makings of a good horse and I expect her to win a few races this season in Handicap company. Her sire Rail Link was also a good horse in France and was once fancied in an Arc.
Ambion Wood - Very solid hurdler, major illness in yard till December last year and poor show over fences. Probably not right at all, keep the faith
Victor Dartnall didn't have a runner till December last season as his yard was shut down after an infestation of Equine Herpes hit the yard. It was said Ambion Wood wasn't affected by the illness but he hasn't showed any sparkle this year and has since had a break. I really fancied him in the RSA at the start of the season but then the disease struck and his chance went with it. He has been entered in a couple of races as of late and has shown he can jump and if back to his best will be winning before long. Entered 26th May at Uttoxeter.
Ashdown Lad - Awkward ride but very talented, if he gets his act together he is the type to go on a spree
Ashdown Lad is a tricky ride as he tends to hang all over the course and give his rider a really hard time in the process. However at Sandown last season he proved that he is classy when knuckling down and running to the line when winning. A noseband could potentially bring a bit of improvement in him and his sire, Sir Percy was top class. Entered 28th May at Leicester.
Brother Scott - Good Sedgefield win when nothing went right for him, step up to 2m4f to suit and maybe a noseband
Sue Smith's, Brother Scott is a bit more unexposed than the other two and has really come into his own since going handicapping. Im sure he would have won if Samantha Drake had managed to stay in the saddle at Wetherby as he looks a lovely staying type. Last time at Segdefield he made no mistake though even with himself being hindered multiple times during the race. It also didn't help that Callum Bewley dropped his whip late on. The only negative to draw from the race is that he looked a bit babyish and has a lot of growing up to do, a noseband could help him no end. Also the type to take to a fence and a step up in trip, but his current mark is way off. Entered at Uttoxeter on 26th May and Cartmel on 29th May
Burke's Rock - Won nicely at Goodwood, still more improvement and for an exciting yard this season, will get further
Jeremy Noseda's filly, Burke's Rock is a horse I have followed since her first run and has gone from strength to strength since. Her two runs this year have been her best so far with a fourth in the Snowdrop at Kempton when almost being bought down early in the race. She then recorded a personal best when beating Sentaril at Goodwood in a listed Fillies race. You can argue that She got the first run over Sentaril that day, however you cant knock Burke's Rock as she always runs to the line. Entered in two races at Ascot on 19th June
Captain Sunshine - Good big handicap runs last season and stays all day, still a tad green, one to improve for a fence
Captain Sunshine caught everyone's eye last year for one reason or another, either being unruly at the start or staying on late in big handicaps. For me I first spotted him when he was a novice staying on strongly behind Balder Succes over two miles and was stepped up in trip. Since then he has been a good force without winning since his novice year. Possibly one to go chasing in time and maybe has a bit of growing up to do but is definitely not short on talent.
Coronea Lilly - Fragile but 2 wins at Ludlow before not right at Wincanton, good run at Cheltenham, confident next time and for 3 miles
Coronea Lilly is a very lightly raced 9 year old after injuries when she was younger have restricted her to only 6 outings. Her last of which came at Cheltenham when sixth in a good handicap after being driven along in the early part of the race. She looked well held at the top of the hill before flying home and there are races to be won with her. Before that she ran in a good mares hurdle at Wincanton but she wasn't right that day and you can quickly discard the race straight away.
Djakadam - Nice 4 year old, will improve for a longer distance and is a huge chasing sort, Beautiful looker
Djakadam is a beautiful looking horse and is definitely one to go chasing next season for Willie Mullins. He was no slouch over hurdles with wins at Gowran Park and Limerick before a second in a Grade 3 at Fairyhouse. His last run came behind stablemate Diakali in the four year old hurdle at Punchestown when getting out paced late on. Next season if going chasing he could be a live contender in the Jewson and maybe even the RSA. A real horse to keep on the right side of for the Champion Irish Trainer.
Faluka - Eye catching reappearance before disappointing, one for handicaps and will win this time
Paul Cole's Grey Filly, Faluka has impressed me with her first two runs in maidens before not running her race last time out. Handicaps look the way forward with her and also a step up in trip, most probably to 7 furlongs will see her more at home. Note that she has been entered in a few races lately but hasn't taken up any of them engagements, sure to run a big race next time out.
Fig Roll - Real trier, great attitude and will definitely excel over 6 or 7 furlongs, from a high class stable
Fig Roll has really impressed me this season as one of Richard Hannon's two year olds, there isn't much of her but she would give her last breath on the racecourse. Last time at Salisbury she was outpaced early on but came into the race strongly and in the end won going away from the field. One to definitely keep on the right side of and if she keeps improving then black type wont be far away from her. Entered at Beverley on 29th May
Got To Dance - Didn't have a clue what to do on debut until the penny dropped 3 furlongs out and ran on under hands and heels
My tracker description pretty much says it all for Got To Dance, she was slow away at Salisbury in a good race (won by Fig Roll) but ran on. Richard Kingscote was sensible on board and just nudged her closer and she was closest on top of the line, just deprived of 4th place. A strong bet to win this time out. Entered today at Haydock in the 2:55
Grandeur - Exciting yard and excels on tricky courses, must have fast ground to be seen at his best
Last year on the blog Grandeur was consistently a selection and more than paid his way. All year I was saying he was a Group horse and this year he will prove that with last season culminating in a win at Santa Anita in the States. During last season his won twice at Goodwood both in strong races and once at Newbury, he was also unlucky at Epsom. Another one for Jeremy Noseda but Grandeur is a top class performer.
Gregorian - Very consistent at a high level last year, good reappearance when touched off, will get further than 7f
If you paid any attention to the flat season last year Gregorian will be familiar with you. I was first told about him in his season opener at Newbury by Bill Esdaile who is the racing editor for City AM. Gregorian would only get one more win to his name which was a 1/7 success at Hamilton, but he was consistently placed. His strongest run came in the St James' Palace at Royal Ascot when third to Most Improved before a second at Chantilly. This season he needed about 5 more strides to get ahead of Eton Forever but nonetheless posted a good effort and looks strong again this year. Entered in the Queen Anne at Ascot on June 18th.
Jubilee Diamond - Poor latest but better on turf, some good runs to her name, outpaced at Royal Ascot, type to progress
I first saw Jubilee Diamond on debut at Sandown when she was second to Upward Spiral when very green but running on. She was then outpaced the whole way at Royal Ascot but returned to win odds on at Bath before a poor run at Lingfield on the all weather. Her strongest run is probably the race at Kempton in which she went down by 2 and 3/4 lengths to Spokeswoman. One to watch out for this season however now she will have strengthened up a bit.
Mary's Pet - 16/1 lingfield winner before second at Southwell, poor since but market confidence on each run
Mary's Pet had really lost her way before March this year when she won at Lingfield in a useful race, making all the running in the process. After that win she went to Southwell and found only one too good making you think she had refound her form. Since then she has put in two below par runs at the same two tracks but was heavily backed each time. Definitely not one to give up on just yet. Entered at Lingfield on 28th May
Pinerolo - Will make a really lovely chaser, huge horse, made his presence felt in a big handicap hurdle last year, you know him inside out
I was really looking forward to seeing Pinerolo last year but Sue Smith decided to wait for some better ground. When he finally made his reappearance disaster struck early in the race, Jonathan England pulled him up before the fourth. It turned out he had fractured a joint and will be off for sometime, when he finally does return however he could be worth following. Lets hope he can return to full health and get back to his best form.
Poetic Lord - Got up on the line after just being denied at Lingfield, looks a good thing for a step up in trip
Poetic Lord's two year old form just about put him on par with Camelot through the form line with Main Sequence. However as a three year old he completely bombed and showed very little before refinding some form recently. It started off this year for his new yard with a second at Lingfield when narrowly touched off before getting up on the line over course and distance. He then went back to his old ways when showing nothing at Windsor on turf before 2nd again at Lingfield. His ideal trip right now looks around 1 mile and 2 furlongs at Lingfield on the polytrack.
Quickpick Vic - Very taking in a bumper win at Naas, looks a real horse for the future
A useful bumper horse when easily beating some good rivals at Naas before being outclassed at Aintree and running a shocker at Punchestown. In truth with a horse like himself, you wouldn't be expecting much from him early on and could well be worth waiting till he goes chasing before having a good bet on him. Potentially a top class horse for Tony Martin
Red Inca - Very useful hurdler, will land a few good prizes along the course of next season, maybe some in the summer on better ground
Red Inca is the typical Brian Ellison handicap hurdler in a sense of he has something in hand but is waiting to unleash it on the course. He reappeared after a spin round Wolverhampton when getting stuck in the mud at Warwick under Aidan Coleman. He still managed to finish 5th that day but next time out was the real Red Inca when winning at Haydock easily. He was then quickly turned out at Plumpton in a better race when 6th, and next time was 2nd at Ayr when giving almost 2 stones away to the winner. Still he went down battling before a good 5th in the Swinton behind Barizan. Still only a 5 year old there could potentially be further improvement in him and is one to keep an eye on.
Sam Sharp - Best at a mile, useful horse but always seems to find trouble, could land a few nice prizes this year.
Sam Sharp is possibly the most unlucky horse in training, every time he runs he has excuses when not getting a run till too late. He broke that chain at Leicester in a good race last season when winning over a mile. But today he returned to unlucky ways at Haydock off a 3 pound higher rating. There were two furlongs left before Richard Kingscote could switch him wide into the clear, by then it was too late and he ran on for third. On that form if he can get a clear passage he looks a sure fire winner. Entered in the Royal Hunt Cup at Ascot 19th June.
