Good Morning racing folk, Royal Ascot has ended and it was back to civilisation this week, I hope we all made it through ok enough. Despite today's racing not quite being the class of last Saturday we still have some very competitive races to look through. The big race of the day will be from Newcastle as they stage their yearly Northumberland Plate meeting, gamely won last year by Ile De Re. Donald McCain's Gelding lines up here once again, this year under 5 pound claimer Jason Hart who has been in great form as of late. Also on that Newcastle card we have Jack Dexter going to post after his exertions in the King's Stand, he should be winning the first.
Amongst the supporting cards we have two top meetings from Newmarket and then obviously the Irish Derby from The Curragh. The first and second from Epsom clash once again there with Ruler Of The World and first time Godolphin runner Libertarian. They also go to post at Windsor and Chester followed by evening meetings from both Doncaster and Lingfield.
Last Saturday marked the end of Royal Ascot for 2013 and it was a pretty miserable day for the blog by all accounts. Royal Ascot ended on somewhat a sour note as Thomas Chippendale gave his last breath on the racecourse when winning the Hardwicke. Shortly after passing the line he staggered and eventually collapsed, it soon became clear that he was no longer with us and had passed away. That victory was one that should have been filled with joy for the team at Warren Place for Lady Cecil, but jubilation soon turned to disaster. Later on in the afternoon Lethal Force won the Diamond Jubilee from the favourite Society Rock and in third Krypton Factor.
In the final results of the tipping challenge between myself and George Gorman, the result didn't go my way as we both failed to find a winner on the last day. My final level stakes profit was -10.58 and George won with a 'sparkling' -7.25 for which we can only apologise. It's about time he got one up on me anyway isn't it Mr Gorman!!
As always you can catch my blog on www.pigeonscoop4.wordpress.com where today Martin is running a competition for Newcastle and Newmarket races. Just pick a horse in the 2:05 and 3:15 from Newcastle and then at Newmarket the 2:55 and 3:30, then cheer them home for free! You can also follow Martin on twitter @Pigeon_Island so go and say hello to him. Thank you!
Onto today's action!
2:20 Newmarket - Fig Roll
If you are a frequent reader of this blog you will know that Fig Roll is a filly I am very fond of after her first two outings. She showed a tremendous attitude on both occasions when really stretching out for the winning line when asked and won second time out. She was unsuccessfully stepped up in trip over in Ireland at Naas, albeit in a very good looking race won by Sandiva. At Royal Ascot she was dropped back to 5 furlongs in the Queen Mary and ran a very encouraging fourth when staying on late. The obvious thing to do with her is to once again try her over 6 furlongs which is exactly what Richard Hannon does today. In Ireland she pulled very hard early on after jumping smartly but she should be able to get plenty of cover from stall 9. There is a huge danger in the stall next to her with Godolphin representative, Majeyda after winning her maiden at Leicester well. She is probably the one Fig Roll has to beat but the only worry would be that Majeyda's maiden is looking a little bit weak. Fig Roll to build on her Royal Ascot run. (3/1)
3:15 Newcastle - Moidore
Usually the Northumberland Plate would throw up a few potential selections to scratch your head over, but this year Moidore was the only one leaping of the page. After not really firing over hurdles he has been returned to the level posting 2 very good runs and one below average run behind Ardlui. If you can forgive him that run then he has a very big chance on the other two and is sure to stay unlike some others in the field. It would appear that connections have waited for this race after a good second to subsequent Royal Ascot winner Well Sharp. That run was off a pound lower and on ground that is likely to be similar to the conditions today, in fact the more rain the better. On the back of an encouraging run at York, Moidore can land the Northumberland Plate. (11/1)
4:05 Newmarket - Nabucco
Nabucco is an ultra consistent type for John Gosden but with just the one win to his name, he can double his tally this afternoon. Last time out over course and distance he was beaten narrowly by the improving Niceofyoutotellme with Beaufort Twelve in third. On that form and a turn around at the weights the latter should be a lot closer to the selection, in theory anyway. However Nabucco himself his still an improving horse and is capable of better for sure, despite being raised 3 pounds he can still give a good account of himself. Ryan Moore takes the ride today as William Buick is elsewhere but that is by no means a negative to have the ex champion on board. Looking through the future entries for Nabucco you will see he is entered in the John Smith's Cup at York next month, this shows just how highly they think of him. Nabucco to find the needed improvement and land the spoils today. (4/1)
5:35 Newmarket - Ghanaian
The Godolphin pair look to hold the key to this race but with Great Timing probably wanting further than this, preference is for Salisbury scorer, Ghanaian. Mickael Barzalona takes the ride today which is a bonus in itself as he rides the July course probably better than anyone in the weighing room. Last time out was his first appearance for Saeed Bin Suroor after of course moving over from Mahmood Al Zarooni's yard. To say he was impressive is an understatement after being outpaced earlier on in the contest he picked up well to win going away late on. This has bought about a step up to a mile which is a more than sensible idea and for now will be his optimum trip but could still get further. He is 9 pounds higher than his latest success but should be more than capable of carrying the extra weight to victory. Ghanaian to find the needed improvement and beat his stable mate. (2/1)
6:30 Curragh - Libertarian
Libertarian is the obvious choice for me and can round off a good day for team Godolphin with victory in the Irish Derby. He runs into the horse that beat him in the Derby again today, of course I speak of Ruler Of The World under Joseph O'Brien. But with different tactics he can really bring his stamina in to play here and we should see a different horse than at Epsom. After the Derby was run at an absolute crawl he flew home very late to snatch second on the line and was never nearer to the lead. The addition of a pacemaker from his future yard in Cap O'Rushes should ensure they go a good gallop and expose any stamina doubts in his rivals. William Buick comes over to Ireland for two rides today but you would imagine that this is the main reason for his trip and must be respected. Libertarian to outstay his rivals and come late to win. (4/1)
NAP - Libertarian
Nb - Nabucco
Lucky 15 - Fig Roll, Nabucco, Ghanaian and Libertarian
Good Luck with all your bets this afternoon, especially if following any of my selections.
Happy Punting.
No comments:
Post a Comment