Author: John Burke

Hi all,

There’s plenty of racing across Britain & Ireland today but for a Friday its distinctly lacking in quality. That said I have had a good look at the action and there are several that I fancy at Haydock & Fairyhouse.

Haydock

8:25 – Hail Sezer probably needed the run when a 2 ¾ length 3rd of 7 at Doncaster 24-days ago. That was the 5-year-old’s first start for 7 months and he should be sharper today. Yard has been among the winners in the past 14-days and the first time cheekpieces make him of plenty of interest. Another inform trainer is Jim Goldie and he’s booked William Buick for Kraken Power. The 4-year-old was an encouraging 1 ¾ length 4^th of 7 at Ayr two starts back but didn’t build on that promise when well down the field at Hamilton two weeks ago.  He hasn’t won since juvenile season, but he looks nicely treated on the best of last year’s form, including when a ½ length 3^rd of 5 to the useful Clarendon House at Musselburgh off 13lb higher.

8:55 – There’s a short-priced Charlie Appleby runner here in the shape of True Accolade. He may prove that he’s well treated for his first start in handicap company but I’m going to take him on. Outsmart has been an excellent start to his 3-year-old season winning two of his three starts. There was plenty to like about how he battled on when challenged to prevail at Beverley 17-days ago. He’s been raised 3lb for his latest success but should be competitive again. Hopeman Harbour made a solid handicap debut when 1 ¼ length 3^rd of 10 over a mile here last week. Remains with potential and could well be suited by the step up to 1m 2f.

Fairyhouse

5:50 – Alma Libre remains a maidenafter six starts but the filly has several bits of form that suggest she’s on a competitive mark. She showed the benefit of her seasonal return when a 2 ¾ length 3rd of 14 at Leopardstown 14-days ago. Nudged up 1lb for that effort but capable of going close here.

6:50 – Dun Ne Sead is a fascinating runner here. The filly won her sole juvenile start (5f) last September. A half-sister to the yard’s useful sprint handicapper Lord Dudley she looked a very useful prospect when making all to win at the Curragh. After the race her trainer Kieran Cotter described the filly as “the fastest two-year-old we’ve ever had”. She will have to be as good as her trainer thinks if she’s too win this on just her second start. Hopefully she has trained on from two to three and if she has then I think we can see a big run from the 3-year-old this evening.

Betting Advice:

Haydock

8:25 – 1pt win – Hail Sezer – 15/2 @ Bet365 & Ladbrokes and 1pt win – Kraken Power – 8/1 @ Bet365 & Ladbrokes

8:55 – 1pt win – Hopeman Harbour – 13/2 @ Bet365 & Ladbrokes

Fairyhouse

5:50 – 1pt win – Alma Libre – 9/2 @ Coral & Ladbrokes

6:50 – 1pt win – Dun Na Sead – 13/2 @ Coral & Ladbrokes

Cheers

John

Hi all,

At last, a decent priced winner with Topanticpation winning at an early priced advised 12/1 on Sunday. All in all, it was one of the best days of the month with Lion Tower & Devaste finishing second and Geremia third in their respective races on the Knavesmire. Mind you in saying it was a such a good day shows how poor May has proven to be.

Racing fans are in for a Thursday treat with Sandown’s six racing evening card which gets underway at 5:40. The feature races include the National Stakes (6:15); the Group 3 Coral Henry II Stakes (6:50) and the Group 3 Coral Brigadier Gerard Stakes (7:25). There’s also Coral Whitsun Cup (8:00). The latter race used to be one of the big Spring 1m handicaps back in the day. It’s only a Class 3 contest now but remains a decent race.

There’s usually a good atmosphere, the card is good, and you can get a ticket for the Grandstand for just £15, which includes access to the parade ring. Given the economic times we live in that represents fantastic value for an evening at the races.

I have a few fancies today one at Sandown and a couple at Haydock.

Sandown

8:00 – Coral Whitsun Cup Handicap (Class 3) – 1m

My fancy Fox Champion is now a non-runner. Farasi Lane won over C&D last August but he’s 6lb higher now and needs the first-time visor to eke out more improvement. Rebel Territory made it 2-5 on turf when winning at Newmarket on his final 3-year-old start. He starts his 4-year-old campaign off 5lb higher but remains with potential to better this season.

8:35 – The biggest field of the Sandown card for this 1m 3-year-old only handicap.  Two Tempting got off the mark at the fifth attempt when winning at Kempton 8-days ago. That looked a much-improved performance from the filly and she’s 6lb well in here. All weather winner Sip And Smile got off the mark on turf for the first time at Doncaster 12-days ago.  He got the run of the race out in front that day but found plenty for pressure when headed. Up 3lb but the step up to 1m can bring out more progression from the gelding. Alan King has his horses in good form and Super Lover could be set for a good run on his handicap debut. The colt shaped well on his turf debut/ seasonal return when a 2 ¾ length 2^nd of 9 at Windsor 24-days ago. Open to improvement on his handicap debut and the forecast strong pace should suit. Stall 13 isn’t ideal in a field size like this, but he should go well. David Menuisier has a good record with his runners in Sandown handicaps – 13 winners from 40 runners 33% +36.1 21 placed 53%. He saddles handicap debutant Ar El Bee who has been gelded and makes his seasonal/handicap debut here. Showed he possesses ability on his first two starts last season, including when 4^th of 9 over C&D on his racecourse debut. He’s yet to race on ground quicker than soft but on the plus side the trainer won this race in 2018.

Haydock

A couple of interesting handicaps at Haydock this afternoon. The going is being described as good, good to firm in places.

2:40 – Clive Cox has a 21%-win strike rate at Haydock in the past five years and had a couple of winners here on Saturday. He runs likely favourite Lethal Nymph who made it 2-2 when winning at Doncaster last month. He looked a useful sprint prospect last time and could be on a good mark for his handicap debut. Amazonian Dream won a couple of nurseries last August. He wasn’t at his best on his seasonal reappearance but shaped with more encouragement when a 5-length 9^th of 18 at Ascot 20-days ago. Yards runners are in better form now, and I can see him going well here.

3:10 – Celsius bounced back to form when winning at Ascot last time out. He’s 5lb higher after his Ascot win but won off 2lb higher in June 2020. He’s 3-3 over C&D and provided the ground is good or quicker he must have a good chance of following up. Indian Sounds raced like the race was needed when down the field at Musselburgh last month.  He’s dropped down to a good mark based on the best of last years form. The forecast strong pace should Sound Reason who returned from an 8-month absence with a good 3 ¼ length 4th of 14 at Hamilton last time. He’s been dropped 1lb and should be competitive again. Modular Magic ran well on his seasonal reappearance when a head 3^rd of 12 at Thirsk last month. He made a bold bid from the front that day and was only caught in the final strides. Up 3lb for that effort but he’s always to be respected when he gets his own way out in front. However, that doesn’t seem likely today.

