Author: John Burke

Hi all,

Morning all,

All things York today. It’s day two at York’s Dante Festival which looks set to provide more Derby clues with the latest running of the Dante Stakes (3.35). Last year’s race was won by the eventual Derby third Hurricane Lane and this renewal looks strong.

The Group 2 Middleton Fillies’ Stakes (2.25) and the Listed Westow Stakes (4.10) make up an interesting seven-race card.

Inside today’s main piece I preview the best of today’s action at the track with once again the handicaps offering the best prospect for value bets.

York Dante Festival – Day 2

1:50 – Sky Bet Race To The Ebor Jorvik Handicap (Class 2) – 5f

Raasel returned to winning ways at Goodwood last month. He’s now won 6 of his last 7 starts and although he’s been raised 7lb for his latest win he might not have reached his class ceiling just yet.

Plenty of old favourite’s among the thirteen runners. You can never rule out a Michael Dods sprinter on the Knavesmire as we saw here yesterday and he runs Jawwaal here.  The 7-year-old has yet to win here after seven runs at the track but he’s put up several good performances.  Seasonal reappearance here but he did win first time up in 2020 so the trainer can get him to win off a layoff. He’s suited by a strong pace which he should get here and must be high on the shortlist.

Others on the shortlist include course specialist Copper Knight and Alligator Alley. The latter won a C&D Listed race in 2019 as juvenile when trained by Joseph O’Brien. Now with David O’Meara he missed the whole of 2021 but made a promising stable debut when a 2 ¾ length 3rd of 6 at Wolverhampton in March. Yesterday’s Duke Of York Stakes winner was second so the form got a big boost. That was the 5-year-old’s first start since gelding & breathing operations. A mark of 95 looks workable and he’s in the mix.

2:25 – Al Basti Equiworld Dubai Middleton Fillies’ Stakes (Group 2) – 1m 2 ½ f

Just the six fillies and mares go to post. It’s an intriguing enough race and you can’t dismiss any of them. 

The market is headed by the Ger Lyons trained Thunder Kiss. The 5-year-old won the Munster Oaks at Cork last season and ended the campaign with a success in a Listed race at Naas. Looked as good as ever when winning a Listed race at Cork last month. She stays 1m 4f well but won’t be inconvenienced by the drop back to an extended 1m 2f.

Ville De Grace an improving filly last season, almost made a winning return to action when going down by a nose in a Group 2 at Newmarket 11-days ago. The return to 1m 2f will suit her and she’s a got a big chance. Stablemate Noon Star finished in the runner-up in last season’s Musidora over C&D. She was only having her second start since the Musidora. When winning the Nottinghamshire Oaks 16-days ago on her first start for 10 months. Lightly raced she’s open to further improvement.

Forbearance and Aristia both won Listed races here last year. The latter over C&D and the former over 1m 4f. Both make their seasonal returns and are not out of this if fit enough.

3:00 – Paddy Power Hambleton Handicap (Class 2) – 1m

Trais Fluors isn’t the easiest horse to win with and needs all the cards to fall right. They didn’t last time in the Thirsk Hunt Cup where he didn’t get any sort of run in the straight before finishing a 3-length 10th of 15. He’s down to a winning mark.

Isla Kai caught the eye on his seasonal reappearance when finishing a 1 length 4th of 17 in the Spring Cup at Newbury last month. He will be sharper today and he ran a cracker over C&D when ½ length 2^nd of 14 last August. A progressive handicapper as 3-year-old he looks the sort to continue to be competitive in mile handicaps this summer. Stall 15 isn’t ideal for a prominent racer but I still think he can go close.

Brunch can normally be relied upon to run his race in these big field mile handicaps. He won twice here in 2020, including one over C&D, and he finished a neck 2^nd of 14 in last year’s race, albeit off a 3lb lower mark. Tough ask off top- weight but I can see him going close.

What’s The Story won this race in 2019 and followed up in a valuable C&D handicap at the Ebor Festival that season. That remains the 8-year-old’s last win but he’s dropped down to a winnable mark. He finished a 3 ½ length 5^th of 14 and would have finished a bit closer if he had got a clearer run inside the final furlong. He’s 9lb lower than 12 months ago and will be suited by the good ground and likely strong pace.

Cruyff Turn showed he goes well over C&D when winning a valuable handicap at last year’s Ebor Festival. He’s run respectably on both starts this season and was only beaten 2 lengths into 7th in the Thirsk Hunt Cup last time. The quicker the ground the better for him and given he’s only 2lb above his last winning mark he looks capable of a good run. Has a good draw in stall 1 for a front runner.

3:35 – Al Basti Equiworld Dubai Dante Stakes (Group 2) – 1m 2 ½ f

The Gosden yard won this in 2015 with Golden Horn who went onto Derby success at Epsom. They saddle recent Leicester scorer Magisterial. The son Frankel deserves his chance in a Derby Trial and looks capable of more progress.

There has been plenty of support in the Derby ante post betting for Desert Crown. The colt who won his sole juvenile start at Nottingham, is now a best priced 6/1 for Epsom. The colt should do well over middle distance’s as 3-year-old. So, it will be interesting to see how well he’s done physically over the winter.

El Bodegon who beat Stone Age in what now looks strong form in last season’s Group 1 Criterium de Saint-Cloud, must prove he’s as effective on a sound surface as he is testing ground. If he is then he’s a major player.  

The all-conquering Aidan O’Brien stable brings over Bluegrass who finished 5 ½ length 4th of 9 to another Derby hopeful in Piz Badile in Ballysax Stakes. He’s been steadily progressive and could step up significantly for his Leopardstown return.

Royal Patronage who won the Group 2 Royal Lodge as juvenile was a 6 ¼ lengths 8th of 15 to Coroebus in 2,000 Guineas on his seasonal return. He’s bred to improve for middle distances and can’t be discounted here.

Verdict: This year’s Dante has the makings of a good race. Indeed, it could prove to be this season’s key Derby Trial. El Bodegon and Royal Patronage brings high class juvenile form into the race and they are up against potential improvers in Magisterial, Bluegrass and the exciting Desert Crown.

4:10 – British Stallion Studs EBF Westow Stakes (Listed Race) – 5f

Aidan O’Brien brings over King Of Bavaria.  A winner of both his juvenile starts he shaped with plenty of encouragement when a 4 ¼ length 4th of 7 in Listed race at Navan on his return to the track last month. He remains capable of improvement as 3-year-old.

Boonie a useful juvenile, finished third in the Windsor Castle Stakes at Royal Ascot, made a winning seasonal reappearance at Nottingham. It was a career best on RPR’s that day from him.  Granted he needs to improve again to win here but it’s possible he can.

Project Dante came to hand early as a juvenile winning on his racecourse debut here 12 months ago before a strong finishing ¼ length 3^rd of 14 in the Group 2 Norfolk Stakes at Royal Ascot. Not in the same form on two subsequent starts but he’s had wind operation since and given his name you would think he’s been primed for this.

Guilded has high class juvenile form to her name and she gets the 5lb filly’s allowance which brings her firmly into contention. She’s doesn’t have the potential upside of the other three mentioned but she has had a recent run at Chantilly which should have blown the cobwebs away and her trainer Karl Burke has his horses in good form.

5:20 – Fidomoney Handicap (Class 3) – 2m ½ f

Just the 8 runners for this marathon but it remains a competitive contest nonetheless. Ahorsewithnoname is sure to be popular after her recent success at Newbury. Runner-up in the Mares’ Novice Hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival she’s hasn’t had many starts on the level and although the handicapper has raised her 6lb for her latest win she idled in the closing stages and there should be more to come from her on the flat.

Master Milliner was 8 ½ lengths behind Ahorsewithnoname at Newbury. He will do well to beat the mare even on 6lb better terms but he may have needed the run that day and he is 2-2 over C&D.

Ravenscraig Castle was a progressive 3-year-old handicapper last season winning at Carlisle and Ayr before finishing a ½ length 3^rd of 22 in the Melrose Handicap here last August. Plenty to like about the 4-year-old’s Ripon reappearance run when a 1 ¾ length 3rd of 6 last time. Unexposed over 2m + and is suited to a sound surface.

Frankenstella was 4^th of 11 in last year’s race before going on to win at Haydock, off 4lb lower. First run for almost 12 months which makes it a tough ask for the mare but she is a previous C&D winner and the John Quinn yard is great form.

Caldwell put in a career best effort on the level when running out a decisive winner of a Kempton handicap last month. He’s got an 8lb rise in the weights to contend with in a better race for his return to the turf. However, he was racing at 2m for the first time on the level last time so is unexposed over the distance. There doesn’t look to be much pace in the race so an emphasis on speed will suit. Yard had the runner-up in last year’s race.

