Good morning/evening everyone! It was another profitable last weekend... Just, as Mecca's Angel was victorious although she was hit with a hefty Rule 4. First Flight also won us some each way money although it could have been better after Kikonga and Halation disappointed in the evening. Today brings around a new set of horses though and with it another good weekend of racing as the Cambridgeshire meeting peaks at Newmarket.
As always we have a new preview video prepared for you as we discuss the action on Channel 4 this afternoon including the Cambridgeshire. Joining me on the panel is @Adamwebb121 and @Calummadell and you can follow us on twitter through @OnTheOtherHoof. We hope you enjoy the video!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EjfarktWZ98&feature=youtu.be
Now onto the all important selections!
2:15 Market Rasen - Mijhaar
We start proceedings off today with our only visit to Market Rasen courtesy of Mijhaar who's season never really got going last year, but finished it with promise.
He also started his hurdling career with promise when winning a Novice Hurdle at Doncaster with the minimum of fuss by seven lengths, admittedly he didn't beat a strong field but it was more the manner of his victory that impressed. Unfortunately he took a few steps back on his second try over hurdles when falling at Huntingdon at the last, however he was well held at the time. Denis O'Regan was very forceful on him that day and in truth he probably went too fast on ground that was too soft for him. That record was put straight at Aintree when he finished fifth behind Josses Hill in the Top Novices Hurdle, that was back on faster ground which seems pretty key to his chances.
He will get that ground today at Market Rasen and opens up his handicapping career off a mark of 139 which could be lenient after carrying a highest flat rating of 109. AP McCoy takes the ride this afternoon and John Ferguson's string has been in fine form so far this season which Mijhaar is taken to continue. (5/1)
2:35 Newmarket - Elm Park
A victory for Andrew Balding's representative, Elm Park would be a fitting tribute to his uncle and racing legend Toby Balding who sadly passed away earlier this week.
Elm Park has been steadily progressing this season after an encouraging debut at Sandown when third behind Latharnach, who is considered a 2000 Guineas contender next season. He lost his Maiden tag on only his second attempt at Newbury, beating a good field in the process which included recent winner Acolyte. There was no doubt that he was destined for bigger and better things that afternoon, something he confirmed when landing the Listed Stonehenge Stakes at Salisbury last time out. Under David Probert he made all that day when beating a strong field by three lengths and going away near the finish, something which earned a go at a Group 2 today.
He was also engaged in the Solario at Sandown the day after winning at Salisbury, which shows how highly rated he is after that race was won by Kingman last season. The only negative I can find is that he may be a bit better over further in time but for now a mile is just right for him and is taken to win again. (3/1)
3:10 Newmarket - Tiggy Wiggy
I am never really one to go in too heavily on a short priced favourite however, I feel that Tiggy Wiggy should be heavily odds on today, which at the time of writing he isn't.
She is a two year old filly that needs absolutely no introduction after the success she has achieved this season through winning five of her seven starts. The improvement she has shown in her last two appearances is the most impressive thing however after tasting defeat at Royal Ascot. That came over five furlongs in the Queen Mary behind Anthem Alexander who she has since beaten at York over a furlong further. She followed up that narrow disappointment by blitzing the field at Newbury in the Super Sprint which came as a surprise to some people, despite being a short priced favourite. After that she was touted as a live contender for the Nunthorpe, but connections decided to tackle the Lowther and get their revenge on Anthem Alexander, which she did impressively with Cursory Glance splitting the two.
Her form as you can see is about as good as they come, but the reason for putting her up is based more on the negatives that can be found in her rivals. Anthem Alexander was the horse who impressed me most at Royal Ascot and I have masses of respect for Eddie Lynam however, she looks an out and out five furlong horse and proved it last time behind Tiggy Wiggy. The chief danger may come in the form of High Celebrity who was beaten on the July Course by Arabian Queen, although the latter got a sublime ride from Ryan Moore that day. Andre Fabre's filly has since won a Group 3 in France and despite that coming over five and a half furlongs she will likely need much further. Tendu is the only other one to mention as she won impressively at Kempton but has a lot to prove in this class of race. Tiggy Wiggy to continue her improvement and land her first Group One. (11/10)
3:50 Newmarket - Gabrial's Kaka
After hitting my head against a wall for a couple of hours I finally landed on Gabrial's Kaka in the Cambridgeshire. Richard Fahey has had his representative in fine fettle this season so far and has been rewarded with a string of consistent efforts.
He started off the season with a sixth in the Lincoln which is by no means a bad effort considering he had Ocean Tempest and Tullius ahead of him. That run was built on next time out as he won a competitive handicap at Newbury and looked a much improved horse in the process. Things haven't gone to plan since then but he has looked to be refinding the winning thread on his last two outings which started at Sandown. Frankie Dettori rode him that day and it would be one of his rides he would want back after giving him a lot to do when turning for home. Despite that he still managed to run on for third behind Velox who re-opposes this afternoon and is fancied with Cam Hardie on board. Last time out was equally as encouraging when staying on after being outpaced at York, he could only repair part of the damage as he stayed on into fifth place, but the extra furlong will help today. (25/1)
NAP - Elm Park
Nb - Tiggy Wiggy
Good luck today guys and as always, happy punting!
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