Betting Advice:

Sandown

8:35 – Ar El Bee – 14/1 @ Bet365 & Coral

Haydock

2:40 – 1pt win – Amazonian Dream – 11/1 @ Coral & Ladbrokes

3:10 – 1pt win – Celsius – 4/1 – Gen

Cheers

John

Hi all,

Sorry for the delay. I had technical issues this morning, so today’s preview is short and I was only able to cover today’s York card rather than a good looking card at the Curragh for Irish 1,000 Guineas Day.

York

3:30– Topanticpation got off the mark at the 14^th attempt when winning at Leicester on Monday. He’s got a 5lb penalty to carry in a deeper race, but the 5-year-old did go close twice over C&D last September.

1pt win – Topanticpation – 12/1 – Gen

4:35 – Devaste and Al Ameen were separated by a neck when second and third at Ascot last time. The latter gets a 1lb from Devaste but that one has Benoit De La Sayette taking off a handy 5lb. Both look capable of being competitive off their present mark and they are hard to split but preference is for Devaste who is the bigger priced of the pair.

1pt win – Devaste – 14/1 – Gen

5:05 – Harswell Duke bounced back to form when a 1½ lengths third of 13 to Eilean Dubh at Hamilton last time. He’s been nudged up 2lb for that effort but remains on competitive mark. Lion Tower was a 1 length 3^rd of 13 to Cruyff Turn over C&D last time. He made a bold bid from the front that day and won’t be far away again dropped down a notch in class.

1pt win – Harswell Duke – 8/1 – Gen

1pt win – Lion Tower – 7/1 – Gen

5:35 – Pendleton’s bounced back from a low-key seasonal reappearance with a much better effort when ½-length third of 22 to stablemate Dakota Gold over C&D 11-days ago.  He’s 1lb below his last winning mark which came over C&D last May and looks set for another good run here. Premier Power was a 4 ¾ length 11^th in the same race. However, that was his first start since last September and his first since switching to the Tim Easterby yard. Wasn’t given a hard race that day and can get closer here.

1pt win – Pendleton – 8/1 @ Bet365 & William Hill

1pt win – Premier Power – 25/1 @ Coral & Ladbrokes

6:05 – There was ½ length between Haizoom and Emaraty Hero when the pair were first & third at Hamilton (1m 5f) two weeks ago. The latter won here over 1m 4f last season but does stay 2m and the former also won twice over 2m last season. Emaraty Hero does get 3lb from Haizoom here but there shouldn’t be much between the pair again. Geremia has yet to win on his 7 starts on turf but has won three times on the all-weather, including over 2m. The 4-year-old made a highly promising stable debut when a 4¼ length 5th of 14 to Heart of Soul over an inadequate 1m 3f at Hamilton 14-days ago. The top weight can be seen to better effect returned to 2m today.

1pt win – Geremia – 9/1 @ Bet365 & Paddy Power

Cheers

John

Hi all,

It’s been a challenging month but you must dig in. Now it’s just a case of trying to limit losses for May and wait for June to begin.

The highlight of a busy Saturday of action is the Irish 2,000 Guineas (3.20) where English 2,000 Guineas runner-up Native Trail will be a hot favourite to go one better.

The best of the action in Britain is at Haydock where Nunthorpe winner Winter Power makes her seasonal return in the Group 2 Temple Stakes (3.45). The Group 2 Sandy Lane Stakes (3.10) adds more spice to a high-quality Haydock card. There’re also competitive cards at both York, with the Group 3 Bronte Stakes the feature race of a seven-race card and Goodwood. The ITV cameras are covering the best of the action from Haydock, York, Goodwood and the Irish 2,000 Guineas.

The highlight of a busy Saturday of action is the Irish 2,000 Guineas (3.20) at the Curragh where English 2,000 Guineas runner-up Native Trail is a hot favourite to go one better. His biggest rival looks to be the Joseph O’Brien trained Buckaroo who looked well suited by the drop back to a mile when winning a Listed race over C&D last time. Aidan O’Brien has supplemented the improving Ivy League who ran well against older horses in a Group 3 at Leopardstown earlier this month. He will have to have improved plenty since though to beat the favourite on easy ground.

I begin today’s betting preview at the principal meeting Haydock. As ever my selections can be found at the end of the main piece.

Haydock

2:00 – Cazoo Hell Nook Handicap (Class 2) – 2m

Alright Sunshine doesn’t win very often and isn’t the most reliable but he was on a going day 5¼ length 3rd of 14 to Enemy at Musselburgh last time.

Valley Forge hasn’t really built on his Melrose success at York Ebor Meeting. Not a bad effort on his seasonal return when a 4½ lengths 5th of 9 at Newmarket last time. He will be sharper today and shapes like he might stay 2m.

Bandinelli has been in good form on the all-weather at Kempton. Up 3lb for his latest success in March but he’s now 2-2 since being stepped up to 2m and could progress further for more of a stamina test. He won here over 1m 6f on quick ground last September so has plenty in his favour today.

Merveillo was useful on the flat when trained in France winning in Listed company (1m 4f). The 4-year-old put in a respectable effort, on his first start for Jonjo O’Neill, when 8 length 4th of 7 to Ahorsewithnoname at Newbury last month.

Goobinator, fourth in last season’s Cesarewitch, is a previous C&D winner. He’s 4lb above his last winning mark but his run in the Cesarewitch suggests he’s on a competitive enough mark.

2:35 – Cazoo Silver Bowl Handicap (Class 2)

Mighty Ulysses’s comfortable success at Newmarket 8-days ago suggested that he could be a Group horse in the making. He’s open to plenty of improvement and holds an entry in the St James’s Palace Stakes at Royal Ascot. He will be tough to beat with Benoit De La Sayette taking 5lb off the top-weights back. However, he’s plenty short enough in the betting at a best priced 13/8.

Trainer Clive Cox & jockey David Probert combined to win this 2018 and they could do so again here with Whoputfiftyinyou. The colt made it 3-3 when making a winning handicap debut at Newbury last month. He’s up 5lb for that success but he’s got the scope to do better for the step up to a mile.

Outgate is one of the more exposed horses among the ten runners but there was plenty to like about his recent Chester success. That was a career best by the colt and although he’s been raised 5lb for that win another big performance seems likely.

3:10 – Cazoo Sandy Lane Stakes (Group 2) – 6f

Clive Cox saddled Harry Angel to win in 2017 and he’s got two big contenders in this year’s field with Caturra & Wings Of War.

Caturra last season’s Group 2 Flying Childers winner made a good seasonal return, under a penalty, when ¾-length 2nd of 11 at Chantilly last month. Not the biggest juvenile, his reappearance effort showed he had trained on from two to three. The pick of Adam Kirby which suggests he’s the stable pick. Wings Of War was giving one of today’s rivals Go Bears Go 4lb when a 4-length 4^th of 4 at Ascot last time. It won’t be easy to reverse form with that one but he does get the first time cheekpieces today and may have needed the run more than Go Bear Go did.  