Betting Advice:

York

1:50 – 1pt win – Jawwaal – 10/1 @ Coral & Ladbrokes and 1pt win – Alligator Alley – 7/1 @ Bet365

3:00 – 1pt win – What’s The Story – 8/1 @ Bet365 and 1pt win – Brunch – 8/1 @ Coral & Ladbrokes

4:10 – 1pt win – Project Dante – 7/1 @ Bet365

5:20 – 1pt win – Caldwell – 9/1 @ Bet365 & Coral

Cheers

John

Hi all

The start of the three-day York Dante meeting and the feature race is the Musidora Stakes (3.35). Impressive Sandown winner Emily Upjohn faces four rivals as she bids to enhance her Oaks claims. They include Newbury maiden winner Life Of Dreams and the Aidan O’Brien trained filly The Algarve.  The other highlight of a seven-race card is the Group 2 1895 Duke Of York Clipper Logistics Stakes (3.00).

Inside today’s main piece I look ahead at the day’s action at the Knavesmire. If you’re lucky enough to be not working today you can watch the first five races from York on ITV4.

York Dante Festival – Day 1

1:50 – Sky Bet Race To The Ebor Jorvik Handicap (Class 2) – 1m 4f

Gaassee could get favourite backers off to good start at the meeting. The 4-year-old has won his last three starts and trainer William Haggas tells the Racing Post that “he’s pretty useful.” He holds a Group 2 Hardwicke Stakes entry which shows how highly regarded he is. Yard won this last year with Ilaraab and have a great chance of another win.

Dark Jedi has placed form in big field handicaps around here. He’s got each way claims but he holds no secrets from the handicapper.

Forza Orta has a 5lb penalty to carry for his Hamilton win 10-days ago. This is a deeper race but the 4-year-old is progressive and can’t be ruled out.

The biggest threat to the favourite could be top-weight Global Storm. The 5-year-old disappointing in the Lincoln on soft ground at the end of last season bounced back to his best in Meydan winning a 1m 4f handicap before finishing a 2 ¼ length 3^rd of 14 to Hukum in a Group 2 last time.  Harry Davies takes off a handy 7lb. and Gaassee will have to be the horse his trainer thinks he is to win.

2:25 – Churchill Tyres Handicap (Class 2 – 6f

The biggest field of the day with 22 declared for this sprint handicap. Bielsa last season’s Ayr Gold Cup winner, from 4lb lower, hasn’t been at his best on either start this season. He wasn’t beaten far in fifth in last year’s race and big run can’t be ruled out. He will be better for

Mr Wagyu had a great 2021 winning five times, including the Goodwood Stewards Cup.  He will be fitter than when 8^th of 19 at Newmarket 11-days ago on his return to action. However, he may be the grip of the handicapper for now.

Mr Lupton has won four times at York and landed this race last year. He’s 3lb lower than 12 months ago so is down to a handy mark. First run since October but he’s won off a layoff in the past so can go well fresh. The forecast strong pace will suit the 9-year-old and he’s shouldn’t be far away.  

Two of Nomadic Empire’s three best RPR’s have come over C&D, including when winning here last September, off 4lb lower. There was plenty to like about the 4-year-old’s reappearance at Ripon when he finished a 1 ¼ length 3rd of 8 at Ripon last month. He got no sort of run inside the final furlong and looked an unlucky loser. At least he confirmed that he’s started the season off on a competitive mark.

3:00 – Duke Of York Clipper Logistics Stakes (Group 2) – 6f

Dragon Symbol is having his first start since switching from Archie Watson to Roger Varian.  The 4-year-old placed in three Group 1 sprints last season. Today’s ground should be fine and if he’s ready to roll first time looks the one to beat on from.

Emaraaty Ana relished the fast ground when winning the Group 1 Betfair Sprint Cup at Haydock. Prior to that success the 6-year-old had finished runner-up to Winter Power in the Nunthorpe here over 5f. His Group 1 success means he has 5lb penalty to carry which makes life tough and he hardly beat a rival on his two starts at Meydan.

Rohaan needs to be respected if reproducing his Royal Ascot Wokingham Handicap success. However, he’s usually held up in his races which isn’t ideal here.

Garrus has fitness on his side and looked as good as ever when a short head 2^nd of 8 in the Group 3 Abernant Stakes at Newmarket last month. Good ground suits and Ryan Moore takes the ride.  The blinkers go on for the first time and if the headgear has the desired effect he could get into the places.

Minzaal comes into the race with most upside. The 4-year-old won the Gimcrack over C&D as a juvenile. He wasn’t seen out until October last season and only had two runs. The best of them came on his final start when a 2-length 3^rd of 20 to Creative Force in the Group 1 Champions Sprint at Ascot. He looked a smart sprint prospect for this season that day and could be a Champion sprinter in the making. If he’s ready to roll first time up he can win this.

3:35 – Tattersalls Musidora Stakes (Group 3) – 1m 2 ½ f

Emily Upjohn has won both career starts and last time out comfortably saw off 11 rivals to win by nearly ten lengths at Sandown.  The daughter of Sea The Stars is open to plenty of improvement, looks the most likely winner, albeit the second at Sandown has been beaten in a maiden. Where she to win nicely here she could well be the Oaks favourite after the race.  That said she does face two potentially smart fillies in Live The Dream and The Algarve.  Both of whom possess excellent pedigrees.

Live The Dream looked above average when winning at Newbury on her racecourse debut. In liked her a lot that day and I think she can prove a lot better than that bare form. The Algarve got off the mark at the third attempt when winning a Galway maiden (heavy) last October. It will be interesting to how well she’s progressed from two to three. Give the form of the Aidan O’Brien it’s a surprise to see her as big in the betting as she is.

4:10 – Paddy Power ‘Here For The Craic’ Handicap (Class 3) – 7f

Another handicap with a short-priced favourite. Samburu has won both his starts; The son of Kingman still looked a work in progress when winning at Salisbury three weeks ago. He’s open to plenty of improvement and seems ground versatile. Handicap debut of what is probably a lenient mark off 88 given he holds a Group 1 St James’s Palace Stakes at Royal Ascot.

Should the favourite underperform the one most likely to take advantage is Mojomaker.  A solid enough juvenile he produced close to a personal best when a nose 2^nd of 6 at Doncaster (6f) 19-days ago. He’s up 3lb for that effort but remains on a competitive mark, However, the favourite will be a tough nut to crack.  

4:45 – Conundrum HR Consulting Handicap – 1m 4f

Fourteen go to post for this Class 4 handicap. However, many of them come into the race with question marks. One who doesn’t is El Picador who bounced back from a poor effort to win at Musselburgh 13-days ago. He’s up 4lb for that win but shouldn’t be far away if liking the track.

The fact that Eagle Court is as short as 7/1 shows the lack of depth to the race. He should be sharper for his Newbury reappearance and is nicely treated on the best of last season’s form for his previous yard but he’s doesn’t find winning easy.

All five of Pearl Beach’s career wins have come on the all-weather. The last of them came at Newcastle two starts back. The mare returned from 9-month layoff and was just caught on the line when a short head 2^nd of 6 at Wolverhampton 22-days ago.  If she can reproduce her consistent all-weather form on grass.

Obsidian Knight is the least experienced of the field but he shaped well enough when a 1 ¼ length 5^th of 6 on his handicap debut at Lingfield two starts back. However, the 4-year-old ran to bad to be true back at the same venue last time. He’s on a workable mark but this is his first start on the grass.

Kihavah won twice over hurdles last winter and ran better than his 5-length 6^th of 15 at Chester five days ago.  The slow pace didn’t suit that day and today’s more galloping track should suit.

Highwaygrey has dropped down to a winning mark and he shaped better than his 6 ½ length 7th of 11 at Thirsk (1m 4f) suggests last month. He didn’t have a hard race once his chance had gone and the 6-year-old remains unexposed over 1m 4f.

Betting Advice:

1:50 – 1pt win – Global Storm – 8/1 @ Bet365

2:25 – 1pt win – Nomadic Empire – 6/1 @ Bet365

4:10 – 1pt win – Mojomaker – 6/1 – Gen

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

Cheers

John

Hi all,

It’s the start of the Sky Bet Sunday Series at Hamilton this afternoon and this innovative series of meetings which started last year gets underway with big fields attracted by some excellent prize money for the level of racing.  There’s even a £100,000 on offer for the first jockey to ride seven winners across the six fixtures. That will be a tough ask but not impossible and offers a bit of spice to proceedings.

The highest quality action is across the Irish Sea at Leopardstown. Its Derby Trial Day there, with the feature being the Group 3 Derby Trial (4.35). There are also two other Group 3 contests on the Leopardstown card.

ITV are covering all seven races from Hamilton and three races from Leopardstown including the Derby Trial as part of a bumper ten race teatime programme.

It’s a great finale to an excellent couple of weeks of racing. Oh, and it all starts again on Wednesday with the start of my favourite of the spring flat festivals: York’s Dante meeting.

In today’s preview I have had a look at five races at Hamilton and five over at Leopardstown.