Santo Prince - Not asked much this season but when stepped up in trip will be much more at home
Santo Prince is a difficult one to place, by Henrythenavigator his only win came at Brighton in a nursery on bottomless ground. This season though he has shown absolutely nothing in three runs meaning his mark has been tumbling down. To me he looks to be running over the wrong trip completely and wants something nearer 1 mile and 2 furlongs maybe a bit further. One to watch for the moment until his form improves.
Savanna La Mar - Curlin daughter, needs further that 7f great second first time, will win, gorgeous horse
Sir Mark Prescott's daughter of Curlin is one to really get excited about this season. Like her dad she will be seen at her best over trips in excess of a mile however over 7 furlongs last season she didn't disgrace herself. First time up she was just denied before going on to win at Chester, then came a very strong run at Sandown behind Roz in a listed race. Her best form was 4 and a half lengths behind Certify at Newmarket and she will win a Group race before the end of this year.
Sparkling Tara - Jumping lets him down alot but much improved last time, will be winning over 3 miles for sure
Sparkling Tara is an annoying horse to follow but seemed to get his act together last time at Sedgefield. If it wasn't for a bad mistake at the last he could well have won but he left a whole in the fence instead. Usually his jumping has let him down which is disappointing as he looks like a horse that would really take to a fence. However bar that one mistake, last time his jumping was much better on the whole. I feel he will need three miles to be winning but confidence is much higher and he may be a summer chaser.
Swincombe Stone - Disappointed since break but won a bumper at Fontwell very impressively, need to work out the distance
Not to be confused with the Lanzarote Hurdle winner Swincombe Flame for the same owners. I first saw Swincombe Stone when he absolutely bolted up on debut at Fontwell in a bumper, she looked a really exciting horse that day. He then picked up a niggle and was off for just over a year before coming third on his return at Huntingdon. Since then he has disappointed but looked in with a chance last time at Fontwell before tiring badly late on and beaten easily. I think on good ground 2 and a half miles will be his trip but only time will tell, one thing is for sure, he will be winning before long.
Tokyo Brown - A really strong stayer who will pop up somewhere at a nice price for a small yard, jockey bookings key
Tokyo Brown comes from the small stable of Heather Main who trains in Wantage but back to the horse. He first caught my eye when a staying on 3rd at 100/1 round Lingfield in a good maiden, since then he has been hit and miss. He managed two places at 16/1, one at Bath and the other at Kempton but other than that hasn't shown much. I am adamant there is a few wins in him this year and is definitely one to keep a close eye on, until we see him again we wont know too much more about him.
Water Wagtail - Kentford grey lady half brother, improving with every run and looks a nice type for the future.
Water Wagtail is very much an improving sort and also well related being a half brother to Kentford Grey Lady. I saw his first run at Fontwell when staying on late in the day to grab fourth after not having a clue what to do earlier on in the race. Since then he has gone from strength to strength and managed a second at Ffos Las behind the exciting Bob Ford for Rebecca Curtis. He has just taken a bit of time to come into himself but should win some nice prizes next season.
Zama Zama - Always looked a chaser and not fully let down on debut at Bangor, one for handicaps
Zama Zama was one time with Nicky Henderson and highly thought of for Michael Buckley, but it didn't go to plan. He was sent to the sales after a good win at Newton Abbot which I though was odd as he looked an ideal chasing type. Last week he was a selection on the blog in his first chase in which Adam Wedge didn't particularly give him a hard time. It looked as if they were running him to get a handicap mark and that is what they now have and it is only a matter of time before he wins. Evan Williams also excels with summer jumpers. Entered 28th May at Newton Abbot
Phew!! That is every horse in my Tracker covered, if there are any you agree with or think I should put in there feel free to message me. You can do this on twitter @lukeyboy1325 or you can email me on lukeelder93@hotmail.com.
Thank You for reading!
If you didn't already know, an Attheraces Tracker is a service provided for punters to follow a horse they would like to back next time out or for the season. In each tracker you can enter up to 100 horses and the night before the race you will receive an email to remind you that horse is running. As well as the notification you will also receive what you wrote about the horse, what Timeform think of their chances and also the race details. Id also like to stress that I am in no way benefitting from this blog, I just think that it is a fantastic service that I wish to share.
If you haven't set up an account and would like to set up your own ATR Tracker then follow this link. http://www.attheraces.com/tracker/
So without further a do, below are the horses in my tracker, the comment I put with them and a little extra of what I expect from them. Some of the grammar will be a bit off as you only get 140 characters to enter your comment, accept my apologies for that!
Altaria - ran well in all runs to date, potentially hard to win with, second a lot but losing to nice types. Probably Better on turf
Altaria is yet to be seen this year but showed some promise last season when runner up three times and a 5th at Wolverhampton. It is easy to forgive that 5th as she didn't enjoy the track too much and is better than she showed there. Her losses have come at the hands of useful types and it may be a bit unfair of me to say she is hard to win with, but she needs to prove she can. Altaria shows all the makings of a good horse and I expect her to win a few races this season in Handicap company. Her sire Rail Link was also a good horse in France and was once fancied in an Arc.
Ambion Wood - Very solid hurdler, major illness in yard till December last year and poor show over fences. Probably not right at all, keep the faith
Victor Dartnall didn't have a runner till December last season as his yard was shut down after an infestation of Equine Herpes hit the yard. It was said Ambion Wood wasn't affected by the illness but he hasn't showed any sparkle this year and has since had a break. I really fancied him in the RSA at the start of the season but then the disease struck and his chance went with it. He has been entered in a couple of races as of late and has shown he can jump and if back to his best will be winning before long. Entered 26th May at Uttoxeter.
Ashdown Lad - Awkward ride but very talented, if he gets his act together he is the type to go on a spree
Ashdown Lad is a tricky ride as he tends to hang all over the course and give his rider a really hard time in the process. However at Sandown last season he proved that he is classy when knuckling down and running to the line when winning. A noseband could potentially bring a bit of improvement in him and his sire, Sir Percy was top class. Entered 28th May at Leicester.
Brother Scott - Good Sedgefield win when nothing went right for him, step up to 2m4f to suit and maybe a noseband
Sue Smith's, Brother Scott is a bit more unexposed than the other two and has really come into his own since going handicapping. Im sure he would have won if Samantha Drake had managed to stay in the saddle at Wetherby as he looks a lovely staying type. Last time at Segdefield he made no mistake though even with himself being hindered multiple times during the race. It also didn't help that Callum Bewley dropped his whip late on. The only negative to draw from the race is that he looked a bit babyish and has a lot of growing up to do, a noseband could help him no end. Also the type to take to a fence and a step up in trip, but his current mark is way off. Entered at Uttoxeter on 26th May and Cartmel on 29th May
Burke's Rock - Won nicely at Goodwood, still more improvement and for an exciting yard this season, will get further
Jeremy Noseda's filly, Burke's Rock is a horse I have followed since her first run and has gone from strength to strength since. Her two runs this year have been her best so far with a fourth in the Snowdrop at Kempton when almost being bought down early in the race. She then recorded a personal best when beating Sentaril at Goodwood in a listed Fillies race. You can argue that She got the first run over Sentaril that day, however you cant knock Burke's Rock as she always runs to the line. Entered in two races at Ascot on 19th June
Captain Sunshine - Good big handicap runs last season and stays all day, still a tad green, one to improve for a fence
Captain Sunshine caught everyone's eye last year for one reason or another, either being unruly at the start or staying on late in big handicaps. For me I first spotted him when he was a novice staying on strongly behind Balder Succes over two miles and was stepped up in trip. Since then he has been a good force without winning since his novice year. Possibly one to go chasing in time and maybe has a bit of growing up to do but is definitely not short on talent.
Coronea Lilly - Fragile but 2 wins at Ludlow before not right at Wincanton, good run at Cheltenham, confident next time and for 3 miles
Coronea Lilly is a very lightly raced 9 year old after injuries when she was younger have restricted her to only 6 outings. Her last of which came at Cheltenham when sixth in a good handicap after being driven along in the early part of the race. She looked well held at the top of the hill before flying home and there are races to be won with her. Before that she ran in a good mares hurdle at Wincanton but she wasn't right that day and you can quickly discard the race straight away.
Djakadam - Nice 4 year old, will improve for a longer distance and is a huge chasing sort, Beautiful looker
Djakadam is a beautiful looking horse and is definitely one to go chasing next season for Willie Mullins. He was no slouch over hurdles with wins at Gowran Park and Limerick before a second in a Grade 3 at Fairyhouse. His last run came behind stablemate Diakali in the four year old hurdle at Punchestown when getting out paced late on. Next season if going chasing he could be a live contender in the Jewson and maybe even the RSA. A real horse to keep on the right side of for the Champion Irish Trainer.
Faluka - Eye catching reappearance before disappointing, one for handicaps and will win this time
Paul Cole's Grey Filly, Faluka has impressed me with her first two runs in maidens before not running her race last time out. Handicaps look the way forward with her and also a step up in trip, most probably to 7 furlongs will see her more at home. Note that she has been entered in a few races lately but hasn't taken up any of them engagements, sure to run a big race next time out.
Fig Roll - Real trier, great attitude and will definitely excel over 6 or 7 furlongs, from a high class stable
Fig Roll has really impressed me this season as one of Richard Hannon's two year olds, there isn't much of her but she would give her last breath on the racecourse. Last time at Salisbury she was outpaced early on but came into the race strongly and in the end won going away from the field. One to definitely keep on the right side of and if she keeps improving then black type wont be far away from her. Entered at Beverley on 29th May
Got To Dance - Didn't have a clue what to do on debut until the penny dropped 3 furlongs out and ran on under hands and heels
My tracker description pretty much says it all for Got To Dance, she was slow away at Salisbury in a good race (won by Fig Roll) but ran on. Richard Kingscote was sensible on board and just nudged her closer and she was closest on top of the line, just deprived of 4th place. A strong bet to win this time out. Entered today at Haydock in the 2:55
Grandeur - Exciting yard and excels on tricky courses, must have fast ground to be seen at his best
Last year on the blog Grandeur was consistently a selection and more than paid his way. All year I was saying he was a Group horse and this year he will prove that with last season culminating in a win at Santa Anita in the States. During last season his won twice at Goodwood both in strong races and once at Newbury, he was also unlucky at Epsom. Another one for Jeremy Noseda but Grandeur is a top class performer.