3:45 – Cazoo Temple Stakes (Group 2) – 5f

Winter Power doesn’t have to carry a penalty for her win in last season’s Group 1 Nunthorpe Stakes at York. She has 7lb in hand of her nearest rival Came From The Dark on RPR’s and will take the beating if she can reproduce her York form here on her seasonal return.

Last Crusader looked much improved for his first start at 5fwhen winning a Listed race at York last week. The 3-year-old is unexposed over the trip and he won’t be far away if reproducing his York performance.

Came From The Dark was bitterly disappointing in the Palace House Stakes on his seasonal return. A previous three-time course, I’m happy forgive him his Newmarket run and he’s my pick against the favourite.

Twilight Calls finished well head of Came From The Dark in the Palace House Stakes. He’s improving with racing and could yet prove up to winning in Group company. I can see him going well here provided the ground is good or quicker.

Goodwood

1:45 – William Hill Festival Stakes (Listed Race) – 1m 2f

Alotaibi proved that he handled Goodwood’s undulations when a neck 2nd of 8 over C&D on his handicap debut three weeks ago. He’s been nudged up 1lb for that effort and looks capable of winning in handicap company. The first time cheekpieces he wore last time are retained. If he’s as effective on soft ground as good to firm he won’t be far away.

Evocative Spark has been hit by a 12lb hike in the weights after an impressive 5 ½ length win at Beverley last month. He’s not out of this despite the weight rise but is another who will be racing on softer ground than last time.

No issues with soft ground for Gisburn who’s two career wins have come with soft in the going description. First run since showing improved form to win on his nursery debut at Newbury in October (soft). He’s got an 8lb rise in the weights to contend with but the top-weight has the scope to progress further as 3-year-old.

York

2:55 – William Hill Best Odds Guaranteed Handicap (Class 2) – 5f

Alligator Alley was a highly encouraging 3 ½ length 4th of 13 to Fine Wine over C&D last week. There are races to be won with the 5-year-old this season who looks on a competitive mark.

Look Out Louis prominent style of racingshould be well suited to the track and he posted a career best on RPR’s when winning at Chester last time. He’s up 4lb for his latest win but is going the right way.

Michael Dods won this 12 months ago with Pendleton and he saddles Jawwaal and Sir Titus. Jawwaal ran better than his 8 ½ length 10^th of 13 to Fine Wine here last week suggests. He needed the run on his seasonal return and the forecast strong pace will suit the 7-year-old who is on a handy mark. Sir Titus ran with promise on his stable debut when a neck 2^nd of 4 at Redcar 5-days ago. He’s on a good mark and can be placed to win a race or two. This a much better race than last time and he may prefer more ease in the ground but can give a good account given his present form. The drying ground just points me towards Jawwaal here.

The unreliable Sunday Sovereign is more than capable of a good run if on a going day but he would prefer more cut in the ground. The same comment applies to C&D winner Illusionist who’s three best RPR’s have come on soft.

Betting Advice:

Haydock

2:00 – 1pt win – Goobinator – 11/2 @ Bet365 & Coral and 0.5pts each way Merveillo – 28/1 @ Bet365 (paying 4 places 1/5 odds)

2:35 – 1pt win – Whoputfiftyinyou and 1pt win – Outgate – 11/1 @ Bet365

3:10 – 1pt win – Caturra – 9/1 @ Bet365

3:45 – 1pt win – Came From The Dark – 6/1 @ Bet365 & Coral

Goodwood

1:45 – 1pt win – Gisburn – 9/2 @ Bet365 & Paddy Power

York

2:55 – 1pt win – Jawwaal – 8/1 @ Bet365 and 1pt win – Look Out Louis – 7/1 @ Bet365 & Coral

Cheers

John

Hi all,

The Derby & Oaks Trial’s season is coming to an end. However, contenders could yet emerge at Goodwood on Friday in the Height Of Fashion Stakes (2.10) and Cocked Hat Stakes (3.20). It’s the first of two days of racing on the Sussex Downs and is it’s the first of two day’s racing at Haydock. The highlight of a seven-race card at Haydock is the Listed Cecil Frail Stakes (2.30). Across the Irish Sea Friday evening sees the start of Guineas weekend at the Curragh. I will begin today’s preview by looking at the two Listed races at Goodwood. Today’s betting advice can be found at the end of the preview.

Goodwood

2:10 – William Hill Height Of Fashion Stakes (Listed Race) (Fillies) – 1m 2f

Looking at the early betting it looks like Emotion and Sea Silk Road. The first named looked much improved for the step up to 1m 4f when running out a 16-length winner at Kempton last time. There should be more to come from the Gosden filly. Sea Silk Road was another easy last time out winner. The daughter of Sea The Stars looked a smart prospect when beating 13 rivals by 5 ½ length at Nottingham 14-days ago. Her Nottingham success came over 1m and she’s bred to be suited by 1m 2f+.

Viareggio comes across the Irish Sea. The Jessica Harrington trained filly has the form to get into the money but she’s more exposed than Emotion & Sea Silk Road.

Ottilien looks to have improved from two to three when winning at Chantilly last month. There may be more to come from her but her best form so far has come with plenty of ease in the ground.

3:20 – British Stallion Studs EBF Cocked Hat Stakes (Listed Race) – 1m 3f

It looks an interesting late Derby trial and a contender for Epsom could emerge.

Lysander couldn’t have been more impressive when winning by 8 ½ lengths at Newcastle three weeks ago.  His pedigree suggests he can improve plenty for the step up 1m 4f and could be live Derby outsider if he was to win here.

Natural World won a Newbury maiden on his racecourse debut last month but found it tougher when a 4-length 3rd of 4 to United Nations in the Listed Derby Trial at Lingfield. He’s vulnerable here to the likes of Lysander but he should be capable of better.

Aldous Huxley a winner at Kempton on his racecourse debut and seemed to progress further when a 2 ¼ length 2^nd of 9 to New London at Newmarket last time. Another open to further improvement.

Lionel missed the Lingfield Derby trial. He finished ¾-length 3rd of 12 to Natural World at Newbury (1m 3f) last month. He was doing his best work at the finish last time and should be suited by the step up to 1m 4f. He will surely be placed to win races and isn’t out of this.

4:30 – All eyes will be on high- class but quirky hurdler Goshen in this 2m handicap.A three-time winner on the flat in 2019. He wasn’t at his best when we last saw on the level in the autumn of 2020.  Given his official rating over hurdles is 157, only 87 on the flat, he’s clearly a well handicapped horse but would probably prefer softer ground. Saratoga Gold and Cherry Cola were separated by 3-lengths when first & third respectively here (1m 6f) 21-days ago. The winner is 5lb worse off today with Cherry Cola. The step up to 2m could suit Cherry Cola better than Saratoga Gold and given their odds she looks the better value of the pair.