Hamilton

4:48 – The likeable Gweedore made it 7 wins from 26 starts when winning when successful at Musselburgh 22-days ago. Only seems to do enough when winning so a 2lb rise in the weights might not be an issue for the top-weight who drops in class here. King Triton looked ahead of his mark when a 2 ¼ length 3^rd of 14 in a Class 2 handicap at York’s Ebor Festival. He returned from an 8-month absence with a promising enough effort when a 4 ¼ length 3rd of 8 at Ripon 15-days ago.  Should be sharper for his Ripon reappearance and can surely win a race or two off his present mark.

5:18 – Rayong took advantage of a declining mark to win at Pontefract last time.  The handicapper has hiked him up 7lb for that success but the 5-year-old remains as on a competitive mark given, he won off 93 as a 3-year-old.

5:48 – Aasser is sure to be popular after his handicap debut win at Lingfield last month. Up 5lb for his Lingfield win but he’s only had four career starts so is open to further improvement. He makes his turf debut here and if he proves as effective on grass as the synthetics is the one to beat. Lethal Levi a stablemate Aasser is more experienced and made it 3 wins from 10 starts when beating seven rivals at Yarmouth 19-days ago. He showed a good battling attitude at the finish to prevail last time. Despite that trainer Karl Burke puts the first time cheekpieces on today. The quicker the ground the better so if the drying conditions continue, he’s very much in the mix despite a 4lb rise in the weights.

6:18 – Captain Haddock won over C&D last summer and the Amateur Riders Derby at Epsom in August off 1lb lower. The 5-year-old returned from a 3-month layoff with a 5 ¾ length 3rd of 13 at Doncaster in March. The return to C&D is a positive for the gelding who should be there or thereabouts.

6:48 – Life On The Rocks improved for the return to a sound surface when getting off the mark at the 7^th attempt at Ayr (1m 2f) 13-days ago. Today’s 1f longer trip should suit, as will the forecast strong pace. He’s been raised 4lb for that win so likely needs to improve again but he’s capable of better and gets the first time cheekpieces today. Where’s Jeff has twice won around here in the past, albeit over shorter but does stay 1m 4f and he’s at his best going right-handed. Will have needed the run when 5th of 9 at Haydock 15-days ago and the 7-year-old has to be of interest back down to his last winning mark.

Leopardstown

3:35 – Enthrallment was unlucky in the run when a neck 2nd of 10 on handicap debut over here over 1m 2f last month. He’s an improving handicapper and deserves to be favourite. However, the Dermot Weld has been struggling for winners in the previous two weeks, albeit they did have a winner at Naas yesterday. Yashin shaped with promise when a 6-length 4th of 17 in maiden (1m) here last month. Steps up to 1m 4f for his handicap debut and must be respected.

4:05 – Cornelscourt Stakes (Group 3) (Fillies) – 1m

Agartha a high-class juvenile she returned from a 6-month absence to finish a length 2nd of 11 to Homeless Songs in 1000 Guineas Trial here over 7f. She was giving 3lb to the winner that day and the return to a mile should suit her. The one to beat but normally front running filly could face competition for the lead.

Panama Red improved to win a Listed race over 7f here on her final juvenile start. She finished 4 lengths behind Agartha on her seasonal return here and is 3lb worse off at the weights today. Not ruled out with that run under her belt and she shaped last time that a mile would suit.

Agartha’s biggest danger could well be the Aidan O’Brien trained filly History. The daughter of Galileo got off the mark at the third attempt last season when beating 15 rivals in a Gowran Park maiden last September. Looks open to further improvement as a 3-year-old.   

4:35 – Derby Trial Stakes (Group 3) – 1m 2f

The race of the day and there is a possibility that a Derby contender could emerge. Stone Age a very useful juvenile, placing in a Group 2 here and a Group 1 at Saint-Cloud, showed he had trained on from two to three when comfortably getting off the mark in a Navan maiden in March. Open to plenty of progress as 3-year-old and could well give Aidan O’Brien another Derby Trial success.

French Claim looked much improved when comfortably beating four rivals at Cork on his seasonal return. He might prove even better at 1m 4f, as the season progresses, but he fully deserves to take his chance here and could prove smart.

The Dermot Weld trained Duke De Sessa won a Group 3 here on his final juvenile start, had French Claim 2 ½ length back in fourth that day, He made an encouraging seasonal reappearance when a 3 ¾ length 3rd of 9 to Derby hopeful Piz Badile in the Ballysax Stakes over C&D last month. The runner-up Buckaroo has gone onto win since and is now a leading contender for the Irish 2,000 Guineas, so that Ballysax form looks solid.

Atomic Jones can’t be discounted on his seasonal return either. A winner of a Curragh maiden on is racecourse debut before following up in a Group 2 (1m) here in September. He might have been a lucky winner that day as he got a clear run to win on the outside. He had Stone Age head back in second that day but that one now has race fitness on his side and proved he stays 1m 2f.

5:05 – Amethyst Stakes (Group 3) – 1m

All three of Real Appeal’s wins have come here at Leopardstown on good ground. He posted a career best on RPR’s when winning a Group 2 over C&D last September. That success means the 5-year-old has a 5lb penalty to carry on his seasonal return. He might need the run but he did win first time up last season.

There’s one 3-year-old in the field and it’s the Aidan O’Brien trained Ivy League. A son of Galileo he followed up Dundalk maiden win last month with a comfortable handicap debut success at 15-days ago. He’s clearly an improving colt and could complete the hat trick despite this rise in class. Aidan O’Brien is 0-8 1 place with his runners in the race since 2009.

Georgeville won a Listed race here over 1m 2f on his final start over 2021. Prior to that the 6-year-old had finished a 1 ½ length 6^th of 14 to Real Appeal over C&D and he gets 5lb from the winner today. Maybe needed the run on his seasonal return when only a 4 ¼ length 8th of 9 to Layfayette in a Group 3 (1m 2f) at the Curragh last month. He ran well for a long way and looked set to go close but faded between the final two furlongs. Not sure to be suited by the drop back to a mile but should at least be sharper today.

Patrick Sarsfield a big improver in 2020 including winning a Group 3 here over 1m 1f and ended that season with second in a Group 2 at Longchamp. Started last season with a couple of runner-up effort including a ½ length 2^nd of 13 in the Listed Wolferton Stakes at Royal Ascot. He made a decent return to action when a 3 ¾ length 4th of 7 to Layfayette at Naas. Might need further than mile these days but also can’t be dismissed here.

5:35 – This likely revolves around the improving Moracana and Entropy despite the fact they are drawn out wide here.The pair were first and second in a C&D handicap last month. Moracana was making her handicap debut that day and was strong at the finish to get up close to home. She’s been raised 8lb for her win and is 4lb worse off than the runner-up. That said she’s lightly raced for a 4-year-old and is 2-2 over C&D and likely capable of better. Entropy was making his debut for Joseph O’Brien and although the filly seemed to see out the race better, he may have just needed the run that day, his first for five months. He’s only had five career starts so like Moracana he’s unexposed and will surely be placed to win races. At a bigger price you can give Tooreen Angel a chance. The filly has yet to win on turf, both career wins have come at Dundalk, but has form that gives her an each-way claims. She put in a career best on grass when a 1 ¾ length 3^rd of 13 at Cork last month. The first three pulled nicely clear of the rest which means the handicapper has raised her 6lb for that performance.

I will be back on Wednesday for the first day of York’s Dante Festival so let’s hope I can sign off with a profitable day.

Betting Advice:

Hamilton

4:48 – 1pt win – King Triton – 6/1 @ Bet365

5:18 – 1pt win – Rayong – 5/1 @ Coral & Ladbrokes

5:48 – 1pt win – Lethal Levi – 6/1 @Bet365

6:18 – 1pt win – Captain Haddock – 12/1 @ Bet365

6:45 – 1pt win – Where’s Jeff – 11/1 @ Coral & Ladbrokes

Cheers

John

Hi all,

Another busy weekend of action starts today. Ascot is back in action again on Saturday with the Victoria Cup (4.05), worth £100,000 in guaranteed prize money the big betting race of the day.

Haydock’s Saturday card is a rare of jump and Flat racing. On the flat you have the Listed Spring Trophy Stakes (3.35) over 7f and 35 minutes earlier you have a very competitive looking Grade 3 Swinton Handicap Hurdle (3.00).

Elsewhere there should be plenty Classic clues on offer. Down at Lingfield the highlights of seven-race card are the Listed Derby (2.40) and Oaks Trials (3.15). Across the Irish Sea there’s also the Group 3 Blue Wind Stakes (3.25) at Naas.

Thankfully the field sizes for today’s big handicaps at Ascot and Haydock have held up well. The best of this afternoon’s action from Ascot, Haydock, and Lingfield can be seen on a nine-race programme on ITV4.

I will begin Saturday’s preview at Ascot. As ever my selection can be found at the end of the main piece.