Gregorian - Very consistent at a high level last year, good reappearance when touched off, will get further than 7f
If you paid any attention to the flat season last year Gregorian will be familiar with you. I was first told about him in his season opener at Newbury by Bill Esdaile who is the racing editor for City AM. Gregorian would only get one more win to his name which was a 1/7 success at Hamilton, but he was consistently placed. His strongest run came in the St James' Palace at Royal Ascot when third to Most Improved before a second at Chantilly. This season he needed about 5 more strides to get ahead of Eton Forever but nonetheless posted a good effort and looks strong again this year. Entered in the Queen Anne at Ascot on June 18th.
Jubilee Diamond - Poor latest but better on turf, some good runs to her name, outpaced at Royal Ascot, type to progress
I first saw Jubilee Diamond on debut at Sandown when she was second to Upward Spiral when very green but running on. She was then outpaced the whole way at Royal Ascot but returned to win odds on at Bath before a poor run at Lingfield on the all weather. Her strongest run is probably the race at Kempton in which she went down by 2 and 3/4 lengths to Spokeswoman. One to watch out for this season however now she will have strengthened up a bit.
Mary's Pet - 16/1 lingfield winner before second at Southwell, poor since but market confidence on each run
Mary's Pet had really lost her way before March this year when she won at Lingfield in a useful race, making all the running in the process. After that win she went to Southwell and found only one too good making you think she had refound her form. Since then she has put in two below par runs at the same two tracks but was heavily backed each time. Definitely not one to give up on just yet. Entered at Lingfield on 28th May
Pinerolo - Will make a really lovely chaser, huge horse, made his presence felt in a big handicap hurdle last year, you know him inside out
I was really looking forward to seeing Pinerolo last year but Sue Smith decided to wait for some better ground. When he finally made his reappearance disaster struck early in the race, Jonathan England pulled him up before the fourth. It turned out he had fractured a joint and will be off for sometime, when he finally does return however he could be worth following. Lets hope he can return to full health and get back to his best form.
Poetic Lord - Got up on the line after just being denied at Lingfield, looks a good thing for a step up in trip
Poetic Lord's two year old form just about put him on par with Camelot through the form line with Main Sequence. However as a three year old he completely bombed and showed very little before refinding some form recently. It started off this year for his new yard with a second at Lingfield when narrowly touched off before getting up on the line over course and distance. He then went back to his old ways when showing nothing at Windsor on turf before 2nd again at Lingfield. His ideal trip right now looks around 1 mile and 2 furlongs at Lingfield on the polytrack.
Quickpick Vic - Very taking in a bumper win at Naas, looks a real horse for the future
A useful bumper horse when easily beating some good rivals at Naas before being outclassed at Aintree and running a shocker at Punchestown. In truth with a horse like himself, you wouldn't be expecting much from him early on and could well be worth waiting till he goes chasing before having a good bet on him. Potentially a top class horse for Tony Martin
Red Inca - Very useful hurdler, will land a few good prizes along the course of next season, maybe some in the summer on better ground
Red Inca is the typical Brian Ellison handicap hurdler in a sense of he has something in hand but is waiting to unleash it on the course. He reappeared after a spin round Wolverhampton when getting stuck in the mud at Warwick under Aidan Coleman. He still managed to finish 5th that day but next time out was the real Red Inca when winning at Haydock easily. He was then quickly turned out at Plumpton in a better race when 6th, and next time was 2nd at Ayr when giving almost 2 stones away to the winner. Still he went down battling before a good 5th in the Swinton behind Barizan. Still only a 5 year old there could potentially be further improvement in him and is one to keep an eye on.
Sam Sharp - Best at a mile, useful horse but always seems to find trouble, could land a few nice prizes this year.
Sam Sharp is possibly the most unlucky horse in training, every time he runs he has excuses when not getting a run till too late. He broke that chain at Leicester in a good race last season when winning over a mile. But today he returned to unlucky ways at Haydock off a 3 pound higher rating. There were two furlongs left before Richard Kingscote could switch him wide into the clear, by then it was too late and he ran on for third. On that form if he can get a clear passage he looks a sure fire winner. Entered in the Royal Hunt Cup at Ascot 19th June.
Santo Prince - Not asked much this season but when stepped up in trip will be much more at home
Santo Prince is a difficult one to place, by Henrythenavigator his only win came at Brighton in a nursery on bottomless ground. This season though he has shown absolutely nothing in three runs meaning his mark has been tumbling down. To me he looks to be running over the wrong trip completely and wants something nearer 1 mile and 2 furlongs maybe a bit further. One to watch for the moment until his form improves.
Savanna La Mar - Curlin daughter, needs further that 7f great second first time, will win, gorgeous horse
Sir Mark Prescott's daughter of Curlin is one to really get excited about this season. Like her dad she will be seen at her best over trips in excess of a mile however over 7 furlongs last season she didn't disgrace herself. First time up she was just denied before going on to win at Chester, then came a very strong run at Sandown behind Roz in a listed race. Her best form was 4 and a half lengths behind Certify at Newmarket and she will win a Group race before the end of this year.
Sparkling Tara - Jumping lets him down alot but much improved last time, will be winning over 3 miles for sure
Sparkling Tara is an annoying horse to follow but seemed to get his act together last time at Sedgefield. If it wasn't for a bad mistake at the last he could well have won but he left a whole in the fence instead. Usually his jumping has let him down which is disappointing as he looks like a horse that would really take to a fence. However bar that one mistake, last time his jumping was much better on the whole. I feel he will need three miles to be winning but confidence is much higher and he may be a summer chaser.
Swincombe Stone - Disappointed since break but won a bumper at Fontwell very impressively, need to work out the distance
Not to be confused with the Lanzarote Hurdle winner Swincombe Flame for the same owners. I first saw Swincombe Stone when he absolutely bolted up on debut at Fontwell in a bumper, she looked a really exciting horse that day. He then picked up a niggle and was off for just over a year before coming third on his return at Huntingdon. Since then he has disappointed but looked in with a chance last time at Fontwell before tiring badly late on and beaten easily. I think on good ground 2 and a half miles will be his trip but only time will tell, one thing is for sure, he will be winning before long.
Tokyo Brown - A really strong stayer who will pop up somewhere at a nice price for a small yard, jockey bookings key
Tokyo Brown comes from the small stable of Heather Main who trains in Wantage but back to the horse. He first caught my eye when a staying on 3rd at 100/1 round Lingfield in a good maiden, since then he has been hit and miss. He managed two places at 16/1, one at Bath and the other at Kempton but other than that hasn't shown much. I am adamant there is a few wins in him this year and is definitely one to keep a close eye on, until we see him again we wont know too much more about him.
Water Wagtail - Kentford grey lady half brother, improving with every run and looks a nice type for the future.
Water Wagtail is very much an improving sort and also well related being a half brother to Kentford Grey Lady. I saw his first run at Fontwell when staying on late in the day to grab fourth after not having a clue what to do earlier on in the race. Since then he has gone from strength to strength and managed a second at Ffos Las behind the exciting Bob Ford for Rebecca Curtis. He has just taken a bit of time to come into himself but should win some nice prizes next season.
Zama Zama - Always looked a chaser and not fully let down on debut at Bangor, one for handicaps
Zama Zama was one time with Nicky Henderson and highly thought of for Michael Buckley, but it didn't go to plan. He was sent to the sales after a good win at Newton Abbot which I though was odd as he looked an ideal chasing type. Last week he was a selection on the blog in his first chase in which Adam Wedge didn't particularly give him a hard time. It looked as if they were running him to get a handicap mark and that is what they now have and it is only a matter of time before he wins. Evan Williams also excels with summer jumpers. Entered 28th May at Newton Abbot
Phew!! That is every horse in my Tracker covered, if there are any you agree with or think I should put in there feel free to message me. You can do this on twitter @lukeyboy1325 or you can email me on lukeelder93@hotmail.com.
Thank You for reading!
Friday, 17 May 2013
JLT Lockinge Day
Good Morning everyone, this time last year we were about to have Frankel blow us away in the Lockinge at Newbury. This time around we don't have as much to be excited about but we have a great race to look forward to with Europe's major stables represented. Cityscape sports the colours of Prince Khalid Abdullah who of course owned the great Frankel, James Doyle takes the ride for Roger Charlton. It is no surprise to see an Aidan O'Brien train the favourite, but to my mind it is hard to see why Declaration Of War is as short as 2/1. Granted he is very talented but whether he is ready for a challenge like this remains to be seen, famous last words eh!
This week I wont be able to watch any racing as it is a long weekend over here in Canada so we have Monday off work for Victoria Day, don't ask me what it is because I don't know. For the weekend my brother is taking me somewhere, where do you ask, I have no idea as he refuses to tell me however it is a nine hour car journey.
Last week we had a fairly good go at it with one winner, however a 12/1 NAP winning is no bad thing at all. Our nb also gave it a good run and was just denied with a late run, 10 more yards and he was in front, but that's racing. One to watch out for next time is Orsippus who I suspect will land a summer hurdle somewhere, he may have got a place were it not for a mistake late on and remains a good prospect.