Haydock

1:20 – Legendary Day won second time up and the 4-year-old shaped with encouragement when a 2 ½ length 3rd of 6 at Nottingham two weeks ago. He’s handily weighted off a mark and looks the one to beat if staying 1m 2f.  Aasheq is arguably the best handicapped horse among the nine runners but is on a losing run does go now back three years. He’s run respectably on both starts this season and must be respected. Ziggy might prove better over 1m 4f this season but if her can reproduce the best of last season’s form on his seasonal return he won’t be far away for a yard among the winners. Vulcan made it 2-3 at Haydock when winning over C&D in September 2020, from 5lb lower. He had two starts over hurdles for Dr Richard Newland in 2021 and returned from a 13-month absence, back with Ralph Beckett, but finished a well beaten last of eight at Epsom in the City & Suburban Handicap last month. Questions to answer after that performance but the 5-year-old is well handicapped if bouncing back to form. Trainer Ralph Beckett is 6 from 19 +15.50 with his older horses at Haydock.

Curragh

Two big field handicaps catch my eye on the first of three days of racing at the Curragh.

6:00 – William Hill Emerald Mile Handicap (Premier Handicap) – 1m

Fastnet Crown a winner of a 17 runners 6f handicap (good to firm) here last June. He showed his liking for a big field handicap when a 3 ¾ length 5^th of 27 in last season’s Cambridgeshire at Newmarket. There was plenty to like about his ½-length 4th of 25 at Cork last time. He finished his race off well last time and the step back up to mile is big plus for the 5-year-old. Mutasarref was ¾ length and one place behind Fastnet Crown at Cork last time. He get’s 1lb from Fastnet Crown and should remain competitive. His stablemate Admiral Nelson can’t be ruled out either. The 4-year-old shaped with promise when a 5 ¼ length 7th of 17 at Cork last time. That was his first run since switching from Aidan O’Brien and it was also his first start for 10 months. He wasn’t subjected to a hard race when his chance was gone and should strip fitter with that run under his belt.

Haziya looked a well handicapped horse when winning a mile handicap at Leopardstown on her first start since switching to Joseph O’Brien last month. Has a 13lb hike in the weights to contend with today but she looked to have plenty in hand last time and is open to further improvement. Besides Haziya Joseph O’Brien also saddles Visualisation. A Listed race winner at Listowel last September and was back to form when a 1 ¾ length 3^rd of 7 to Layfayette in a Group 2 here last time. He might be better over slightly further than a mile and it won’t be an easy task off 10-00 but Jake Coen does take off a handy 7lb. No More Porter won over C&D last August, from 4lb lower. Back to form when a 1½ length 3rd of 15 at Roscommon last time and is capable of a good run.

Trainer Adrian McGuinness saddles six of the 27 runners. The best of them could be Star Harbour and Casanova. The former was a 2-length 3^rd of 26 in the Irish Lincolnshire over C&D on his seasonal reappearance.  Up 2lb for that effort but the better the ground the better the 4-year-olds chance. Casanova was a length and one place behind his stablemate in the Irish Lincolnshire. He’s well suited to a mile and shouldn’t be far away again if in the same form as last time.  

Verdict: I would prefer the rain to stay away for Fastnet Crown and Star Harbour. Despite a hike in the weights the progressive Haziya needs respecting, as does her stablemate Visualisation who will appreciate anymore ease in the ground.

7:10 – William Hill Pick Your Places Handicap – 7f

Ice Cold In Alex has been well beaten on both starts at Cork this season. This is more his track. He’s a previous C&D winner and he ended a long losing run when winning over 7f here last June. He also ran well when a ¾ length 3^rd of 15 here over C&D on his final start of last season.  Needs a good pace to chase and luck in the run but if he gets them has good claims.

Faster looks on a reasonable mark based on the best of his form. He ran better than his final position suggests, as he didn’t get a run 3f out when a 6 ½ length 11th of 22 at Naas (6f) on his seasonal reappearance. However, his best form has come on softer ground.

Half Nutz is running well but doesn’t have much in hand of the handicapper as his 4 ¾ length 6th of 22 at Naas last time shows and he may be better over shorter. Godhead ran well on his first start for new connections when a 1 ½ lengths second of 18 at Leopardstown 7-days ago. Not certain to back up that effort but if he does won’t be far away.

Walhaan could be on a competitive mark for new trainer Ciaran Murphy. He’s suited by ground and s straight track but may prefer better over a mile. Imposing Supreme twice a winner at last season’s Galway Festival. He also went close over C&D when 3rd of 28 to Ice Cold Alex but is 7lb worse off with that one at the weights.

Heavenly Power is the least exposed of the field, having just had the five career starts. A winner of a 6f maiden here last August. He didn’t really build on that performance on two subsequent handicap runs but wasn’t totally disgraced when 10^th off 22 on his handicap debut here. A half brother to Group 1 winning sprinter Slade Power he looks worth a try over 7f although the first-time hood isn’t necessarily a positive for his return to action.

Colin Keane is back in the saddle on Mean Fomhair. The filly a useful enough handicapper on her day advantage of reduced handicap mark to win at Bellewstown in September. Now 4lb above her last winning mark it will be interesting to see if there’s is any money around for her.

Verdict: Ice Cold Alex is well handicapped but may prefer better ground than seems likely today. Any rain will be welcomed by Faster who should give his backers a good run for their money. If Heavenly Power stays 7f he should be bang there on his return to action. The inform Godhead could be ready to strike but is another who might not want the ground to ease too much before post time.

Betting Advice:

Goodwood

4:30 – 1pt win – Cherry Cola – 16/1 @ Coral & Ladbrokes

Haydock

1:20 – 1pt win – Vulcan – 10/1 @ Bet365

Curragh

6:00 – 1pt win – Fastnet Crown – 12/1 @ Paddy Power & Betfair Sportsbook and 1pt each way – Visualisation – 18/1 @ Paddy Power (paying 6 places 1/5 odds)

7:10 – 1pt win – Faster – 11/1 @ Coral & Ladbrokes

Cheers

John

Hi all,

After a few days off I’m back today with a couple of selections. It’s the first of a busy four days of selections for the service.  There’s a decent card at Sandown this with a feature race being the Heron Stakes (7.15). Where the Queen’s colt Reach For The Moon makes his belated seasonal reappearance. I have a selection from Sandown and a bigger priced one from this evenings fixture at Tipperary.

Sandown

7:15 – Coral Heron Stakes (Listed Race) – 1m

Four of the six runners have Group 1 entries and they of course include the favourite Reach For The Moon. The favourite is clear of his field on RPR’s and was due to be trained for the Derby but a setback meant he couldn’t be prepared for that race. This looks a good starting point for the colt. However, he does face some interesting rivals.