Ascot

1:45 – Royal Ascot Local Schools Art Competition Handicap (Class 3) – 1m 4f

Flyin’ Solo progressed well in handicaps last season. A lightly raced 5-year-old, just the 9 career starts and looks capable of bit more improvement this season especially when the ground isn’t too soft.

HMS President was beaten just a head over C&D in the Shergar Cup last August, off 1lb higher. Likley needed his seasonal reappearance at Musselburgh. A consistent middle-distance handicapper he seems likely to give his running.

Duke Of Verona was strong at the finish when getting up close home at Wolverhampton last November. Both career wins have come on the synthetics but he ran well on turf last spring so reason why he can’t be just as effective on the grass. Starts the season off on what looks a competitive mark. The first time cheekpieces are an interesting addition  and if he’s ready to roll can go well.

3:30 – British EBF Fillies’ Handicap (Class 2) – 1m

Daniel & Claire Kubler had a winner at Chester on Thursday and they have a chance of another here with Don’t Tell Claire. The mare won a similar fillies’ only handicap over C&D (good to firm) last September. The quicker the ground and the stronger the pace the better for her. Now 8lb higher than for her latest win but capable of big run if ready on her first start since October.

4:05 – tote Victoria Cup (Handicap) (Class 2) – 7f

The big betting race of the weekend and with 25 horses set to meet the starter it’s a typically tough puzzle. Plenty in with a chance as you would expect. Magical Morning was beaten a head in a valuable mile handicap at York last August and ended last season with a 2 ½ length 3rd of 20 here in Balmoral Handicap (1m). Drop’s back to 7f is interesting for his seasonal return but he may be better over a mile.

Clive Cox saddled River Nymph to win this 12 months ago. He bids for back-to-back wins in the race but he may need softer ground. A stronger contender for the trainer looks to be Aratus. A winner of his three starts last season all over 7f. He was far too keen when last of three on his reappearance at Leicester. Now 4lb above his last winning mark and is an interesting runner in big field handicap for the first time.

Chiefofchiefs likes Ascot’s straight course with his two best RPR’s coming here. He won the Silver Wokingham (6f) in 2020 and finished a 3-length 7^th of 27 in last year’s race. Will strip fitter for his Kempton seasonal return, will be suited by the forecast strong pace but the Charlie Fellowes yard has been quiet over the last couple of weeks which is a concern.

Star Of Orien put in a great effort when a head 2^nd of 19 to Danyah in the valuable International Stakes (Handicap) over C&D last July. Not at his best on three subsequent starts last season but is more interesting back over C&D and on a sound surface.

Dark Shift is 3-4 at Ascot, including a C&D success.  The 4-year-old makes his seasonal reappearance but won first time up last season.  Looks set for a big run for an inform yard.

Fresh’s form figures at Ascot are 2123. He seemed to stay 7f when a 3^rd of 16 here last October. Excellent return to action when a short head 2^nd of 9 at Kempton 19-days ago. Had Chiefofchiefs 1 ½ lengths back in third last time. Has a valuable handicap in him this season when all the cards fall right.

Alrehb failed by ½ length to land the hat trick when 2^nd of 10 to Boardman at Haydock last time. At least he proved he can be just as effective on the grass as the all-weather.  Nudged up 1lb for that run but shouldn’t be far away. Gioia Cieca was a length back in 4^th in the Haydock. The return to faster ground suited the 4-year-old better than good to soft had done on his seasonal reappearance. Get’s 2lb from Alrehb and looks on a competitive mark.

Lingfield

2:35 – SBK Derby Trial Stakes (Listed Race) (Colts & Geldings) – 1m 3 ½ f

Just the five for this Derby Trial but it’s a fascinating race all the same. After New London’s defeat at Chester Godolphin will be looking for a big run from recent Newbury winners Walk Of Stars and Natural World. The former heads the betting and is a best priced 8/1 for next month Derby. Natural World doesn’t have a Derby entry but the son of Frankel looks to have potential for better after a good racecourse debut success last month.  Given how well the Aidan O’Brien runners went at Chester you must respect United Nations. He finished 2 length 4th of 8 in a listed race at Epsom on his seasonal return but could well improve further for the step up in trip. Lionel was a ¾-length 3rd of 12 to Natural World at Newbury last time. There are races to be won with him on the evidence of that run. He has a Derby entry and is an interesting contender. I wouldn’t be surprised if he improved to finish ahead of Natural World here.

3:15 – SBK Oaks Trial Fillies’ Stakes (Listed Race) – 1m 3 ½ f

A bigger field for the Oaks Trial. Whatever the fate of United Nations in the Derby Trial, I will be disappointed if the Aidan O’Brien trained Emily Dickinson can’t enhance her Oaks claims here. The daughter of Galileo shaped with plenty of promise when 5^th of 12 to Above The Curve at Leopardstown and built on that promise with a success in Naas maiden 12-days ago. Today’s 1 ½ furlong longer trip should bring out further improvement in the filly.

Haydock

2:25 – Pertemps Network Long Distance Handicap Hurdle (GBB Race) (Class 2) – 3m ½ f

Proschema was in excellent form last spring winning at Cheltenham & Aintree on good ground. The top-weight is back from a 175-day break here. He should stay 3m around here and looks set for a big run.

Honest Vic finished a 7 ½ length 5th of 22 to Third Wind in Pertemps Final at Cheltenham last time. Did best of those who raced prominently that day and won’t be far away if in the same form here.

Panic Attack appreciated the return to good ground and the fitting of the first-time blinkers when staying on to win at Cheltenham last month. Up 4lb and should go well if she gets her ground.

3:00 – Pertemps Network Swinton Handicap Hurdle (Grade 3) – 1m 7 ½ f

The going at Haydock is being described as good to soft but the track was expecting some rain on Friday evening so how much they get could have a big influence on the outcome with several of the leading fancies preferring a sound surface.

Anna Bunina and West Cork were first and second in the Scottish Champion Hurdle last month. The runner-up gets 3lb from the winner today and has a good chance but I think the mare can confirm form with him especially with Mark McDonagh taking off a handy 5lb albeit she wouldn’t want the ground to ease much before post time.

Herbiers was a neck 2^nd of 7 at Cheltenham last month. He’s been nudged up 3lb and in deeper race but should go well with forecast strong pace set to suit him.

Cormier a winner at Cheltenham and Kelso wasn’t disgraced on his hat trick bid when a 9 ¼ length 7th of 26 to State Man in the County Hurdle at Cheltenham. He finished runner-up in this race 12 months ago and looks set for another good run.

Milkwood last season’s Scottish Champion Hurdle winner possibly needed the run when an 8-length 5th of 8 to Anna Bunina in this year’s renewal. He likely wasn’t suited by a slowly run race last time either. He’s another who will be suited by a strong pace.

Severance has run wellon his last three starts and posted a career best on RPR’s when 1 length 2^nd of 16 at Aintree last month. Previously he ran behind Cormier at Cheltenham and Kelso but there should be much between the pair today.  Given the form of the Ben Pauling yard he’s got to be high on the shortlist.

Philip Hobbs saddled War Sound to win this in 2015 and he’s got a chance here with Luttrell Lad. One of the least experienced of the field, having only had the four starts over hurdles, the 6-year-old returned from a 159-day break with a promising 2-length 2^nd of 7 in a Chepstow novice hurdle 19-days ago.  Handicap Hurdle debut off what looks a workable mark but ideally would want good ground.

Betting Advice:

Ascot

1:45 – 1pt win – Duke Of Verona – 12/1 @ Coral & Ladbrokes and 1pt win – HMS President – 8/1 @ Bet365

3:30 – 1pt win – Don’t Tell Claire – 8/1 @ Bet365

4:05 – 1pt win – Fresh – 8/1 @ Coral & Ladbrokes and 1pt win – Dark Shift – 8/1 @ Coral & Ladbrokes

Haydock

2:25 – 1pt win – Honest Vic – 7/1 @ Bet365

3:00 – 1pt win – Severance – 8/1 @ Coral & Ladbrokes and 1pt win – Luttrell Lad – 8/1 @ Bet365 & Ladbrokes

Cheers

John

Hi all,

It’s Chester Cup Day and top -weight Falcon Eight bids to land back-to-back running’s of the feature race (3.15). As ever the race is set to be a fiercely competitive contest with a maximum field of 17 set to meet the starter. The supporting races include the Group 2 Huxley Stakes (2.40) and the Chester Plate (4.55). All in all, a good end to Chester’s May meeting.

There’s also a decent card for the first of two day’s racing at Ascot and across the Irish Sea there’s a seven-race card at Cork with the feature race being the valuable Mallow Handicap (Premier Handicap) (7:00) which has attracted a big field for a race with a €80,000 in guaranteed prize money.

Once again ITV are covering the first five races from Chester and they include a bonus race from Market Rasen as part of six race programme.