Onto this week's racing and not a long blog this week as I am up at an early hour to drive down to... Wherever it is I am being taken.
3:05 Bangor - Zama Zama
A tentative vote here for Evan Williams Chase debutant who landed a handicap hurdle at Newton Abbot around this time last year for Nicky Henderson. Personally I am surprised he didn't go chasing earlier in his career as he looks a ready made chaser but is yet to sparkle for his new yard. Adam Wedge takes the ride meaning he can claim three pounds and is a more than capable jockey. The most positive thing going for Zama Zama today is that Evan Williams is notorious for having summer winners. On the hope that going chasing can bring some improvement in Zama Zama today he gets the tentative vote to win today. (No price available, 10.0 on Betfair)
3:30 Newmarket - Dundonnell
Dundonnell looks to have a perfect opportunity to refind the winning thread here at Newmarket for Roger Charlton and Martin Harley. As a two year old he was only narrowly denied by Toronado at Doncaster before a good fourth at the Breeders Cup. He takes the sensible step back to 7 furlongs today after probably not staying a mile fully and also a step down in class. He has to give away 7 pounds to his rivals which will be no easy task but he has 10 pounds in hand on official ratings. Even if there are some improving types with the lightly raced horses here today, Dundonnell should still have the edge and now he is race fit and ready to go. (15/8)
3:50 Newbury - Trumpet Major
This year's Lockinge doesn't look the strongest race but it is a competitive race nonetheless and one to look forward to. For me two stand out, they are Trumpet Major and the globetrotting Cityscape but the former gets the vote after a good Sandown victory in a Group 2. There was a useful field behind him that day and they included the reopposing Chil The Kite and Libranno who gave him 4 pounds that day. He also ran as if he needed the run slightly so should improve a great deal today for the duo of Richard Hannon and Richard Hughes who are flying as of late. In a possibly rather weak Lockinge, Trumpet Major can take it from Cityscape. (14/1) (Reverse forecast Trumpet Major/Cityscape)
5:35 Uttoxeter - Toubeera
Toubeera had an engagement at Aintree yesterday which she avoided in preference to come here and came good last time at Huntingdon. Before she was off the track for almost two years she was a very good prospect, running a good race in a big Sandown bumper before tiring late. After her comeback she has run some very good races, especially translating the form in to a race of this caliber. The strongest of them runs being 13 and three quarter lengths behind Utopie Des Bordes also at Sandown. But last time at Huntingdon she showed her true self when winning very easily over 2 and a half miles, the same trip as today. I fully expect her to once again win with the only danger in my mind coming from Letsby Avenue, but Toubeera is open to more improvement. (SP)
NAP - Toubeera
Nb - Dundonnell
That's all for today guys, my apologies for the length of the blog today but its time to go to bed for me now as I am up in 5 hours!
Happy Punting!
This week I wont be able to watch any racing as it is a long weekend over here in Canada so we have Monday off work for Victoria Day, don't ask me what it is because I don't know. For the weekend my brother is taking me somewhere, where do you ask, I have no idea as he refuses to tell me however it is a nine hour car journey.
Last week we had a fairly good go at it with one winner, however a 12/1 NAP winning is no bad thing at all. Our nb also gave it a good run and was just denied with a late run, 10 more yards and he was in front, but that's racing. One to watch out for next time is Orsippus who I suspect will land a summer hurdle somewhere, he may have got a place were it not for a mistake late on and remains a good prospect.
Onto this week's racing and not a long blog this week as I am up at an early hour to drive down to... Wherever it is I am being taken.
3:05 Bangor - Zama Zama
A tentative vote here for Evan Williams Chase debutant who landed a handicap hurdle at Newton Abbot around this time last year for Nicky Henderson. Personally I am surprised he didn't go chasing earlier in his career as he looks a ready made chaser but is yet to sparkle for his new yard. Adam Wedge takes the ride meaning he can claim three pounds and is a more than capable jockey. The most positive thing going for Zama Zama today is that Evan Williams is notorious for having summer winners. On the hope that going chasing can bring some improvement in Zama Zama today he gets the tentative vote to win today. (No price available, 10.0 on Betfair)
3:30 Newmarket - Dundonnell
Dundonnell looks to have a perfect opportunity to refind the winning thread here at Newmarket for Roger Charlton and Martin Harley. As a two year old he was only narrowly denied by Toronado at Doncaster before a good fourth at the Breeders Cup. He takes the sensible step back to 7 furlongs today after probably not staying a mile fully and also a step down in class. He has to give away 7 pounds to his rivals which will be no easy task but he has 10 pounds in hand on official ratings. Even if there are some improving types with the lightly raced horses here today, Dundonnell should still have the edge and now he is race fit and ready to go. (15/8)
3:50 Newbury - Trumpet Major
This year's Lockinge doesn't look the strongest race but it is a competitive race nonetheless and one to look forward to. For me two stand out, they are Trumpet Major and the globetrotting Cityscape but the former gets the vote after a good Sandown victory in a Group 2. There was a useful field behind him that day and they included the reopposing Chil The Kite and Libranno who gave him 4 pounds that day. He also ran as if he needed the run slightly so should improve a great deal today for the duo of Richard Hannon and Richard Hughes who are flying as of late. In a possibly rather weak Lockinge, Trumpet Major can take it from Cityscape. (14/1) (Reverse forecast Trumpet Major/Cityscape)
5:35 Uttoxeter - Toubeera
Toubeera had an engagement at Aintree yesterday which she avoided in preference to come here and came good last time at Huntingdon. Before she was off the track for almost two years she was a very good prospect, running a good race in a big Sandown bumper before tiring late. After her comeback she has run some very good races, especially translating the form in to a race of this caliber. The strongest of them runs being 13 and three quarter lengths behind Utopie Des Bordes also at Sandown. But last time at Huntingdon she showed her true self when winning very easily over 2 and a half miles, the same trip as today. I fully expect her to once again win with the only danger in my mind coming from Letsby Avenue, but Toubeera is open to more improvement. (SP)
NAP - Toubeera
Nb - Dundonnell
That's all for today guys, my apologies for the length of the blog today but its time to go to bed for me now as I am up in 5 hours!
Happy Punting!
Friday, 10 May 2013
11th May 2013
Good Morning racing fans, the weekend is here so put up your feet and crack open a beer, hey that rhymed! We have another feast of racing lined up for us today with a mix of flat and jumps. The highlight today is the Victoria Cup at Ascot which is always fun to find a winner in, not, only 28 go to post today as Prince Of Johanne is a confirmed Non Runner. They will be charging down the straight seven furlongs at Ascot, and it will no doubt be a camera man's nightmare with groups of horses across the track. That card is supported by the seasonal debut or David Lanigan's star Gelding, Main Sequence when he goes to post in the Buckhounds Stakes, won last year by Aiken.
Elsewhere we have a mixed card at Haydock with top jumping and flat action which see's the return of Gregorian for John Gosden in the Listed Spring Trophy. The big jumps names are there today with the absence of the injured AP McCoy and Ruby Walsh who elects to stay at Punchestown, where Felix Yonger makes his chasing debut. Barry Geraghty however has three rides on the card, including Swinton Hurdle favourite Forgotten Voice for his boss Nicky Henderson. Away from Haydock we have the yearly Derby and Oaks trials at Lingfield which this year is on the turf after last year having to switch to the polytrack. Support cards also come from Warwick, Hexham, thirsk and Nottingham.
This week racing lost one of the longest serving personalities in the game when trainer Reg Hollinshead passed away on Monday. He took out his training licence in 1948 and held it till the day he died, training nearly 2000 winners during that time. He will be most fondly remembered for training Remainder Man who was second in the 1978 2000 Guineas and third in the Derby before winning the Ormonde Stakes at Chester. His best ever season came in 1995 when he sent out 63 winners to his name, and trained Grade 1 winners over jumps with Out Of The Gloom winning the Fighting Fifth and the Long Walk. He will most recently be remembered for being the trainer of Tominator while he was on the flat, memorably winning the Northumberland Plate in 2011. Arguably he will be most remembered for what he has left on the course, in his protégés who he helped in the early years of their career. Amongst them names are dual derby winning jockey Walter Swinburn and the champion jockey of 2000, Kevin Darley. More recently though he has helped Fergal Lynch, William Buick and Jamie Spencer who all paid their respects upon hearing the news. Also taken under his wing was my last interviewee, Racheal Kneller who had her first job at his yard. He will be sorely missed by many in the sport and remains a large part of history in the game. I ask you all to join me in saying goodbye to a great trainer and foremost a great man, R.I.P Reg Hollinshead, you will be sorely missed.
From that sad news we move on to a review of last weeks action for the blog, and a successful one at that. We got Saturday started off to a flyer when Kingsgate Native was just denied for us at Newmarket, but settling for second at 33/1 is no bad feat. Then in the main race of the day Van Der Neer stayed on late in the day to grab third from stablemate Toronado at 20/1, thus leaving us with two big each way bets landed. Then it was time for a couple of winners, Burke's Rock drifted out to 12/1 but apparently forgot to read the script when landing the spoils at Goodwood. This was followed by Siobhan Miller getting her first winner aboard Moment In Time at 13/8, Well done Siobhan. On Sunday our Nap duly obliged when Fig Roll finished late and fast to lose her maiden tag at Salisbury. Then came a big race success when Sky Lantern took the 1000 Guineas for us at 10/1 landing a nice priced double. Lets hope for more of the same this week!
Before we begin this week's action however we have some unfinished business to clear up, last week I introduced you to George Gorman who took me on in a tipping challenge. After Saturday and Sunday we were tied 1-1 after both winning a day, both of us being competitive people we didn't want to leave it at that. For this reason he challenges me again in four races that we selected across the cards for the day. If you missed it last week George is an amateur jumps jockey riding down at Cisswood for Gary Moore, he also proved himself to be quite nifty with a tip last week. Without further a do here are this weeks selections.
