Hi all,
A dreadful month for the service, since day 2 of the Chester May Festival, all the more disappointing given the previous four months have been profitable. I for one can’t wait for the new month to start.
In more race planning nonsense, there are no flat cards today in Britain but there are three jumps’ fixtures. Surely there are not enough summer jumping horses for three meetings. You couldn’t make this foolishness up.
The best of today’s action is across the Channel at Longchamp where there are two Group 1 races the Prix Saint-Alary (2:45) and the Prix d’Ispahan (3:25). The best race this side of the water is the Class 2 Clarke Chase (3:31) at Uttoxeter.
Uttoxeter
3:31 – Clarke Chase (A Handicap Chase) (For The Sir Stanley And Lady Clarke Challenge Trophy) (Class 2)
Just nine have been declared for this handicap chase, compared to 18 who ran it 12 months ago. Still, it’s a competitive looking race.
Destrier and Barton Knoll were separated by a nose at Aintree last time. Both horses are suited by a sound surface. Barton Knoll gets 1lb from Destrier here and there shouldn’t be much between the pair again. Manofthemountain is just 1lb higher than when winning at Cheltenham last April. Last season was a bit of a disappointment for the 9-year-old, but he’s had wind surgery since finishing well beaten in the Cheltenham race, he won the previous season. If the breathing operation has worked, then he’s in the mix on ground that suits. Demachine is another returning from wind surgery. The 8-year-old is on a good mark, but I think he would prefer more ease in the ground.
Al Roc comes into the race in cracking form having won his last two starts. He’s 7lb higher and in a deeper race than when winning at Fakenham 7-days ago but another big run can’t be ruled out give his present form. Presentandcounting looked a good novice chaser last spring and summer, but his jumping has let him down on his last two starts. Was still very much in the mix when coming down at Ayr two starts back and looks on a handy mark if his jumping holds up. Pink Eyed Pedro might be an 11-year-old, but he retains plenty of ability as he showed when a 7 ½ length 2nd of 5 to Dublin Four at Chepstow last month. He finished a 4 ¾ length 4th of 18 in last year’s race and can now race off a 14lb lower mark. Granted he’s never been a prolific winner 4-35 and his last success came in October 2020 but on ground that suits and in the first-time blinkers he’s, my pick.
Verdict: On good ground I’m going with Pink Eyed Pedro ahead of the likely well treated Demachine and in form Al Roc.
Longchamp
2:45 – Prix Saint-Alary – 1m 2f
With Prosperous Voyage now a non-runner Wild Beauty is the best of this on RPR’s, but I would be disappointed if the Joseph O’Brien filly Above The Curve and the improving Place Du Carrousel were not able able to improve past her.
3:25 – Prix d’Ispahan – 1m 1 ½ f
The Ed Walker trained Dreamloper will need to improve again to win in Group 1 company. Dilawar looked as good as ever when a head 2nd of 6 in a Group 2 at Saint-Cloud on his seasonal return. Pretty Tiger and last season’s Champion Stakes winner Sealiway were second and third to State Of Rest in the Group 1 Prix Ganay here last time. Just a short head separated the pair at the line that day and there shouldn’t be much between them again but there could be a bot more to come from Pretty Tiger who looks to have improved for a switch of yard.
Betting Advice:
Uttoxeter
3:31 – 1pt win – Pink Eyed Pedro – 5/1 @ Coral & Ladbrokes
Cheers
John