Chester May Festival – Day 3

1:30 – ICM Stellar Sports Earl Grosvenor Handicap (Class 2) – 7 ½ f

Boardman was in tremendous form last spring reeling of a hat trick of wins at Haydock, C&D and York. The 6-year-old showed he handled quick turf when winning at Haydock 13-days ago, taking advantage of a drop down to his last winning mark. He’s only been raised 2lb and shouldn’t be far away.

Three-time course winner Revich must be respected out of stall one especially with Harry Davies taking off a handy 7lb.

Fools Rush In won first time up last season and later in the season also won at Haydock and over C&D. A prominent racer he’s got good draw in stall in stall 4 and should be ready to roll on his first start for 195-days.

2:05 – Deepbridge Handicap (Class 2) – 1m 2 ½ f

Soft ground will suit Brentford Hope with all three of his career wins having come on soft or heavy ground. Connections of the top-weight will be hoping that the forecast rain arrives to ease the going further.

Mujtaba looked like he might develop into a smart 4-year-old after three wins last season, including around here. Sent off the 3/1 favourite for the Lincoln Handicap but could only finish 12^th of 22 that day. Given he’s only had four career starts its to early to write off the 4-year-old. First start beyond a mile but should stay.

Previous C&D winner Baryshnikov looked as good as ever when making a winning seasonal reappearance at Pontefract last month. On a career high mark after his latest win but if he gets a good pace to chase won’t be far away.

Lord Protector was below form on his final three starts in 2021. However, he won first time up in 2020 and won his first two starts last season. This is his distance and the ground should be fine for the 4-year-old on his return to action.

3:15 – Tote+ Chester Cup Handicap (Class 2) – 2m 2 ½ f

Last years winner Falcon Eight had The Grand Visir 2 length behind in second when winning last year’s renewal. The runner-up gets 7lb this time around but the winner was well on top that day and there shouldn’t be much between the pair at the revised weights. Falcon Eight races out of stall 6 and The Grand Visir out of 14. If I wasn’t for his draw, I would really like the claims of the The Grand Visir who looks over priced compared to Falcon Eight.

Haliphon shaped with promise on his second start for the yard when a 7 ½ length 6^th of 14 to stablemate Enemy at Musselburgh two starts back.  He wasn’t well placed is a slowly run race at Ripon last time. Looks like there are wins to be won with him, if not today but he could get into the places.

Aidan O’Brien brings over the lightly raced Cleveland.  A winning juvenile at the Curragh. The 4-year-old missed the whole of last season due to injury’ However, he shaped with plenty of promise after a 17-month layoff when 4 length 5^th of 7 to Layfayette in a Listed race at Naas ( 1m 2f) last time: Takes a big step up in distance from last time,  Should be capable of better this season but stamina has to be taken on trust.

Solent Getaway head the ante post betting and you can see why. He goes well around here including winning over 2m last September. Returned from a winter break with a strong finishing, neck 3rd of 9 at Epsom (1m 4f) 17-days ago. Unexposed as a stayer, the 4-year-old can race off the same mark as at Epsom. Given his hold up style he will need a bit of luck in running bit if he gets it looks a likely winner.

Arcadian Sunrise a useful hurdler gained his second win on the flat when coming from off the pace to win a valuable 2m handicap at York’s Ebor Festival back in August. Not in the same form when only 9th of 18 in the November Handicap at Naas last time. The heavy ground was plausible excuse for his Naas performance and if he’s back to his best and handles the track will go close. Jockey Jamie Spencer has ridden the winner of the Chester Cup in 2013 & 2016.

4:20 – White Oak Apprentice Handicap (Class 4) – 1m 4 ½ f

Heart Of Soul took this corresponding race in 2019 and all three career wins have come over C&D. He’s got a good draw in stall 1 and another big performance is expected from the 7-year-old back at his favourite venue.

Kalaroun is an interesting Irish raider. A winner at Dundalk in October two of his best RPR’s have come on turf this spring. Good run when a 2 ½ length 5^th of 15 at Limerick 13-days ago. That came over a mile but he stays 1m 2f won’t be far away if his stamina holds out over today’s longer trip.

4:55 – Tote+ Chester Plate Handicap (Class 2) – 2m 2 ½ f

Twelve have been declared for the Chester Cup consolation and final race of this year’s May Festival. Last year’s winning connections Venetia Williams & Franny Norton are represented by Bellatrixsa. Just the six starts on the level but the mare is a useful hurdler (OR 131) and can race off 77 for her return to the flat. Looks well in if transferring her good hurdle form to the flat. Has an ideal draw in stall 1 given she looks likely to make the running.

Indianapolis is on a losing run that goes back to October 2019. He’s on a good mark but was well beaten in this race 12 months ago.  He’s one of five Ian Williams trained runners and the two I prefer are Hydroplane the mount of Jim Crowley and Mancini. The first named was a 6-length 3^rd of 13 in last year’s race. He won a handicap hurdle at Sandown in January and must be respected from stall 2. Mancini’s best effort on turf last season came when a ¾ length 2^nd of 7 to Chester Cup favourite Solent Getaway here (2m) last August. A reproduction of that performance would see him go close but given his prominent style of racing stall 11 isn’t ideal.

Call My Bluff like some cut in the ground and developed into a useful staying handicapper winning at Pontefract and here last season. Guaranteed to stay the distance but this is the 5-year-old’s first start since August. If he’s ready to roll first time there’s no reason why he won’t go close.

Cork

7:00 – Mallow Handicap (Premier Handicap) – 7f

If you think the Chester Cup is a tricky puzzle Cork comes up with an equally competitive big field handicap.

Mutasarref’s claims are there for all to see. The lightly raced 4-year-old got off the mark at the first attempt for new trainer Ger Lyons when winning on his handicap debut at Leopardstown last month. He’s been hiked up 11lb for that success but is open more improvement and will take the beating.

Johnny Murtagh saddles three in Baradar, Riot and Carrytheone. All three have claims but It’s the latter that appeals most. The lightly raced 5-year-old finished an encouraging 4 ¼ length 5th of 26 in the Irish Lincolnshire on his seasonal reappearance. He ran well for a long way and was disputing the lead inside the final furlong before fading in the 110yds. The 5-year-old might just have needed the run that day and can be competitive dropped back to a strongly run 7f.  

Yermanthere won a maiden here last season and ½-length 2nd of 17 in C&D handicap 20-days ago. He’s been nudged up 2lb for his latest effort but his C&D form makes him a contender. The way he finished of his race last time suggests he might need slightly further and/or softer ground but if the forecast strong pace materialises it will help his cause.

Betting Advice:

Chester

1:30 – 1pt win – Fools Rush In – 7/1 @ Bet365

3:15 – 1pt win – Arcadian Sunrise – 8/1 @ Coral & Ladbrokes and 0.5pts each way – The Grand Visir – 22/1 @ Coral (paying 5 places 1/5 odds)

4:20 – 1pt win – Kalaroun – 10/1 @ Bet365

4:55 – 1pt win – Call My Bluff – 8/1 @ Coral & Ladbrokes

Cork

7:00 – 1pt win –  Carrytheone – 12/1 @ Coral & Ladbrokes and 1pt win – Yermanthere – 14/1 @ Coral & Ladbrokes

Cheers

John

Hi all,

The feature race of the second day of Chester’s May Festival is the Group 3 Ormonde Stakes (3.10), Albaflora, who was placed in three Group 1 races last season, heads the betting and any ease in the ground could make her hard to beat. There are also four competitive handicaps and the Listed Dee Stakes (2:40) on a seven-race card

There was plenty of rain around at Chester yesterday and the going changed to soft after race two. It’s forecast to be mainly dry tomorrow but there could be more rain during racing on Friday.

I have had look six of the seven races on the Chester card and my selections can be found at the end of the main piece.

Chester May Festival – Day 2

1:30 – ICM Stellar Sports Handicap (Class 2) – 5f

Alligator Alley ran with encouragement on his first start, after a 533-day absence, for new trainer David O’Meara. I’m sure he can win races this summer but soft ground would be an unknown.

Tim Easterby won this in 2012 and Count D’orsay finished a 1 ¼ length 2^nd of 9 12 months ago. He can race off 5lb lower this time around. The 6-year-old has dropped down to a good mark and shaped like the run was needed when a 4-length 4^th of 10 at Pontefract on his seasonal return last month. Big chance at the weights but stall 10 is slightly off-putting.

Easterby also saddles another big contender in Sunday Sovereign. The 5-year-old won over C&D last August off 1lb lower. Drawn low and probably needed the run when 8^th of 11 at Musselburgh. He’s suited by a bit of cut in the ground and looks to have a decent draw in stall 5.