Luke George
3:30 Haydock - Barizan Red Inca
3:50 Ascot - Glen Moss Tartiflette
4:05 Haydock - Gregorian Gregorian
5:10 Lingfield - Savanna Days Good Luck Charm
Lets hope for a few winners between us and also hope that I win... Right? But anyway onto this week's action.
1:50 Haydock - Orsippus
Orsippus has been the star of Martin Smith's yard for a while now and is more than capable of landing this after a win last time out. He has never won off a mark higher than 130 which he would need to defy today off a rating of 133, however he was 3rd in a Coral Cup from 136. He is probably open to a bit of improvement as well as he does remain fairly lightly raced over hurdles, compared to others in the field. More lately he has been running on the flat before returning to hurdles after a 4 month break to freshen him up. On that comeback he ran a good third behind Peddlers Cross at Musselburgh with the useful Cue to Cue separating the pair. In all he was beaten 5 and a quarter lengths by the ex Cheltenham Festival winner which is certainly not bad form. The ground went against him in the Coral Cup as these days he prefers faster ground to testing sticky ground. But he came good last time at Ayr's festival when gallantly holding off Green Flag who was in receipt of 7 pounds. He is stepped up and extra three furlongs today and based on his last run is a move that will only help him improve and is definitely worth an each way bet. (18/1)
2:40 Ascot - Main Sequence
In the formbook, other than Camelot, Main Sequence was the best three year old around last season and makes his reappearance in listed company. David Lanigan's newly Gelded horse came to the fore when he won Lingfield's Derby Trial, beating Shantaram and Cavaleiro in the process. He then ran into Camelot in the Derby but went down a gallant second before being unlucky in the Grand Prix De Paris at Longchamp. As if he wasn't unlucky enough then, he came to York looking a good thing and was coming to win his race before being done no favours by Thought Worthy. It also didn't help that there was no pace on and it turned into a bit of a sprint at the end, which really does not suit him at all. The St Leger bought about a good performance but he is probably a bit better than he showed on that day and is given another chance in an easier race. One negative that would have gone against him is that he had a trait of flashing his tail and looking a little bit awkward in the closing stages last year. Hopefully the gelding operation will have the desired affect on him and he really knuckles down and wins today. A strong pace will help him big time but isn't necessary. (6/5)
3:30 Haydock - Barizan and Red Inca
Barizan is a horse I have admired since his Juvenile season, even before his Cheltenham exploits. Most of you will remember him for that run in the Triumph Hurdle when he was agonisingly caught by Soldatino, after setting an impossible gallop. Let's not forget though he is a Grade 1 winner after his victory in the Champion Four Year old hurdle at Punchestown, in which he gave Carlito Brigante a 12 length beating. Since then he hasn't been himself, until recently that is, during his off period he still managed to win two small Novice chases. The worrying thing was that he hadn't won over hurdles for nearly three years. But after a breathing operation he won a very competitive 6 runner handicap at Taunton, a race that he was an unconsidered 25/1 outsider. As if that wasn't good enough, it came on ground he absolutely hates but did it in good style from the progressive Home Run. After that he again faced heavy ground but this time in a much stronger race when he took his chance in the Imperial Cup at Sandown. After setting a good pace on bottomless ground he looked like fading to be a back number turning for home, however he bravely battled on for fourth. The breathing operation looks to have bought back the old Barizan which is very exciting, and if that is so he could be well in on this ground. One last thing worth noting, Evan Williams had Court Minstrel entered in this race but pulled him out to enable Barizan to run from inside the handicap. The only worry would be his jumping can be a bit off at times but a big run looks set for him. (12/1)
Red Inca also interests me from an each way perspective and is another that I have followed for a while now. He won at Haydock when fairly unconsidered, at least in the betting but won in the manner of a good horse and was raised 5 pounds. Next time at Plumpton he didn't fire for whatever reason and could only manage sixth behind Court Minstrel, it was a good race however. Last time out he was also beaten, but this time just being touched off by Cool Baranca who is a progressive horse. Red Inca was also giving her around 2 stones of weight as well and just failed to get by, Brian Ellison's charge is well worth another chance. The two bottom weights can dominate this race. (18/1)
3:50 Ascot - Glen Moss
The Victoria Cup is a notoriously hard race to pick a horse to place, nevermind to find the winner, however we try here with Charlie Hills' representative, Glen Moss. On reappearance at Kempton he ran Grey Mirage to a length and three quarters with the third horse a further length and a half back. The key to Glen Moss looks to be fast ground and that is exactly what he gets today off the same mark as his reappearance. One negative about him could be that he is a fairly lightly raced 4 year old with only 10 outings, but he has been ultra consistent in each of them. However being a four year old opens him up to further improvement and he could well have a little bit in hand over the handicapper. The talented William Carson takes the ride today and he hails from a yard in flying form, with everything seemingly in his favour, we chance our arm with Glen Moss. (16/1)
4:05 Haydock - Gregorian
We finish today's blog with one of my favourites from last year in Gregorian for John Gosden and William Buick. He was ultra consistent last season with one blip at Goodwood but that run is easily forgotten as that wasn't his true showing. On his resume last season was a third in the St. James' Palace at Royal Ascot and a second in the Prix Jean Prat, a Group 1 in France. To end the season John Gosden dropped him in class significantly for two runs at Hamilton on ground that isn't preferred. Gregorian won the first race nicely at 1/7 but then got turned over at 2/5 in the next race by Shamaal Nibras. The only defence of that is that he didn't enjoy the ground and 6 furlongs is too short for him, saying that the winner is no slouch in his own right. This return to good ground today will be perfect for him today though and the only doubt is whether he is 100% for his reappearance, only time will tell that. He should take all the beating today and is a strong bet. (5/1)
NAP - Barizan
Nb - Gregorian
Good luck if you have a bet today, if not sit back and enjoy the racing whilst cheering on my horses against George's!!
Happy Punting
Elsewhere we have a mixed card at Haydock with top jumping and flat action which see's the return of Gregorian for John Gosden in the Listed Spring Trophy. The big jumps names are there today with the absence of the injured AP McCoy and Ruby Walsh who elects to stay at Punchestown, where Felix Yonger makes his chasing debut. Barry Geraghty however has three rides on the card, including Swinton Hurdle favourite Forgotten Voice for his boss Nicky Henderson. Away from Haydock we have the yearly Derby and Oaks trials at Lingfield which this year is on the turf after last year having to switch to the polytrack. Support cards also come from Warwick, Hexham, thirsk and Nottingham.
This week racing lost one of the longest serving personalities in the game when trainer Reg Hollinshead passed away on Monday. He took out his training licence in 1948 and held it till the day he died, training nearly 2000 winners during that time. He will be most fondly remembered for training Remainder Man who was second in the 1978 2000 Guineas and third in the Derby before winning the Ormonde Stakes at Chester. His best ever season came in 1995 when he sent out 63 winners to his name, and trained Grade 1 winners over jumps with Out Of The Gloom winning the Fighting Fifth and the Long Walk. He will most recently be remembered for being the trainer of Tominator while he was on the flat, memorably winning the Northumberland Plate in 2011. Arguably he will be most remembered for what he has left on the course, in his protégés who he helped in the early years of their career. Amongst them names are dual derby winning jockey Walter Swinburn and the champion jockey of 2000, Kevin Darley. More recently though he has helped Fergal Lynch, William Buick and Jamie Spencer who all paid their respects upon hearing the news. Also taken under his wing was my last interviewee, Racheal Kneller who had her first job at his yard. He will be sorely missed by many in the sport and remains a large part of history in the game. I ask you all to join me in saying goodbye to a great trainer and foremost a great man, R.I.P Reg Hollinshead, you will be sorely missed.
 |
| Reg Hollinshead - January 3rd 1924 - May 6th 2013 |
From that sad news we move on to a review of last weeks action for the blog, and a successful one at that. We got Saturday started off to a flyer when Kingsgate Native was just denied for us at Newmarket, but settling for second at 33/1 is no bad feat. Then in the main race of the day Van Der Neer stayed on late in the day to grab third from stablemate Toronado at 20/1, thus leaving us with two big each way bets landed. Then it was time for a couple of winners, Burke's Rock drifted out to 12/1 but apparently forgot to read the script when landing the spoils at Goodwood. This was followed by Siobhan Miller getting her first winner aboard Moment In Time at 13/8, Well done Siobhan. On Sunday our Nap duly obliged when Fig Roll finished late and fast to lose her maiden tag at Salisbury. Then came a big race success when Sky Lantern took the 1000 Guineas for us at 10/1 landing a nice priced double. Lets hope for more of the same this week!
Before we begin this week's action however we have some unfinished business to clear up, last week I introduced you to George Gorman who took me on in a tipping challenge. After Saturday and Sunday we were tied 1-1 after both winning a day, both of us being competitive people we didn't want to leave it at that. For this reason he challenges me again in four races that we selected across the cards for the day. If you missed it last week George is an amateur jumps jockey riding down at Cisswood for Gary Moore, he also proved himself to be quite nifty with a tip last week. Without further a do here are this weeks selections.
Luke George
3:30 Haydock - Barizan Red Inca
3:50 Ascot - Glen Moss Tartiflette
4:05 Haydock - Gregorian Gregorian
5:10 Lingfield - Savanna Days Good Luck Charm
Lets hope for a few winners between us and also hope that I win... Right? But anyway onto this week's action.