Akhu Najla made a winning seasonal reappearance at Yarmouth last month and holds a St James’ Palace entry.  If he’s to take his place at Royal Ascot you would expect him to go well here. 

The inform William Haggas saddles My Prospero who won a Newbury maiden last month. He looked a useful prospect the last day and this race was mentioned by connections after his Newbury success.

Verdict: The Gosden yard have won the last three running’s of the race. Which is a positive for the chance of Reach For The Moon. His chance is obvious and is class may get him home over a mile. That said as a pundit you must take him on given his preparation and my pick would be the unexposed My Prospero.

7:45 – The well-bred Francesco Clemente lookeda smart prospectwhen winning the Wood Ditton on his racecourse debut last month. He’s clearly highly regarded as he has an Arc and Group 2 King Edward VII Stakes entry. The step up to 1m 2f should bring out even more improvement in the colt who is bred for middle distances.

The Sir Michael Stoute trained Capstan is bred to win races and the Kingman colt ran a race full of promise on his racecourse debut when finishing an 8 ½ length 2^nd of 8 to Lysander at Newcastle. The winner is strongly fancied for a Listed race at Goodwood tomorrow and could well be heading for the Derby if he was to win. Capstan will be sharper for his Newcastle run and he looks the one to chase home Francesco Clemente in what looks an interesting 1m2 f novice contest.

1pt win – Capstan – 15/2 @ Bet365

Tipperary

7:55 – Merry Moves, a point winner over 3m, is 0-6 under rules, including three runs over hurdles. The mare arguably put up her best performance so far when a 16-length 4th of 13 at Wexford last time. On a workable mark for her handicap hurdle debut especially as she races like she will do better for the step up to 3m. At the 16/1 available with Coral & Ladbrokes she looks overpriced.

1pt each way – Merry Moves – 16/1 @ Coral & Ladbrokes (both paying 5 places 1/5 odds)

Cheers

John

Hi all,

It’s been a challenging month but given the service has just had four successive profitable months not totally surprising.

It’s Day two of Killarney’s May meeting. The highlights of a eight race card being the Grade 3 BoyleSports An Riocht Chase (7:00) and the Tote Killarney National Handicap Chase (7:30). I have selections from there and one from Leicester for you today.

Killarney

If there’s a more picturesque track in Britain & Ireland than Killarney then I have yet to see it. What a fantastic backdrop to what’s normally some cracking action. There are three competitive races on the Killarney card.

7:30 – Tote Killarney National Handicap Chase

Enda Bolger is 12 from 38 with his chasers at Killarney, including the winner of this race three times, in the past five years. He’s got two here in Shady Operator & Champagne Platinum. The first named won this race 12 months ago off 3lb lower. If the rain stays away, he must have a good chance of back-to-back win in the race. Champagne Platinum has been running respectably in staying handicap chasers and wasn’t disgraced when a 9 ¼ length 8^th of 27 in the Irish Grand National two starts back. Shane Fitzgerald takes off a handy 5lb and his chance would be enhanced if the rain arrives.

Inform trainer John Ryan saddled the winner in 2018 and he’s got a contender in Waitnsee. The mare was a disappointing 4/1 joint favourite in last year’s race before going onto to finish a ¾ length 2^nd of 13 in the Midland National at Kilbeggan in July. She bounced back to her Kilbeggan form when a 13-length 3^rd of 15 at the Punchestown Festival. She was badly hampered three out that day and did well to get into the places.

Recite A Prayer put in a personal best over the larger obstacles when 1 ½ length 2^nd of 14 to Donkey Years at Punchestown last time. But for a bad mistake at the last he may well have gone to win that day. Wa Wa ran better than his 30-length 5th of 14 in the same race suggests.  Twice a winner in the autumn here and at Naas he’s only has seven starts over fences and the application of the first time cheekpieces look interesting addition.

Fox Watch and Presenting Point are both seeking hat tricks and must be respected albeit they are up in class here.

6:30 – Metersandmasks returned from a winter break with a much-improved performance to win a Cork 9-days ago.  A 10lb rise in the weights shouldn’t stop the 6-year-old if in the same form as last time.

Leicester

7:50 – Treacherous likely needed his Kempton seasonal return and ran an ok sort of race to finish a 6 ¾ length 5th of 10 at Windsor two weeks ago. He didn’t get the clearest of runs inside the final furlong that day but seems to be building towards a win again. Yard form remains a concern but he’s worth another chance here.

Betting Advice:

Killarney

6:30 – 1pt win – Metersandmasks – 11/4 @ Paddy Power & BetfairSportsbook

7:30 – 1pt win – Recite A Prayer – 11/2 @ Coral & Ladbrokes and 1pt win – Wa Wa – 14/1 @ Bet365

Leicester

7:50 – 1pt win – Treacherous – 8/1 @ Ladbrokes

Cheers

John

Hi all,

Another busy week of racing comes to an end today. The best quality flat action is across the Irish Sea at Naas where its Royal Ascot trials day. There are two Group 3 contests the Coolmore Stud Irish EBF Fillies Sprint Stakes (4.15) and the Goffs Lacken Stakes (4.45) and two Listed races on an eight-race card.

There’s just one flat meeting in the UK today at Ripon but for jumps fans there’s a NH fixture at Stratford. There’s also a jumps fixture at Killarney with a Grade B Handicap Hurdle (3:30) and a Listed Mares’ Hurdle (3:00) being the highlights of the first of three day’s racing at the track.

Today’s best action takes place at Longchamp were its their first classics of the French flat season: The Poule d’Essai des Pouliches (2:15) (French 1,000 Guineas) and the Poule d’Essai des Poulains (2:55) (French 2,000 Guineas).

In today’s main piece I preview both the French Classics and the Killarney handicap hurdle and I have selections in all three races.

Longchamp

2:15 – Emirates Poule d’Essai des Pouliches (Group 1) – 1m

Cachet won the 1,000 Guineas at Newmarket on her last start and fully deserves to head the market.  However, she does face several interesting fillies representing the home team. The best of them looks to be Rosacea who produced a nice turn of foot to beat Daisy Maisy in the Group 3 Prix de la Grotte over C&D which is one of the key French 1,000 Guineas Trials. Both fillies were making their seasonal returns that day. However, the bookies think that the winner will come out on top again as she’s 3/1 with Coral whereas Daisy Maisy is 18/1 with the same firm. The Andre Fabre filly trained filly Mqse De Sevigne looks to have improved plenty from two to threehaving won a Group 3 here over 1m 1f. The ground was soft that day and she shaped like she was more of French Oaks contender. If the drop back to a mile doesn’t prove an inconvenience, then she won’t be far away. Aidan O’Brien brings over Toy. The daughter of Galileo won a Cork maiden last month. She showed a nice turn of foot to win that day and looks a useful prospect. However, she’ll need to have improved plenty to win here and at best priced 6/1 looks plenty short enough in the betting on what she’s achieved so far.

