Hi all,
A good end to the Galway Festival with two winning selections: Current Option won the feature “Ahonoora” Handicap for the second season running. However, a 30p Rule 4 to early prices was a deflating. In the final race of the festival Bell Ex One (14/1) just got his nostril down on the line to win the second division of the 1m 6f handicap. Both selections were non-runners in the first division but hopefully some of you got on Insane Bolt the other runner I highlighted in that race preview. If went in with that one you had a cracking end to the week.
Having had a peek at the next few days racing. There won’t be any selections on Tuesday or Wednesday but there maybe one or two on Thursday & Friday. Watch your inboxes for any updates. However, there a couple of races of interest on Monday.
At Windsor there some good prize money on offer for the final of the Fitzdares Sprint Series (18:45) at Windsor on Monday and, not unsurprisingly, a big field is set to go to post. Of the 16 declared runners six of then ran at Goodwood on Saturday in either the Stewards Cup or its consolation race It will be interesting to see how many stand their ground.
The most valuable race of the week is actually taking place today at Naas this afternoon. The Irish EBF Ballyhane Stakes (2:25) is one of those juvenile sales races and with €300,000 in guaranteed prize money, including €148,500 on offer to the winner, it has attracted a maximum field of 24 runners.
Windsor
6:45 – Fitzdares Sprint Series Final Handicap (Class 2) – 6f
A handicap that wouldn’t be out of place on a Saturday card.
Of the 16 declared runners six of then ran at Goodwood on Saturday in either the Stewards Cup or its consolation race It will be interesting to see how many stand their ground.
Capote’s Dream has done well since joining the Tom Ward yard earlier in the year. He returned to winning ways when beating 18 rivals at York last time. He edged out Mr Wagyu that day and that one landed Saturday’s Stewards Cup consolation race. He’s been nudged up 3lb for his York success but there could be more to come from the 4-year-old.
Total Commitment was 4th in the Stewards Cup and should give his running again if this race doesn’t come too quick for the 5-year-old.
Operatic is the only 3-year-old in the field. She opened her account in handicap company when getting up late over 5f here two weeks ago. A return to 6f could see her in an even better light.
Be Prepared has won two of his last five starts and maintained his good form when a ¾ length 3rd of 17 at Goodwood five days ago. That performance came over 7f so the drop back to a sharp 6f might not suit.
Treacherous finished 13th in the Stewards Cup consolation race on Saturday. He isn’t in the same form as he was last summer but he has shaped on a couple of occasions like he retains ability and isn’t out of this.
Chairmanoftheboard had a good 2020, winning over C&D and at Newmarket and finishing a 1 ¾ length 5th of 27 in last year’s Stewards Cup. The 5-year-old returned from a 10-month absence to finish an encouraging 5th over C&D. He was 2 ¼ lengths behind Capote’s Dream that day and he gets an 8lb pull with that one today. Granted he disappointed at Ascot last time but this has likely been the plan.
Verdict: Capote’s Dream looks a worthy market leader but I think he’s worth taking on with a couple at bigger prices in Chairmanoftheboard and Treacherous.
1pt each way – Treacherous – 16/1 @ Coral & Ladbrokes (paying 4 places ¼ odds)
1pt win – Chairmanoftheboard – 14/1 @ Coral & Ladbrokes
Naas
2:25 – Irish EBF Ballyhane Stakes (Median Auction Race) – 6f
There are five British- trained horses among the 24 declared runners.
The best of the raiders could be the Richard Hannon trained Bosh. A winner of a York maiden in June. He followed up under a 6lb penalty at Salisbury 32 days ago. The form of that Salisbury race looks old enough with both the second and third following up on their next start.
The Tom Dascombe trained Ever Given was the decisive winner of a Goodwood nursery handicap on Friday and would have to be considered a big challenger if turning up for this.
The best of the home team appears to be the Ger Lyons trained Sacred Bridge. The well-bred daughter of Bated Breath looked a useful prospect when winning over C&D on her racecourse debut in June and then showed her versatility by winning a Tipperary Listed race over 5f. Today’s big field provides a new test for the filly. Has an entry in the Group 2 Lowther Stakes at York’s upcoming Ebor Festival.
Verdict: Sacred Bridge could be something special and a Group filly. Similarly, Bosh could be capable of mixing it in pattern company.
1pt win – Bosh – 15/2 @ Coral & Ladbrokes
Cheer
John