1:50 Haydock - Orsippus
Orsippus has been the star of Martin Smith's yard for a while now and is more than capable of landing this after a win last time out. He has never won off a mark higher than 130 which he would need to defy today off a rating of 133, however he was 3rd in a Coral Cup from 136. He is probably open to a bit of improvement as well as he does remain fairly lightly raced over hurdles, compared to others in the field. More lately he has been running on the flat before returning to hurdles after a 4 month break to freshen him up. On that comeback he ran a good third behind Peddlers Cross at Musselburgh with the useful Cue to Cue separating the pair. In all he was beaten 5 and a quarter lengths by the ex Cheltenham Festival winner which is certainly not bad form. The ground went against him in the Coral Cup as these days he prefers faster ground to testing sticky ground. But he came good last time at Ayr's festival when gallantly holding off Green Flag who was in receipt of 7 pounds. He is stepped up and extra three furlongs today and based on his last run is a move that will only help him improve and is definitely worth an each way bet. (18/1)
2:40 Ascot - Main Sequence
In the formbook, other than Camelot, Main Sequence was the best three year old around last season and makes his reappearance in listed company. David Lanigan's newly Gelded horse came to the fore when he won Lingfield's Derby Trial, beating Shantaram and Cavaleiro in the process. He then ran into Camelot in the Derby but went down a gallant second before being unlucky in the Grand Prix De Paris at Longchamp. As if he wasn't unlucky enough then, he came to York looking a good thing and was coming to win his race before being done no favours by Thought Worthy. It also didn't help that there was no pace on and it turned into a bit of a sprint at the end, which really does not suit him at all. The St Leger bought about a good performance but he is probably a bit better than he showed on that day and is given another chance in an easier race. One negative that would have gone against him is that he had a trait of flashing his tail and looking a little bit awkward in the closing stages last year. Hopefully the gelding operation will have the desired affect on him and he really knuckles down and wins today. A strong pace will help him big time but isn't necessary. (6/5)
3:30 Haydock - Barizan and Red Inca
Barizan is a horse I have admired since his Juvenile season, even before his Cheltenham exploits. Most of you will remember him for that run in the Triumph Hurdle when he was agonisingly caught by Soldatino, after setting an impossible gallop. Let's not forget though he is a Grade 1 winner after his victory in the Champion Four Year old hurdle at Punchestown, in which he gave Carlito Brigante a 12 length beating. Since then he hasn't been himself, until recently that is, during his off period he still managed to win two small Novice chases. The worrying thing was that he hadn't won over hurdles for nearly three years. But after a breathing operation he won a very competitive 6 runner handicap at Taunton, a race that he was an unconsidered 25/1 outsider. As if that wasn't good enough, it came on ground he absolutely hates but did it in good style from the progressive Home Run. After that he again faced heavy ground but this time in a much stronger race when he took his chance in the Imperial Cup at Sandown. After setting a good pace on bottomless ground he looked like fading to be a back number turning for home, however he bravely battled on for fourth. The breathing operation looks to have bought back the old Barizan which is very exciting, and if that is so he could be well in on this ground. One last thing worth noting, Evan Williams had Court Minstrel entered in this race but pulled him out to enable Barizan to run from inside the handicap. The only worry would be his jumping can be a bit off at times but a big run looks set for him. (12/1)
Red Inca also interests me from an each way perspective and is another that I have followed for a while now. He won at Haydock when fairly unconsidered, at least in the betting but won in the manner of a good horse and was raised 5 pounds. Next time at Plumpton he didn't fire for whatever reason and could only manage sixth behind Court Minstrel, it was a good race however. Last time out he was also beaten, but this time just being touched off by Cool Baranca who is a progressive horse. Red Inca was also giving her around 2 stones of weight as well and just failed to get by, Brian Ellison's charge is well worth another chance. The two bottom weights can dominate this race. (18/1)
3:50 Ascot - Glen Moss
The Victoria Cup is a notoriously hard race to pick a horse to place, nevermind to find the winner, however we try here with Charlie Hills' representative, Glen Moss. On reappearance at Kempton he ran Grey Mirage to a length and three quarters with the third horse a further length and a half back. The key to Glen Moss looks to be fast ground and that is exactly what he gets today off the same mark as his reappearance. One negative about him could be that he is a fairly lightly raced 4 year old with only 10 outings, but he has been ultra consistent in each of them. However being a four year old opens him up to further improvement and he could well have a little bit in hand over the handicapper. The talented William Carson takes the ride today and he hails from a yard in flying form, with everything seemingly in his favour, we chance our arm with Glen Moss. (16/1)
4:05 Haydock - Gregorian
We finish today's blog with one of my favourites from last year in Gregorian for John Gosden and William Buick. He was ultra consistent last season with one blip at Goodwood but that run is easily forgotten as that wasn't his true showing. On his resume last season was a third in the St. James' Palace at Royal Ascot and a second in the Prix Jean Prat, a Group 1 in France. To end the season John Gosden dropped him in class significantly for two runs at Hamilton on ground that isn't preferred. Gregorian won the first race nicely at 1/7 but then got turned over at 2/5 in the next race by Shamaal Nibras. The only defence of that is that he didn't enjoy the ground and 6 furlongs is too short for him, saying that the winner is no slouch in his own right. This return to good ground today will be perfect for him today though and the only doubt is whether he is 100% for his reappearance, only time will tell that. He should take all the beating today and is a strong bet. (5/1)
NAP - Barizan
Nb - Gregorian
Good luck if you have a bet today, if not sit back and enjoy the racing whilst cheering on my horses against George's!!
Happy Punting
Saturday, 4 May 2013
1000 Guineas Day
Good Morning Racing fans, I start today with an apology as last night my internet went not 5 minutes after I finished writing, meaning I couldn't advertise as much as I would have liked. My apologies if you weren't able to read it but it was something that was out of my hands as my landlord controls the internet upstairs. We are back for another day though and after an impressive winner of the 2000 Guineas yesterday, its the turn of the girls today.
Hot Snap has been favourite since her impressive defeat of Sky Lantern in the Nell Gwyn, they reoppose here but off level weights. Mikel Delzangles brings over the exciting filly, What A Name, who will be in the hands of top French Jockey, Christophe Lemaire. Ballydoyle also have the impressive Curragh winner in Moth running, ridden by Aidan O'Brien's son Joseph. Last year the trainer landed both Guineas, firstly with Camelot, then in this race Homecoming Queen blew away her rivals under Ryan Moore. Whatever happens we are in store for a very exciting race.
One side note from the 1000 Guineas is the fact we wont get to see impressive Royal Ascot winner, Newfangled run after she lost her life racing at York. She was a hot favourite after Ascot only to be shot down in only her next run, vets did everything to save her but in the end she tragically had to be destroyed.
Yesterday was a great day for the blog with two winners and two large priced placed efforts. Burke's Rock flew the flag when taking the Listed Fillies race at Goodwood, incredibly she drifted to 12/1 after I put her up at 6/1 in the morning. I hope you backed her through a company who offer a best price guarantee like I did with Bet365 meaning we get paid out at double the price. A separate high of the day was for Siobhan Miller who rode her first winner up at Doncaster, when Moment In Time bolted home at 13/8 by 11 lengths. Huge congratulations to her and as mentioned yesterday a big thank you as she was my first interview, Well Done Siobhan.
We had two selections that placed at working man's prices, the first of them was Kingsgate Native who ran to near his best to grab second at 33/1 for us. The other placed runner was Van Der Neer in the Guineas under William Buick who grabbed third late on from stable mate Toronado. All in all it was a good day for the blog and here is to another one!
One last thing to clean up before we begin today's action is the competition between me and George Gorman, we both had one winner putting us level. However George had Dawn Approach as his winner at 11/8, my winner came in the form of Burke's Rock who as I say won at 12/1. I have taken this one, though he may argue differently, but we are having round two today and the selections are already in. So without further a do, todays selections are as followed.
Luke George
2:05 Newmarket - Suegioo No Heretic
2:35 Newmarket - Thistle Bird Dank
3:50 Newmarket - Agent Allison Just The Judge
5:35 Newmarket - Naru Carry On Sydney
Hopefully we once again find a couple of winners in them selections. Now onto the action today and another top class day of racing.
3:10 Newmarket - Swiss Cross
Swiss Cross has been on the go for a while now for Phil McEntee but is still running with a lot of credit. He has also been slowly but surely slipping down the weights and is now 12 pounds lower than he was back in December. The claim of Racheal Kneller makes him all the more dangerous as he hasn't ran off a mark this low since 2011 when winning at Brighton. If you read my interview with Racheal you will have noted she put this horse up as her one to follow for the season, it may not have started as she would have wished but it's picking up. One his last start there was stable confidence behind him and that showed in the market after halving in price throughout the day. However the step up to seven furlongs was a bit too much for him and a step down to six furlongs today will be much more to his liking. Swiss Cross can get the job done as our first bet of the day. (25/1)
3:50 Newmarket - Agent Allison and Sky Lantern
I was quite taken with Agent Allson's performance behind Maureen in the Fred Darling at Newbury. She was held up by Jamie Spencer but spent most of the race detached from the rest of the field, not by design however. Coming out of the stalls she was the meat in the sandwich between Maureen and The Gold Cheongsam, losing valuable early lengths. Spencer played the waiting game however and started to get closer just outside 2 furlongs and in good style, despite their best efforts they never quite reached the lead. From that run she should relish the step up to a mile and obviously has plenty of class about her from previous efforts. Jamie Spencer jumps ship to ride Just The Judge, but William Buick steps in for the ride, he is also the only jockey who has won aboard Agent Allison which is a bonus. Agent Allison to run well at a big price. (33/1)
Sky Lantern was the ante-post favourite for a while before being beaten by Hot Snap in the Nell Gwyn, punters then deserted her. To me that was a very rash move as she travelled better than the winner before being outpaced and looked sure to suit a mile. One added thing is that she was carrying 3 pounds more than the winner, off level weights Hot Snap has three quarters of a length to find. There is also every chance that Sky Lantern will be much fitter for her run as she didn't find a great deal off the bridle, but remains a strong contender. You may remember last year that she was taken over to the Breeders Cup and was one of our leading hopes, however she got a horror run and had to settle for eighth. More notably however, she won the Moyglare at The Curragh pretty easily beating some nice types in the process. Another strong piece of form is her second to Certify, who obviously cant run today as she is banned down the Mahmood Al Zarooni doping scandal. She pushed Certify to a length though and that could just be the strongest two year old form on offer. (10/1)
2:55 Salisbury - Fig Roll
One last selection in Fig Roll who represents Richard Hannon and Pat Dobbs. She ran a great race on debut at Kempton and would probably have won were she to have had a clear passage, but that was not the case and a stride after the line she was ahead. Fig Roll looks the typical Hannon speedy 2 year old and will appreciate the underfoot conditions, it is also worth noting that she was slightly green early on at Kempton. Despite that she showed a fantastic attitude when sticking her neck out from the furlong marker and really wanting to win. She enters a Conditions race as a maiden but definitely wont be out of place and looks the most likely winner in the field. Get on early if you are having a bet as it wont last. (13/8)
NAP - Fig Roll
Nb - Agent Allison
Good Luck to everyone having a bet, I will be back next week with a post and the week after that will be when I hope to get up my Kirsty Milczarek interview.