Verdict: It might be worth taking on Cachet given the front runners draw in stall 10. You must go back to 2001 for Aidan O’Brien’s last win the race but his runner Toy is improving at the right time and has a handy draw in stall 5. Mqse De Sevigne would be of major interest if the ground was to ease further. That leaves Rosacea and Daisy Maisy and at the prices I like prefer the claims of the latter.

2:55 – Emirates Poule d’Essai des Poulains (Group 1) – 1m

The Charlie Appleby trained Modern Games is a short-priced favourite to follow up his win in the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Turf at Del Mar on his last start of his juvenile campaign. He’s well suited to quick turf and if he’s trained on from two to three will take the beating if he gets his ideal underfoot conditions.  Bayside Boy’s juvenile form was arguably as good as the favourite’s. He won the Group 2 Champagne Stakes at Doncaster before finishing third to Native Trail in the Dewhurst and occupying the same spot behind Luxembourg in the Futurity at Doncaster.  First run since October and he has stall 14 to overcome. English trained runners are dominant in the betting with Claymore another capable of a big run. A winner of his sole juvenile start on soft ground, He made a pleasing seasonal return when a 3 ½ length 2^nd of 6 to Native Trail in the Craven Stakes at Newmarket. More ease in the ground is a positive but he’s drawn out widest of all in 16. Lassaut looks to have a handy draw in stall 3 and improved for the return to quick turf when winning over C&D. He’s another open to further improvement and looks the pick of the home trained runners.  Another of the home team with a low draw in stall 5 is Rock Boy. The colt came from behind to land the Group 3 Prix Djebel at Deauville. That success came over 7f but he won over 1m 1f as a juvenile and he’s now unbeaten on his three career starts. He’s yet to race on ground better than heavy but the return to a mile will suit and he remains open to further progress.

Verdict: Modern Games has a better draw than Bayside Boy. Others with handy low draws areLassaut and Rock Boy. The latter in particularly looks overpriced if handling today’s quicker ground.  

Killarney

3:30 – Kelly Farm Modernisation Ltd Handicap Hurdle (Grade B) – 2m 1f

Glan improved to win at Fairyhouse two starts and was a warm order (4/1 fav) to follow up at the Punchestown Festival. She was travelling powerfully in mid division when making a race ending mistake three out and was wisely soon pulled up. Good ground suits the mare and she will take some beating here. Celestial Horizon didn’t jump with any fluency and in the circumstances did well to get within 4 ½ length of the winner when 2^nd of 15 at Fairyhouse last month. Today’s extra furlong will suit the 4-year-old, probably needs further than 2m 1f, and he’s open to further progress but does need to jump better than last time. Rock On Seamie has posted to respectable efforts since returning from a winter break. The 7-year-old probably found 2m 4f stretching his stamina when 2^nd of 17 at Cork just 8-days ago and a return to this sort of trip will suit. Each way claims with Rachel Blackmore booked for the light weight. Sit Down Lucy didn’t get the clearest of passages when 4 length 4th of 17 to Felix Desjy at Punchestown last time. That was close to a personal best by the 8-year-old. With better luck in the run, she won’t be far away again. Clarens was well placed to win a hat trick of handicap hurdles last autumn. Up 9lb for the latest of those wins 175-days ago but the 5-year-old may not have stopped improving. Jack Foley who rode Clarens to those three successes’ is on Magnor Glory who looked much improved when winning a Ballinrobe handicap hurdle by 17 lengths last month. The handicapper has raised him 14lb for that win but with Foley taking off a handy 5lb the 6-year-old remains competitively weighted. First reserve Golf Marin is 0-9 over hurdles but there was a lot to like about his 3 ½ length 4^th of 25 to Broomfield Hall at Punchestown Festival last time. He was doing his best work at the finish that day and there could be more to come from the 6-year-old.

Verdict: Golf Marin would be on the high on the shortlist if getting into the race. Glan was travelling well when making a bad mistake last time and remains on a good mark. If Celestial Horizon jumps better than last time he won’t be far away. Preference though is for last time out easy winner Magnor Glory and the Rachel Blackmore ridden light-weight Rock On Seamie.

Betting Advice:

Longchamp

2:15 – 0.5pts each way – Daisy Maisy – 18/1 @ William Hill (paying 4 places 1/5 odds)

2:55 – 1pt win – Lassaut – 5/1 @ Coral & Ladbrokes and 1pt win Rock Boy – 16/1 @ Coral & Ladbrokes

Killarney

3:30 – 1pt win – Magnor Glory – 8/1 @ Bet365 and 1pt win – Rock On Seamie – 10/1 @ Paddy Power & Betfair Sportsbook

Cheers

John

Hi all,

An excellent Saturday of racing see’s the return of one of the exciting Baaeed in the Group 1 Lockinge Stakes (3.20) at Newbury. Last year’s Queen Elizabeth II Stakes winner, who beat Palace Pier in that race, hasn’t lost in six starts but he does face several good rivals in Group 1 winning filly Alcohol Free and last season’s 1,000 Guineas winner Mother Earth.

The supporting races on a seven race Newbury card include the Group 3 Al Rayyan Stakes (2.10) and the Listed Carnarvon Stakes (1:35). There’s also the Haras De Bouquetot Fillies’ Trial Stakes (4.30) which Dancing Rain finished runner-up in 2011, before going to win the Epsom Oaks. The hot favourite is like to be Nashwa who made a winning seasonal return at Haydock last month and a win here could see her book her place at Epsom.

There’s also Flat action at Newmarket, Thirsk, Doncaster and on the all-weather at Chelmsford. Bangor and Uttoxeter complete the action in Britain. Across the Irish Sea there is a flat card at Navan and a jumps card at Wexford.

The ITV cameras are covering the best of the action from Newbury and Newmarket on a seven race programme.

Newbury

1:35 – BetVictor Carnarvon Stakes (Listed Race) – 6f

Hierarchy’s best juvenile form came over C&D when he finished a head 2^nd of 9 in the Group 3 Mill Reef Stakes and he made a perfectly respectable seasonal return at Ascot last month. He’s got each way claims here as has Sam Maximus who’s best 2-year-old form came when finishing a ½ length 3^rd of 11 to Lusail in the Group 2 July Stakes at Newmarket. The one they both must beat though is the progressive Tiber Flow who will take the beating if reproducing his high-class all-weather form on his turf debut The colt hold a Group 1 Commonwealth Cup so is clearly highly regarded by trainer William Haggas.