2:05 – Deepbridge Handicap (Class 2) – 7 ½ f

Outgate continued his progressive form when putting in a career best effort on RPR’s when a 3 ¼ length 2^nd of 15 at Newmarket on his reappearance. He’s up 3lb for that effort but may be capable of better. Yet to race on soft ground though. Koy Koy ended last season when making all to a win in at Newbury on his final juvenile start. First start on ground worse than good but looks on a workable mark for his handicap debut. Bastogne is more exposed than first two mentioned but the ground should be fine for him and trainer David Evans saddled the winner in 2015. He’s vulnerable to any improvers in the field but the first-time visor is an interesting addition.

2:40 – Homeserve Dee Stakes (Listed Race) (Colts & Geldings) – 1m 2 ½ f

Aidan O’Brien has dominated the Dee Stakes in recent years winning six of the last nine renewals. He relies on Star Of India to give him another winner. The son of Galileo was forward enough to win a back end Leopardstown maiden on his racecourse debut. A respectable 6 ¼ length 5th of 6 to Native Trail in Craven Stakes last month he will be suited by the step up to 1m 2 ½ f and given the yard’s record the one to beat.

Cresta, a useful juvenile, finished a 5 ¾ length 5th of 6 to Eydon in a Listed race at Newmarket last month. He pulled away any chance he had that day and needs the first-time hood to have the desired effect.

Mr McCann won three times in a productive juvenile campaign, ending last season with an all the way win at Epsom. Could be hard to peg back around here if getting an uncontested lead. First start for Hugo Palmer and he holds a Derby entry.

No fancies entries Dubai Port. A winner of a Newbury maiden last season before finishing a 4 ½ lengths behind Coroebus in a Group 3 at Newmarket. He showed he had trained on from two to three when a 1 ½ length 2nd of 6 in listed race at Newcastle last month and is respected for last year’s winning yard.

Sonny Liston looked potentially smart when winning on racecourse debut at Sandown last summer. Off for 10 months before finishing a 5 ¾ length 4th of 6 to Eydon in a Listed race at Newmarket last month. Keen that day after a long layoff. That run should have taken the freshness out of the colt who looks capable of better this season.

3:10 – tote.co.uk Proud To Support Chester Racecourse Ormonde Stakes (Group 3) – 1m 5 ½ f

Plenty to like about the claims of Albaflora on her seasonal return. She’s 3lb clear on official ratings and is 2-2 when returning from 121-day break.

Hamish would like a bit of juice in the ground for his return to action. The 6-year-old beat Hukum in the September Stakes at Kempton on last year’s seasonal reappearance but didn’t really build on that performance on two subsequent starts. Not the easiest to keep sound but we know he goes well off a layoff. Capable of big run if bouncing back to his best. Andrew Balding saddled Morando to win the 2019 renewal and he runs

John Leeper looked a smart middle-distance prospect when winning a Listed race at Newmarket 12 months ago and was sent off just 8/1 when down the field in the Derby. Didn’t really build on his early season promise but remains with potential as 4-year-old.

3:40 – Boodles Raindance Handicap (Class 3) – 1m 2 ½ f

Pride Of Priory progressed with each of his four starts last season ending his 2021 campaign with a comfortable success in a Haydock handicap. Now 6lb higher on his return but his improvement may not have ended just yet. Yet to race on going worse than good but he’s by Pivotal so that gives hope that he will be effective on it.

Group One Power ended last season out of form but he ran well here when a ½ length 2^nd of 11 last July, off 4lb higher. That run came over 1m 3f but he should be fine over this slightly shorter distance provided they go a decent gallop.

Aasheq wasn’t subjected to hard race on his first start for 18 months when a 5 ½ length 5^th of 8 at Ripon 12-days ago. Return to 1m 2f is a positive for the 9-year-old, as is some ease in the ground. Well handicapped on his old form and this previous C&D winner could out run big odds.

4:50 – Roofing Consultants Group Handicap (Class 3) – 1m 4 ½ f

Mr Alan and Wind Your Neck failed to give their running on quick ground at Newmarket last month.  Both will appreciate today’s softer ground in particular the latter who is 2-2 on soft. Aidan O’Brien’s

Temple Of Artemis ran a nice race on his seasonal reappearance when a 2-length 3^rd of 7 at Leopardstown. Bred to appreciate 1m 4f and is open to further improvement on his handicap debut. Hold Derby & Dante entries.

Trojan Horse a winner on soft ground last season was well suited to the step up to 1m 4f when winning at Ripon three weeks ago. Looks the sort to develop into a useful middle-distance handicapper for a yard that won this race in 2018 & 2021.

Abbado showed he handled the track when winning here on soft ground last September and followed up under his penalty at Chelmsford latter that month. There should be more improvement to come from him as a 3-year-old and for the step up to 1m 4f. Trainer Sir Mark Prescott doesn’t send many runners to Chester but he’s 3-5 + 6.75 with those that have run here in the past 5-years.

Worcester

1:50 – The ITV cameras are covering this handicap chase live this afternoon and I like one here. Rob The Getaway ran poorly on his first three starts at the end of 2021. He’s been given 126-day break since pulling up at Warwick in December. He did win at Stratford on good ground last April, off 3lb higher, and if he was bounce back to form would be nicely treated.

Betting Advice:

Chester

1:30 – 1pt win – Sunday Sovereign – 7/1 @ Bet365 & Ladbrokes

2:05 – 1pt win – Bastogne – 12/1 @ Bet365

3:10 – 1pt win – Hamish – 11/2 @ Coral

3:40 – 0.5pts each way – Aasheq – 20/1 @ Bet365 (paying 4 places 1/5 odds)

Worcester

1:50 – 0.5pts each way – Rob The Getaway – 18/1 @ Coral & Ladbrokes (both paying 3 places 1/5 odds)

Cheers

John

Hi all,

Chester’s May Festival gets underway with Derby/Oaks Trials. The Group 3 Chester Vase Stakes (3.10) is the feature race of a seven-race card which also includes The Listed Cheshire Oaks (2.40).  Having mentioned field sizes earlier. It’s interesting to see that only 61 runners have been declared for today’s seven races.

Chester’s May Festival with its mix of competitive handicaps and Group races make it one of the key spring flat racing festivals. However, the field sizes aren’t great for day one. There are just four declared for the Chester Vase which is disappointing but we could see a serious Derby contender emerge in hot favourite New London from the Charlie Appleby.

There’s a better sized field for the Cheshire Oaks with ten 3-year-old fillies going to post for this Epsom Oaks trial. The promising Above the Curve, trained by Joseph O’Brien bids to follow up here recent Leopardstown success. An impressive success here would see her become one of the leading fancies for the Epsom fillies’ classic.

I have concentrated on today’s handicaps at Chester although I do have an each-way selection in the Cheshire Oaks.

Chester May Festival – Day 1

2:05 – tote.co.uk Free Chester Placepot Every Day Handicap (Class 2) – 5f

Live In The Dream bounced back to winning form when making all at Sandown 12-days ago.  The return to better ground suited him. The handicapper has raised the 3-year-old 8lb for his latest success but he’s going the right way and stall 2 looks ideal for this front runner. He could be hard to peg back if the ground stays good.

Nymphadora won a fillies’ Listed race at York last May. No more wins last season but she was highly tried in Group company, including a 3 ½ length fifth in the Group 2 Lowther Stakes. Nice draw in stall one for handicap debut.

Shamlaan has won both starts this year at Wolverhampton and back on turf at Goodwood (5f)just 4-days ago. Has a 6lb penalty to carry for that success but he showed a good attitude to squeeze through a narrow gap inside the final furlong to prevail last time.

2:40 – Weatherbys Bloodstock Pro Cheshire Oaks (For The Robert Sangster Memorial Cup) (Listed Race) 1m 3 ½ f

The Joseph O’Brien trained filly Above The Curve improved for the step up to 1m 2f when winning a Leopardstown maiden on her seasonal return. Leading 1f out she produced a good turn of foot to see off her 11 rivals. She’s down well from two to three and looks a smart prospect. Interesting to see connections opting to come here for an Oaks Trial. However, at least they will get a chance to see how well this big filly handles the track with Epsom in mind. A likely warm favourite and the one to beat.

Aidan O’Brien who has won this race three times since 2015 and he runs Thoughts Of June. However, that filly finished 2 ¾ length behind Above The Curve at Leopardstown and its hard to see her reversing places.

At a bigger price I like Moon De Vega could get into the places. The daughter of Lope De Vega won on soft ground at Doncaster on her final juvenile start so easier ground won’t inconvenience her. She’s bred to appreciate this sort of trip and holds an Oaks entry.

3:40 – Deepbridge Handicap (Class 3) – 6f

Pocket The Profit an impressive winner at Pontefract (heavy) on his seasonal reappearance. He found the ground a bit on the lively side when a 1 ½ length 4th of 12 at Newmarket last month. In form and progressive but really needs the rain to arrive to ease the ground.

Ever Given had a good juvenile season winning four times, including a 7f nursery at Chester and valuable sales race at York. His strong-travelling style is well suited to the track and although he needs to improve to win off his present mark, has a good draw in stall 2 to exploit.  