Happy Punting
Hot Snap has been favourite since her impressive defeat of Sky Lantern in the Nell Gwyn, they reoppose here but off level weights. Mikel Delzangles brings over the exciting filly, What A Name, who will be in the hands of top French Jockey, Christophe Lemaire. Ballydoyle also have the impressive Curragh winner in Moth running, ridden by Aidan O'Brien's son Joseph. Last year the trainer landed both Guineas, firstly with Camelot, then in this race Homecoming Queen blew away her rivals under Ryan Moore. Whatever happens we are in store for a very exciting race.
One side note from the 1000 Guineas is the fact we wont get to see impressive Royal Ascot winner, Newfangled run after she lost her life racing at York. She was a hot favourite after Ascot only to be shot down in only her next run, vets did everything to save her but in the end she tragically had to be destroyed.
Yesterday was a great day for the blog with two winners and two large priced placed efforts. Burke's Rock flew the flag when taking the Listed Fillies race at Goodwood, incredibly she drifted to 12/1 after I put her up at 6/1 in the morning. I hope you backed her through a company who offer a best price guarantee like I did with Bet365 meaning we get paid out at double the price. A separate high of the day was for Siobhan Miller who rode her first winner up at Doncaster, when Moment In Time bolted home at 13/8 by 11 lengths. Huge congratulations to her and as mentioned yesterday a big thank you as she was my first interview, Well Done Siobhan.
We had two selections that placed at working man's prices, the first of them was Kingsgate Native who ran to near his best to grab second at 33/1 for us. The other placed runner was Van Der Neer in the Guineas under William Buick who grabbed third late on from stable mate Toronado. All in all it was a good day for the blog and here is to another one!
One last thing to clean up before we begin today's action is the competition between me and George Gorman, we both had one winner putting us level. However George had Dawn Approach as his winner at 11/8, my winner came in the form of Burke's Rock who as I say won at 12/1. I have taken this one, though he may argue differently, but we are having round two today and the selections are already in. So without further a do, todays selections are as followed.
Luke George
2:05 Newmarket - Suegioo No Heretic
2:35 Newmarket - Thistle Bird Dank
3:50 Newmarket - Agent Allison Just The Judge
5:35 Newmarket - Naru Carry On Sydney
Hopefully we once again find a couple of winners in them selections. Now onto the action today and another top class day of racing.
3:10 Newmarket - Swiss Cross
Swiss Cross has been on the go for a while now for Phil McEntee but is still running with a lot of credit. He has also been slowly but surely slipping down the weights and is now 12 pounds lower than he was back in December. The claim of Racheal Kneller makes him all the more dangerous as he hasn't ran off a mark this low since 2011 when winning at Brighton. If you read my interview with Racheal you will have noted she put this horse up as her one to follow for the season, it may not have started as she would have wished but it's picking up. One his last start there was stable confidence behind him and that showed in the market after halving in price throughout the day. However the step up to seven furlongs was a bit too much for him and a step down to six furlongs today will be much more to his liking. Swiss Cross can get the job done as our first bet of the day. (25/1)
3:50 Newmarket - Agent Allison and Sky Lantern
I was quite taken with Agent Allson's performance behind Maureen in the Fred Darling at Newbury. She was held up by Jamie Spencer but spent most of the race detached from the rest of the field, not by design however. Coming out of the stalls she was the meat in the sandwich between Maureen and The Gold Cheongsam, losing valuable early lengths. Spencer played the waiting game however and started to get closer just outside 2 furlongs and in good style, despite their best efforts they never quite reached the lead. From that run she should relish the step up to a mile and obviously has plenty of class about her from previous efforts. Jamie Spencer jumps ship to ride Just The Judge, but William Buick steps in for the ride, he is also the only jockey who has won aboard Agent Allison which is a bonus. Agent Allison to run well at a big price. (33/1)
Sky Lantern was the ante-post favourite for a while before being beaten by Hot Snap in the Nell Gwyn, punters then deserted her. To me that was a very rash move as she travelled better than the winner before being outpaced and looked sure to suit a mile. One added thing is that she was carrying 3 pounds more than the winner, off level weights Hot Snap has three quarters of a length to find. There is also every chance that Sky Lantern will be much fitter for her run as she didn't find a great deal off the bridle, but remains a strong contender. You may remember last year that she was taken over to the Breeders Cup and was one of our leading hopes, however she got a horror run and had to settle for eighth. More notably however, she won the Moyglare at The Curragh pretty easily beating some nice types in the process. Another strong piece of form is her second to Certify, who obviously cant run today as she is banned down the Mahmood Al Zarooni doping scandal. She pushed Certify to a length though and that could just be the strongest two year old form on offer. (10/1)
2:55 Salisbury - Fig Roll
One last selection in Fig Roll who represents Richard Hannon and Pat Dobbs. She ran a great race on debut at Kempton and would probably have won were she to have had a clear passage, but that was not the case and a stride after the line she was ahead. Fig Roll looks the typical Hannon speedy 2 year old and will appreciate the underfoot conditions, it is also worth noting that she was slightly green early on at Kempton. Despite that she showed a fantastic attitude when sticking her neck out from the furlong marker and really wanting to win. She enters a Conditions race as a maiden but definitely wont be out of place and looks the most likely winner in the field. Get on early if you are having a bet as it wont last. (13/8)
NAP - Fig Roll
Nb - Agent Allison
Good Luck to everyone having a bet, I will be back next week with a post and the week after that will be when I hope to get up my Kirsty Milczarek interview.
Happy Punting
2000 Guineas Day
Good morning guys, I must apologise for the lateness of this blog but I am only partially to blame. I spent all evening watching the Vancouver Canucks play off game against the San Jose Sharks, with a late Sharks goal we were forced into overtime. Unfortunately an ex Canucks Raffi Torres scored the winning goal putting us 2-0 down in the series heading in a two game San Jose road trip. But enough of the depressing stuff!!
Last week we had just the one winner with Sire De Grugy in the Celebration Chase, however a 7/1 winner is nothing to moan about. He looks one with a very bright future but with the strength of the 2 mile division right now I'd imagine he will be stepping up in trip sooner rather than later. Quentin Collonges won the Bet365 Gold Cup by out battling Same Difference who again ran his heart out. Annoyingly one of the talking points of the day was Sanctuaire returning to his old ways and misbehaving at the start, resulting in him starting 10 lengths behind the field. When he did get going he jumped with awesome fluency though and ran a brilliant race to finish as close as he did.
This week I will be doing something a little bit different. One of my friends has agreed to take part in a tipping challenge against me and we have both made selections against each other. His name is George Gorman and if you are unfamiliar with him he is an up and coming jumps jockey riding for Gary Moore. He also takes part in Point to Points at the weekend and is no stranger to the winners enclosure with horses such as She is a Cracker. I'm certain this wont be his last appearance on this blog so make him feel welcome with your comments and keep one eye open for him.
Luke George
3:40 Uttoxeter - Trip The Light Billy Twyford
3:50 Newmarket - Toronado Dawn Approach
4:05 Goodwood - Burke's Rock 2:20 Goodwood - Coquet
5:15 Goodwood - Countess Lovelace Couloir Extreme
Hopefully between us we come up with a few winners and depending on how this segment goes down I may make it a permanent feature.
One last thing to mention is my interview with Racheal Kneller, I posted it earlier in the week and everyone seemed to like it. If you haven't seen it and would like to please click on this link http://lukeelder.blogspot.ca/2013/04/racheal-kneller-best-turned-out.html I hope you enjoy it.
Onto the weeks action however!