2:10 – Al Rayyan Stakes (Group 3) – 1m 4f

An Intriguing, renewal of the race with two Group 1 winners making their seasonal returns but they have their Group 1 penalties to give away.  Scope won the Group 1 Prix Royal-Oak at Longchamp on last start of 2021 campaign. He must concede weight to his rivals here and maybe better for the run and a longer trip. Eshaada won Listed race here (1m 2f) last spring and ended last season with an improved success in the Group 1 Fillies’ & Mares’ Stakes at Ascot in October. Lightly raced just the five starts, she has the scope do better as 4-year-old but the concern would be the drying ground on her seasonal reappearance, both last season’s wins came on good to soft & soft going. Ilaraab has some good form at the track, including two wins, the latest of them coming over C&D in the Group 3 St Simon Stakes last October. Likely needed the run when an encouraging 2 ¼ length 4th of 7 to Max Vega in John Porter Stakes over C&D last month. Foxes Tales made a sound reappearance when 2^nd of 3 to Mostahdaf in Gordon Richards Stakes at Sandown last time. He gets weight from his main rivals and and finished a length one place in front of Ilaraab here in a Group 3 last September

2:45 – BetVictor London Gold Cup Handicap (Class 2) – 1m 2f

Normally an informative 3-year-old only handicap and it looks a hot renewal. Israr shaped well when a 2-length 3rd of 7 to Educator at Newmarket on handicap debut on his seasonal return. There should be more to come from the colt this season who can win races off his present mark. Mr Big Stuff showed he had improved from two to three when a finishing a length 2nd of 9 to Al Qareem on handicap debut at Nottingham. He’s up 3lb but the winner won a handicap at York yesterday so the form looks strong. Red Vineyard beat Al Qareem on his handicap debut at Sandown last month. The runner-up has won twice since and although he’s 5lb higher here remains on a competitive mark and is lightly raced enough to think he’s capable of more improvement.  He retuned to action looking better than ever when winning at Doncaster 22-days ago. There was plenty to like about the way he dug when challenged to prevail that day, He’s be raised 3lb and races in a deeper race here but should continue to gibe a good account with Silvestre De Sousa who is 10 winners from 25 bets 40% +20.05 when combining with trainer Richard Fahey.

3:20 – Al Shaqab Lockinge Stakes (Group 1) – 1m

Baaeed is the most exciting older horse in training. He’s top on Official Ratings (OR) and He has the potential to rate even higher still this season. Unbeaten on all six careers starts connections will be disappointed if he can’t maintain his unbeaten record here on his seasonal return.  Both Mother Earth and Alcohol Free have race fitness on their side, The former returned to winning ways in a Group 3 at the Curragh and looks set for another good season. She does have 3 ¼ lengths to find with Baaeed on their running in last year’s Queen Elizabeth II Stakes. Alcohol Free ran below form on her seasonal return at Sandown. The hood she wore last time for the first time has been dispensed with today and it’s too early to write off last year’s Sussex Stakes winner. Real World didn’t take to the dirt on his last two starts in Meydan. A big improver on turf last season winning the Royal Hunt Cup (Handicap) at Royal Ascot and ending the season with a Group 2 success at Longchamp. He’s 5-5 on turf and although he’s got 7lb to find with Baaeed on OR’s he can’t be totally ruled out on ground that will suit. The 5-year-old will surely land a Group 1 this season.

Newmarket

There are three races from Newmarket being covered live on ITV this afternoon and it’s the two Class 2 handicaps that interest me most.

2:25 – TRU7 Handicap (Class 2) – 6f

Pocket The Profit and Auditor finished 5^th & 7^th at Chester last time. Neither were seen to best advantage, the first named wasn’t well drawn and didn’t seem to handle the track. He’s better than that run but may need softer ground than is likely today. Auditor’s best form has come on quick turf so he wouldn’t really have enjoyed the ground at Chester and was another not well drawn that day. He’s better judged by his handicap debut run at Sandown on his seasonal reappearance. Romantic Time shouldn’t be judged to harshly on her last of 12 in a Chelmsford Listed race 16-days ago as she was hampered and stumbled 1f out before being eased down. Better can be expected from her but she’s vulnerable to better handicapped rivals. Haymaker won here last time over 7f. He doesn’t lack pace so the drop back to 6f shouldn’t inconvenience him. He’s up 6lb for his latest success but Harry Davies takes off a handy 7lb which negates his rise in the weights. Harry Three has shown he handles the track, placing in big field handicaps over C&D on his last two starts. He ticks the boxes marked going, course & distance and won’t be far away f reproducing his latest performance.

3:00 – Birketts LLP Handicap (Class 2) – 7f

Natural Path ran well on Bahrain over the winter. He’s just 2lb higher than when winning at Yarmouth last September and has each way claims here. Quintillus finished 1 length 3^rd of 29 in the Briitannia Handicap at Roya; Ascot before going onto win here on the July Course, off 2lb lower. Down the field on his only start in a Listed contest Meydan, He’s clearly got ability but looked a tricky ride when winning last season. Wizard D’Amour, hails from the very much inform Karl Burke yard. A winner at Catterick two starts back. The market expected him to follow up over C&D but he found Shine So Bright 1 length to strong at the finish. The winner is 2lb worse off today but he was ending a long losing run that day and had a bit in hand at the line. Whether he will be in the same form today isn’t certain and the consistent Wizard D’Amour is more likely to give his running.

Betting Advice:

Newbury

2:45 – 1pt win – Red Vineyard – 6/1 @ Bet365 and 1pt win – Wootton’Sun – 18/1 @ Ladbrokes

3:20 – 1pt win – Real World – 8/1 @ Bet365

Newmarket

2:25 – 1pt win – Harry Three – 11/2 @ Paddy Power & Betfair Sportsbook and 1pt win – Auditor – 16/1 @ Coral & Ladbrokes

3:00 – 1pt win – Natural Path – 16/1 @ Paddy Power & Betfair Sportsbook

Cheers

John

Hi all,

The final day of York’s Dante Festival. You can watch the first five races from the Knavesmire live on ITV4 this afternoon. Plus, there’s a bonus race from Newbury.

York Dante Festival – Day 3

No classic clues on show at York today. However, it gives the York crowd another chance to see Stradivarius in action in the Yorkshire Cup (3:35) in what will be his final season before retirement. He faces four rivals in his bid to win the race for a third time.

The opening race on the card is Listed Marygate Fillies’ Stakes (1.50) which has attracted a field of 16 juvenile fillies.

1:50 – Knights Solicitors British EBF Marygate Fillies’ Stakes (Listed Race) – 5f

Miami Girl quickened clear of her rivals to win at Newmarket on her racecourse debut. Not sure how strong a race it was but in recent years the winner has proved up to winning in pattern company. She’s handles quick ground and is capable of more improvement and looks a big player. Her owner Amo Racing also saddles Thirsk winner Fix You who was clearly sharp enough to win first time but is also open to further progress.  Both fillies are contenders but the owners retained jockey Rossa Ryan opts for Miami Girl.

Yahsat runner-up on Newmarket on her racecourse debut went one better at Pontefract 16-days ago. The daughter of Dandy Man has a bit size about her and should keep on improving physically.