Selby’s Pride had Buckshaw Village ¾ lengths behind when the pair were third & fifth at Ripon 11-days ago. The latter was doing his best work at the finish last time and should be suited by today’s extra furlong. Interesting that trainer Richard Fahey has booked Franny Norton for the light weight.

4:45 – Stephen Wade Handicap (Class 4) – 7f

The biggest field of the day and the pace is forecast to be very strong for this competitive handicap. Broken Spear won this race last year, off 1lb higher. Outran big odds when a 2 ¾ length 5^th of 22 in the Lincoln. Not so good on either start since but a return to C&D brings him into the mix, especially if the rain arrives.

Smeaton’s Light showed he’s on a competitive mark when a keeping on neck 2^nd of 9 at Leicester 6f) on his seasonal return. Nudged up 2lb for last time out effort but won’t be far away if staying today’s extra furlough.

Paws For Thought is 2-4 here, including at this meeting on last season’s reappearance. That win came off 3lb higher so the 4-year-old must be respected on his first start for Donald McCain. Very much on the shortlist from stall 6.

Ffion put in plenty of good efforts last season without winning, including finishing a neck 2^nd of 9 over C&D on her penultimate start. William Buick is an eyecatching jockey booking, first ride for the yard, but stall 11 wouldn’t be ideal.

Big Narstie shaped with plenty of promise when a 1 ¾ length 6^th of 18 at Doncaster two starts back. Beaten favourite (8/11) when a 2-length 3^rd of 4 at Wetherby 10-days ago. Wasn’t seen to best effect in a slowly run race that day. Gets the first time cheekpieces today and the likely strong pace will be more in his favour.   

Betting Advice:

Chester

2:05 – 1pt win – Shamlaan – 11/2 @ Bet365

2:40 – 0.5pts each way – Moon De Vega – 10/1 @ Coral & Ladbrokes (both paying 3 places 1/5 odds).

3:40 – 1pt win – Buckshaw Village – 6/1 @ Coral & Paddy Power

4:45 – 1pt win – Paws For Thought – 11/2 @ Coral & Ladbrokes and 1pt win – Broken Spear – 17/2 @ Coral & Ladbrokes

Cheers

John

Hi all,

It’s a Bank Holiday in Britain & Ireland so there is plenty of action for a Monday. The racing this side of the Irish Sea is moderate. However, there are two Group 3 and two Listed races on an eight-race card at the Curragh. I have couple of interest on the Curragh card and one at Windsor,

Windsor

3:26 – Given the form of the Charlie Hills stable you must respect the claims of handicap debutant Tanmawwy.  The inform Majeski Man is very much in the mix despite a 5lb higher mark. Silent Flame had a profitable 2021 and will be sharper for her recent seasonal reappearance. Preference though is for the nicely handicapped Treacherous. The 8-year-old likely needed his Kempton seasonal return. Ok, the yard form isn’t very encouraging but he’s 2lb lower than when beaten a short head over C&D last August in a better race than this.

1pt win – Treacherous – 10/1 @ Coral & Ladbrokes

Curragh

2:20 – Coolmore Arizona Irish EBF Tetrarch Stakes (Listed Race) – 1m

Dr Zemph a high-class juvenile made a winning return in the 2,000 Guineas Trial at Leopardstown last month. That success came over 7f and he must prove he’s as effective over a mile. Buckaroo was beaten just a short head on his seasonal return in a Group 3 at Leopardstown. No stamina concerns for him though as he seemed to stay 1m 2f well enough last time. Interesting to see him dropped back to a mile for this race. Wexford Native lacks the experience of the two at the head of the betting. However, there was plenty to like about his win in a Navan maiden on his racecourse debut 34-days ago. He did well to overcome a wide draw and his inexperience to win last time. He’s got an Irish 2,000 Guineas entry and he should be capable of a lot better.

1pt win – Wexford Native – 4/1 @ Bet365

5:15 – Midnight Fire won a C&D maiden as a 3-year-old and won a Leopardstown handicap (7f) last April off 2lb higher. There was plenty to like about his seasonal return in the same of race he won last year when a 3-length 3^rd of 17. The first time cheekpieces are applied today and if the headgear has the desired effect he won’t be far away.

1pt win – Midnight Fire – 9/2 @ Bet365

I’m not sure if there will be any selections on Tuesday but I will be back on Wednesday for the start of three days racing at Chester’s May Meeting.

Cheers

John

Hi all,

It was a tough Saturday but Donkey Years win at Punchestown saved the day. It’s a fourth successive month of profit for the service and considering we had a fair few near misses it would have been an even better month. Taking advantage of early prices and BOG means the service goes into May with over 100pts profit for the year so far. It won’t be easy to make it five profitable months on the trot but I will be giving it my best shot.

It’s the final day of Newmarket’s Guineas Festival being the first fillies’ classic the Qipco 1,000 Guineas (3.40). Tenebrism, trained by Aidan O’Brien, last season’s Cheveley Park winner heads the betting. However, O’Brien also saddles the potentially smart Tuesday. The O’Brien pair face 12 rivals who include Alpha Centauri’s full sister Discoveries and a couple of French runners in Malavath and Zellie add further spice to the mix. There’s a decent supporting card which includes The Betfair Pretty Polly Stakes (2.25) and Betfair Exchange Dahlia Stakes (3.00).

ITV are covering four races live from Newmarket on Sunday afternoon and one from Salisbury & Hamilton as part of a six-race programme.  

After yesterday, it’s a much quieter on the fronting front.  Inside today’s preview I have looked at the four Newmarket races live on ITV.

Newmarket

1:50 – Betfair Daily Rewards Handicap (Heritage Handicap) (Class 2) – 1m 6f

Valley Forge won the Melrose Handicap at York’s Ebor Festival last August and wasn’t disgraced when a 2-length 3^rd of 6 in a more tactical race at Haydock the following month. His improved from came on quick ground so underfoot conditions will suit on his return to action.

Cemhaan couldn’t have been more impressive in winning at Salisbury 11-days ago. He didn’t get the clearest of runs 2f out that day and had to be switched inside to get a clear run. Not that it mattered as he was far too good for his five rivals. The 5lb penalty shouldn’t stop him but he’s up a couple of notches in class today.

Dark Jedi showed the benefit of his Doncaster seasonal reappearance when finishing a 3 ¾ length second of 14 to Enemy at Musselburgh last time. He’s clearly in good heart and although he might prefer a bit of ease in the ground, he seemed to handle good to firm well enough when 3^rd of 15 at York last August.

2:25 – Betfair Pretty Polly Stakes (Listed Race) (Fillies) – 1m 2f

Crenelle really should have made a winning racecourse debut at Southwell but a combination of greenness and not getting the clearest of runs 1f did for her and she had to settle for a close-up third. Made no mistake 11-days later when winning a maiden here over a mile. She should be suited by a step up to 1m 2f. The yard has won this five times since 2014 and Crenelle has a good chance of making it six. With The Moonlight has some good juvenile form and can’t be ruled out given she hails from the Charlie Appleby yard. Peripatetic built on her racecourse debut second when winning at Newcastle in October. The daughter of Ulysses is bred to be smart and should progress further as a 3-year-old and could be open to winning this.

3:00 – Betfair Exchange Dahlia Stakes (Group 2) (Fillies & Mares) – 1m 1f

Ville De Grace ended last season in great from winning a Listed race at Yarmouth and a Group 3 here over 1m 2f. Although she drops back 1f in trip she looks the sort to do even better as a 4-year-old. Lilac Road finished ½ length runner-up to Ville De Grace at Newmarket on her final start of 2021 and is another capable of a big run. Ebaiyra twice a Group 2 winner on France is another dropping back in trip today. Her form is solid and she’s got race fitness on her side compared to the other two fillies. Dreamloper ended last season finishing a 3 ¼ length 3^rd of 12 to Saffron Beach in the Group 1 Sun Chariot Stakes. She’s got be respected on that run and could do better as a 4-year-old but I fancy that we haven’t seen the best of Ville De Grace.

3:35 – Qipco 1000 Guineas Stakes (Group 1) – 1m

I’m not convinced that favourite Tenebrism will stay the mile a s strongly as some of her rivals and interesting that Aidan O’Brien has opted to run the highly promising Tuesday. A full sister to 2016 Guineas winner Minding is bred to win a classic and she open to any amount of improvement on just her third career start. Tuesday was beaten just a short head by Discoveries on her juvenile racecourse debut. Discoveries improved to win the Group 1 Moyglare Stakes on her final juvenile start. A full sister to the smart Alpha Centauri she’s bred to be an even better 3-year-old than a juvenile. The French pair Malavath & Zellie had a high-class juvenile form with the latter winning the Group 1 Prix Marcel Boussac at Longchamp. Malavath had Zellie back in second when the pair made their seasonal returns at Deauville and I fancy she can confirm form here. In an open looking race, you wouldn’t be totally surprised if the likes of Cachet, Wild Beauty and Mise En Scene won. With two of my ante post fancies Inspiral and Homeless Songs out of the race I’m left with just Discoveries. I’m hopeful she can win but I’m fearful of Tuesday.