2:35 Newmarket - Kingsgate Native
We start off in the Palace House stakes which will be an all out sprint down 5 furlongs of the Rowley Mile. Mayson took this last year before going on to bigger things, including the July Cup and a second in the Prix De L'abbaye. There are a few more unexposed types in the field, none more so than Pearl Secret who's only defeat came in the nunthorpe against older horses. Preference however is for the one time top class Kingsgate Native for Robert Cowell, lightly campaigned last year he can be considered unlucky. Newbury gave him a luckless passage and it's clear that he was the winner that day with a clear run, but before that ran a blinder on his comeback. He then didn't get through the mud at Ascot and didn't enjoy himself at all round Dundalk on the fibresand, them efforts are best forgotten. However great confidence can be taken in his previous runs after a break and the fact he has gone well at Newmarket before. As an ex Group 1 winner he is too big of a price in a wide open race and could well be a bit of each way value. (33/1)
3:10 Newmarket - Noble Mission
It was clear last time that Noble Mission needed the run badly when going down narrowly to Universal at Newbury. Tom Queally was motionless on him until just before the furlong marker when it became apparent he was holding on to very little. Eventually he was beaten back in to third but was only a neck behind the winner of the race who reopposes here today. With that run under his belt he can put it behind him and get his season off the mark in a small but talented Jockey Club field. Wigmore Hall appears better after he travels a few thousand miles to all parts of the world and Dandino is far from a straight forward ride. Preference is for Noble Mission and he shouldn't be beaten here today. (2/1)
3:50 Newmarket - Toronado
The 2000 Guineas this year looks on paper, a two horse race between Dawn Approach and Toronado who are both unbeaten. Toronado has the advantage of a run this year to put him straight but is slightly less experienced than Dawn Approach. You would be a fool for thinking that Jim Bolger would bring his horse all this way without being 100% fit and we know he is more than good enough. Toronado will take some beating today and with the noises coming out of his camp this week could be the one to side with. Last year he looked useful at best, but his reappearance in the Craven showed us he has improved greatly from 2 years old to 3 as many horses do. The first Classic of the year can go to Richard Hannon and Richard Hughes with Toronado, the yard can also fill the third spot with Van Der Neer who is an impressive type also. Toronado (9/4) Van Der Neer (20/1)
4:05 Goodwood - Burke's Rock
Jeremy Noseda's filly is one that I absolutely adore and have followed for some time now, in fact since debut. I'm not fully convinced she was right halfway through the middle of last year, although that is just my opinion. She posted two very lack lustre efforts at Sandown and Newmarket before going down by a head to Sentaril at Lingfield. She benefits from a three pound pull at the weights today and arrives in better heart than she did at Lingfield filling us with a bit of confidence. Her last run was the eye catching one though, in the first furlong she was almost bought down and had to be pulled back off heels. This was a move that cost her plenty of ground and certainly plenty of momentum and probably cost her the race. Despite that she stayed on very quickly late on in the manner of a horse who had a lot more to give but was slightly keen throughout the race. Without her accident earlier on in the race I have no doubt she would have beaten Stirring Ballad and would probably have troubled the classy Lily's Angel. She has been weak in the market early on but I see no reason for that and she remains a strong fancy for today. A quick pace would suit her down to the ground. (6/1)
5:05 Doncaster - Moment In Time
For those of you who are regular reader's of this blog, the name Siobhan Miller will be a familiar one to you. She was the first jockey I got the chance to interview and despite being a really lovely person she is also a very talented jockey. In her last three rides she has just been held when coming with a strong finish showing she is no slouch in the saddle, however her first win eludes her. In my eyes this is her first winner today aboard Her boss' horse Moment In Time who arguably has the best form in the book. The only slight worry is whether she handles the faster ground which I see as being absolutely no problem for her. Last time out at Bath she was just held in the closing stages by Boonga Roogeta (who has since won and runs in the opener at Newmarket) which looks rock solid form. Siobhan Miller's 7 pound claim with be more than handy as its the biggest claim in the field and undoes a rising mark from her last runs. Moment in time is a very strong bet today and id be expecting her to oblige. (13/8)
NAP - Noble Mission
Nb - Burke's Rock
I'd like to thank George Gorman for taking part and helping out in this week's blog, especially if he finds a winner amongst his selections. You can follow him on twitter on @GeorgeFGorman, hopefully to thank him for a winner! You can also follow me on @Lukeyboy1325. Thank you for reading this week guys.
Happy Punting!
Last week we had just the one winner with Sire De Grugy in the Celebration Chase, however a 7/1 winner is nothing to moan about. He looks one with a very bright future but with the strength of the 2 mile division right now I'd imagine he will be stepping up in trip sooner rather than later. Quentin Collonges won the Bet365 Gold Cup by out battling Same Difference who again ran his heart out. Annoyingly one of the talking points of the day was Sanctuaire returning to his old ways and misbehaving at the start, resulting in him starting 10 lengths behind the field. When he did get going he jumped with awesome fluency though and ran a brilliant race to finish as close as he did.
This week I will be doing something a little bit different. One of my friends has agreed to take part in a tipping challenge against me and we have both made selections against each other. His name is George Gorman and if you are unfamiliar with him he is an up and coming jumps jockey riding for Gary Moore. He also takes part in Point to Points at the weekend and is no stranger to the winners enclosure with horses such as She is a Cracker. I'm certain this wont be his last appearance on this blog so make him feel welcome with your comments and keep one eye open for him.
Luke George
3:40 Uttoxeter - Trip The Light Billy Twyford
3:50 Newmarket - Toronado Dawn Approach
4:05 Goodwood - Burke's Rock 2:20 Goodwood - Coquet
5:15 Goodwood - Countess Lovelace Couloir Extreme
Hopefully between us we come up with a few winners and depending on how this segment goes down I may make it a permanent feature.
One last thing to mention is my interview with Racheal Kneller, I posted it earlier in the week and everyone seemed to like it. If you haven't seen it and would like to please click on this link http://lukeelder.blogspot.ca/2013/04/racheal-kneller-best-turned-out.html I hope you enjoy it.
Onto the weeks action however!
2:35 Newmarket - Kingsgate Native
We start off in the Palace House stakes which will be an all out sprint down 5 furlongs of the Rowley Mile. Mayson took this last year before going on to bigger things, including the July Cup and a second in the Prix De L'abbaye. There are a few more unexposed types in the field, none more so than Pearl Secret who's only defeat came in the nunthorpe against older horses. Preference however is for the one time top class Kingsgate Native for Robert Cowell, lightly campaigned last year he can be considered unlucky. Newbury gave him a luckless passage and it's clear that he was the winner that day with a clear run, but before that ran a blinder on his comeback. He then didn't get through the mud at Ascot and didn't enjoy himself at all round Dundalk on the fibresand, them efforts are best forgotten. However great confidence can be taken in his previous runs after a break and the fact he has gone well at Newmarket before. As an ex Group 1 winner he is too big of a price in a wide open race and could well be a bit of each way value. (33/1)
3:10 Newmarket - Noble Mission
It was clear last time that Noble Mission needed the run badly when going down narrowly to Universal at Newbury. Tom Queally was motionless on him until just before the furlong marker when it became apparent he was holding on to very little. Eventually he was beaten back in to third but was only a neck behind the winner of the race who reopposes here today. With that run under his belt he can put it behind him and get his season off the mark in a small but talented Jockey Club field. Wigmore Hall appears better after he travels a few thousand miles to all parts of the world and Dandino is far from a straight forward ride. Preference is for Noble Mission and he shouldn't be beaten here today. (2/1)
3:50 Newmarket - Toronado
The 2000 Guineas this year looks on paper, a two horse race between Dawn Approach and Toronado who are both unbeaten. Toronado has the advantage of a run this year to put him straight but is slightly less experienced than Dawn Approach. You would be a fool for thinking that Jim Bolger would bring his horse all this way without being 100% fit and we know he is more than good enough. Toronado will take some beating today and with the noises coming out of his camp this week could be the one to side with. Last year he looked useful at best, but his reappearance in the Craven showed us he has improved greatly from 2 years old to 3 as many horses do. The first Classic of the year can go to Richard Hannon and Richard Hughes with Toronado, the yard can also fill the third spot with Van Der Neer who is an impressive type also. Toronado (9/4) Van Der Neer (20/1)
4:05 Goodwood - Burke's Rock
Jeremy Noseda's filly is one that I absolutely adore and have followed for some time now, in fact since debut. I'm not fully convinced she was right halfway through the middle of last year, although that is just my opinion. She posted two very lack lustre efforts at Sandown and Newmarket before going down by a head to Sentaril at Lingfield. She benefits from a three pound pull at the weights today and arrives in better heart than she did at Lingfield filling us with a bit of confidence. Her last run was the eye catching one though, in the first furlong she was almost bought down and had to be pulled back off heels. This was a move that cost her plenty of ground and certainly plenty of momentum and probably cost her the race. Despite that she stayed on very quickly late on in the manner of a horse who had a lot more to give but was slightly keen throughout the race. Without her accident earlier on in the race I have no doubt she would have beaten Stirring Ballad and would probably have troubled the classy Lily's Angel. She has been weak in the market early on but I see no reason for that and she remains a strong fancy for today. A quick pace would suit her down to the ground. (6/1)
5:05 Doncaster - Moment In Time
For those of you who are regular reader's of this blog, the name Siobhan Miller will be a familiar one to you. She was the first jockey I got the chance to interview and despite being a really lovely person she is also a very talented jockey. In her last three rides she has just been held when coming with a strong finish showing she is no slouch in the saddle, however her first win eludes her. In my eyes this is her first winner today aboard Her boss' horse Moment In Time who arguably has the best form in the book. The only slight worry is whether she handles the faster ground which I see as being absolutely no problem for her. Last time out at Bath she was just held in the closing stages by Boonga Roogeta (who has since won and runs in the opener at Newmarket) which looks rock solid form. Siobhan Miller's 7 pound claim with be more than handy as its the biggest claim in the field and undoes a rising mark from her last runs. Moment in time is a very strong bet today and id be expecting her to oblige. (13/8)
NAP - Noble Mission
Nb - Burke's Rock
I'd like to thank George Gorman for taking part and helping out in this week's blog, especially if he finds a winner amongst his selections. You can follow him on twitter on @GeorgeFGorman, hopefully to thank him for a winner! You can also follow me on @Lukeyboy1325. Thank you for reading this week guys.
Happy Punting!
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