Lost Angel and Pillow Talk were first and second at Nottingham last time. There was just ½ length between them at the line but the winner did have race experience on her side. Pillow Talk she’s sure will improve and should be winning soon and its interesting that trainer Karl Burke, also saddles Yahsat, throws her into pattern company for second start.

2:25 – Oaks Farm Stables Fillies’ Stakes (The Michael Seely Memorial Fillies’ Stakes) (Listed Race) – 1m

Favourite Grande Dame overcame experience to win at Ascot on her racecourse debut last month. Open to plenty of improvement and has a Group 1 Coronation Stakes entry which shows she highly regarded by the Gosden yard. However, she does face some interesting rivals.

Fonteyn ran a useful filly in Crenelle to a neck at Newmarket on her seasonal return. She clearly has ability and can win races.

Girl On Film won on her juvenile debut on Newmarket’s July Course last September and improved again when finishing a 5 ¼ length 5th of 9 to Hello You in the Group 3 Rockfel Stakes at Newmarket. She was just over 4 lengths behind 1,000 Guineas winner Cachet that day so the form is good and she remains capable of better in her second season.

Rolling Dice had some good form as a juvenile posting a career best on RPR’s when a 5 ½ length 3rd of 6 to Inspiral in the Group 2 May Hill Stakes at Doncaster. Seasonal reappearance and if she’s trained on from two to three can out run her odds.

3:00 – Paddy Power “I Love Steak” Stakes (Class 2) – 1m 2 ½ f

Parachute has become frustrating but he’s got ability and the first-time blinkers could have the desired effect as he looked like he would benefit from headgear.

Rogue Bear is a more solid, consistent handicapper. Third of 22 in the Lincoln Handicap on his seasonal reappearance, doing best of those drawn high. He did even better on his next start when a ½ length 3^rd of 17 in the Newbury Spring Cup. He’s been nudged up 2lb but the step up to 1m 2f looks worth a try and he looks a worthy favourite

Belloccio returned to winning ways at Kempton last month. Unbeaten on his two juvenile starts he struggled in pattern company as a 3-year-old but appreciated the drop back into handicap company at Kempton. He’s been raised 5lb for his latest success and the top-weight must prove he’s as good on quick turf.

Cockalorum’s best two RPR’s have come over C&D, finishing a head 2^nd off 22 in the John Smith’s Cup and a 1 ¼ length 3^rd of 13 to Migration at the Ebor Festival. He’s handicapped to be competitive but would likely prefer less pace pressure out in front.

3:35 – Paddy Power Yorkshire Cup Stakes (Group 2) – 1m 6f

Stradivarius must give away weight to his rivals here which means he isn’t the highest rated on RPR’s. He’s 5-7 on his seasonal reappearance and a perfect 5-5 here at York. Two of his main market rivals Search For A Song and Tashkhan have had a run this season. The former finished runner-up to Kyprios at Navan 20-days ago and won here over 1m 4f in 2019. The ground will suit the mare but Tashkhan may prefer softer ground dropped back to 1m 6f. 

Max Vega a useful juvenile on rain softened ground failed to win as a 3-year-old or 4-year-old although he did run very well to finish a 5-length 5^th of 20 in the Ebor Handicap over C&D. He might have got closer that day if he had got a clearer run 2f out. He also ended last season finishing runner-up in a Group 3 at Newbury. He put in a career best to win back at that venue in a Group 3 back last month and can go close, if in the same form today.

4:10 – Paddy Power “Fill Thi Boots” Handicap (Class 3) – 1m 4f

The first of there tricky handicaps that conclude the Dante meeting. The Godolphin colt Wild Crusade bids for the hat trick after two wins at Kempton. He’s only up 5lb for the latest of those wins which seems lenient. First run on grass for the 3-year-old and if he’s as good grass will take the beating here

Speycaster finished 4 lengths behind Al Qareem at Nottingham on his seasonal return. However, he gets 8lb from that one here and was conceding race fitness that day. He’s open to further improvement for the step up to 1m 4f. He looks the value play here against the likely favourite Wild Crusade.

4:45 – Yorkshire Equine Practice Handicap (Class 4) – 7f

Il Bandito back down to 7f and confirmed the promise of his seasonal reappearance to get off the mark for his new yard at Redcar last month. He only won by a nose that day but that means he’s only been raised 1lb for that win and he should be competitive again if effective on quicker ground. Mossbawn was ½ length behind third but he was conceding race fitness to the two who finished in front of him. This is his trip and he can be placed to win a race or two this season.

Admirality ended a near 3-year losing run when beating three rivals at Thirsk last time. He’s record suggests he wouldn’t be one to follow up but he’s gone close over C&D in the past and can’t be totally dismissed.  

Challet won over C&D last September, off 4lb lower and his form figures at York are 113. Looked as good as ever when a ¾-length 2nd of 9 at Ripon last month and he’s not out of this even off 3lb higher mark today. Danzan close-up 3^rd of 22 in Ayr’s Bronze Cup before finishing a 1 ¼ length 3^rd of 12 to Challet over C&D last September.  He’s got a 9lb pull in the weights and is entitled to go close if reproducing that performance today. Plenty to like about his 2 ¾ length 4th of 10 to Gweedore at Musselburgh on his seasonal return last month. He’s on long losing run though and does remain 0-9 over the distance which is a slight concern.

5:20 – Longines Irish Champions Weekend Handicap (Class 3) – 5f

Catch Cunningham made an encouraging return to action when a short-head 2nd of 9 at Thirsk last month. The gelding operation that he had at the end of last season looks to done the trick. With the 4-year-old going through the race like he’s on a good mark.

Korker, a ½ length 2^nd of 12 here last October, with Catch Cunningham back in 4^th, made a solid enough return to action when a 5 ½ length 5th of 9 to Live In The Dream at Sandown last time. He looked a bit rusty that day and the Karl Burke yard is among the winners this week.

Josie’s Kid put in a career best effort when a ½ length 3^rd of 6 at Goodwood 13-days ago. The first time cheekpieces he wore last time are retained here. He beat Korker here last October and is now 9lb worse off with that one.

Crush And Run showed he’s as effective on the grass as the synthetics when head 2nd of 7 at Nottingham last time. He gets the first-time blinkers and must be respected if the headgear works.

Meredif quickened clear of 15 rivals to win at Nottingham on her final juvenile start. Handicap debut and seasonal return. She’s open to further improvement and is respected off what looks a workable mark. If this 5f doesn’t prove to sharp she won’t be far away.

Betting Advice:

1:50 – 1pt win – Fix You – 8/1 @ Paddy Power & Betfair Sportbook

2:25 – 1pt win – Girl On Film – 13/2 @ Bet365

4:10 – 1pt win – Speycaster – 5/1 @ Coral & Ladbrokes

4:45 – 1pt win – Challet – 15/2 @ Bet365

5:20 – 1pt win – Josies Kid – 10/1 @ Bet365 and 1pt win – Meredif – 4/1 @ Bet365

Cheers

John