Betting Advice:

Newmarket

1:50 – 1pt win – Dark Jedi – 6/1 @ Coral & Ladbrokes and 1pt win – Cemhaan – 5/1 @ Coral & Ladbrokes

2:25 – 1pt win – Peripatetic – 9/2 – Gen

3:35 – 1pt win – Discoveries – 6/1 @ Bet365

A busy period of racing continues with three days at Chester to look forward to starting on Wednesday.

Cheers

John

Hi all,

What a fantastic day’s sport and I fancy a fair few today across both Britain & Ireland. It’s Qipco 2,000 Guineas Day at Newmarket (3.40), where last year’s champion juvenile Native Trail faces The Aidan O’Brien-trained colt Luxembourg and Middle Park Stakes Winner Perfect Power in what could be an above average renewal of the first colt’s classic. Elsewhere on the card, there is the Group 3 Betfair Palace House Stakes (3.00) and several competitive looking handicaps

It’s the final day of the Punchestown festival with the feature races being the Champion Four-Year-Old Hurdle (4.25) and the Mares Champion Hurdle (3.50). In the juvenile race the first two in the Triumph Hurdle Vauban and Fil Dor renew rivalry. The Mares Hurdle see’s Epatante face eight rivals as she bids to follow up her recent win in the Grade 1 Aintree Hurdle. There are also three competitive big field handicaps for punters to get stuck into.

Besides Newmarket and Punchestown there’s plenty other action today around Britain with good cards at Goodwood and Thirsk.

The ITV cameras are covering four races live from Newmarket and one each from Goodwood and Thirsk on a six-race programme this afternoon.

Newmarket

The Qipco 2000 Guineas (3:40) is the day’s big race. I tipped up Native Trail & Luxembourg at double figure odds ante post for the first colt’s classic. I’m happy with those two and won’t be adding to my bets in the race.

I will be disappointed if Native Trail gets beat. He has the best form and even his draw in stall 15 looks a positive with most of the pace seemingly drawn middle to high.

For those looking for something each way at bigger odds. Recent course winner Eyedon is an improver as his Checkandchallenge who was an impressive winner on All-Weather Finals Day at Newcastle. He’s yet to race on turf but if he’s as good on the grass as the tapeta could get into the money.

1:50 – My Odds Boost On Betfair Handicap (Heritage Handicap) (Class 2) – 6f

This is a cracker of a 6f handicap with 20 runners set to go to post for this valuable prize with £51,540 on offer to the winner.  I’m wary of anything drawn high which means I’m against the likes of Strike Red, Tarhib, First Folio and Final Song. The first named was unlucky in the run over C&D last time and will be suited by strongly run race. First Song finished a ½ length 2^nd of 13 in the Group 1 Al Quoz Sprint at Meydan last March. A reproduction of that performance gives the mare a serious chance back in handicap company but stall 19 is a worry. Summerghand has been running without success in Meydan over the winter. However, he’s on a competitive mark for a return to handicap company and will like the quick ground.  He won the Group 3 Abernant Stakes over C&D last April but stall 1 probably isn’t deal. Bickerstaffe is another with a possible tough draw in stall 16 but he could be capable of better as a 4-year-old. Has since moved to Roger Teal and did win first time up last season.

Asjad twice a winner when trained by Roger Varian. The 4-year-old made a winning stable debut for new trainer James Horton at Redcar 12-days ago. Slight concern about quick ground but he looks capable of going close under his 5lb penalty. Apollo One a useful juvenile put up his best performance last season when a neck 2^nd of 17 on the July Course off today’s mark. Raatea was a big improver for the fitting of the hood on good or quicker ground in the second half of last season. Made a really encouraging seasonal return when a ½ length 3^rd of 12 over C&D 18-days ago and must be respected again off the same mark today. Jumby rarely runs a bad race on the Rowley Course – form figures of 3113 – a progressive handicapper last season winning over C&D in May and here over 7f. Handled the step up to Group 3 company well enough when a 2 ¾ length 3^rd of 8 in the Abernant Stakes at the Craven Meeting. He should have come on for that run and is big contender from stall 12.

Verdict: You could pick ten here and still not find the winner. Raatea ran well on his reappearance over C&D and has plenty in his favour. Asjad made an impressive stable debut when winning at Redcar last time and is a winning contender. Jumby’s course form means he always needs respecting here.

2:25 – Betfair Daily Rewards Suffolk Handicap (Heritage Handicap) (Class 2) – 1m 1f

Fast Medicine returned from a winter break looking much improved when winning at Nottingham two weeks ago. This is a deeper race but he’s got to be respected under a 5lb penalty. Forest Falcon a winner at Yarmouth on final start last season returned to action from a 7-month absence with a good 2 ¾ length 3rd of 8 at Chelmsford 15-days ago. Prominent racers are usually favoured here so I can see the 4-year-old going well. Anythingtoday hasn’t been the easiest to win with but trainer George Boughey didn’t manage to get him to win on first two starts on switching to the trainer. He’s down to 4lb below his last winning mark so is very much in the mix.

Movin Time won here over 1m 2f on his seasonal reappearance last season. Not disgraced in better company on two subsequent starts and has been gelded since his last start.  Back in handicap company and could do better as a 4-year-old.  A useful apprentice takes off 7lb of the top-weights back. Dhahabi looked useful on three juvenile starts. He missed the whole of last season and has a 567-day absence to overcome but the colt remains with potential. Turntable is 2-3 here, including C&D on final start of 2021. Likes to come off a strong pace and goes well on a sound surface. Trainer Chris Wall’s runners have started off in good form and Turntable could get into the places granted a good gallop.

Verdict: It’s hard to know how much ability of Dhahabi’s old ability remains after his long absence. There could be more to come from Movin Time as a 4-year-old. Fast Medicine won nicely at Nottingham and can go close under his penalty. Forest Falcon will be sharper for his recent reappearance and won’t be far away.

3:00 – Betfair Palace House Stakes (Group 3) – 5f

Twilight Calls is plenty short enough at 3/1 given he’s got plenty to find on official ratings.  However, there was plenty to like about his comfortable success in a C&D handicap here on his seasonal return. The gelding operation looks to have been a big success. Fast ground and five furlongs look his optimum conditions and could prove he’s up to Group company as a 4-year-old. His biggest rival looks to be Come From The Dark. The 6-year-old didn’t get the clearest of runs 1f out when a strong finishing neck 2^nd in this race last year.  Won his only subsequent start last season in a Group 3 at Sandown. Had a setback after that which meant he missed the rest of last season. Will need them to go hard up front and if they do, he can go one better than last year. Hurricane Ivor must give away 3lb to his rivals due to his win in Newbury Group 3 last September. He improved through last season and looks set for a good season in pattern company.

Verdict: Last year’s runner-up Come From the Dark has a good chance of going one better if ready to roll after a near 10 month absence. However, the progressive Twilight Calls may well use his race fitness to his advantage.

Thirsk

2:05 – Fitzdares Thirsk Hunt Cup Handicap (Class 2) – 1m

Another big race handicap which you can watch live on ITV. Even with a strong pace you don’t want to be to far back around here. Of the fifteen runners there are five of interest. Dubai Love was only beaten a length when 3^rd of 10 in Group 2 fillies only race in Meydan in February. Not at that level of form on two subsequent starts but she’s respected in the first time cheekpieces and looks on a good mark if at her best. Trais Fluours hails from last year’s winning stable. Not disgraced on his seasonal return when a 3 ½ length 7th of 17 in the Spring Cup at Newbury. A big contender with that run under his belt. Not the easiest to win with as his career record suggests but he likes a sound surface and has dropped down to a good weight, now 5lb below his last winning mark.

Astro King was a ¾ length 3^rd of 15 in last year’s race before beating all but the well handicapped Real World in the Hunt Cup at Royal Ascot.  Put in a career best when a 1 ¼ length 3^rd of 18 to Cruyff Turn at York last August. A mile and sound surface really suit the 5-year-old who looks a solid favourite. Cruyff Turn is another who’s optimum conditions are mile, on a sound surface. He’s 2lb higher than when winning at the Ebor Festival but made a highly satisfactory seasonal return when a 4 ¼ length 6th of 9 in the mile handicap at Haydock on Saturday. Like most of his yards runners he will better for his seasonal return. Likes to make the running so will need to get across from stall 9 which won’t be easy. Starshiba is having his first start for new connections and starts off on what looks a winnable mark. Best performance in 2021 came when a short head 2^nd of 11 at Goodwood (7f) last June. He’s now 5lb lower and will be placed to win races but they are more likely to come over 7f.

Verdict: Last year’s thirdAstro King goes well fresh is a worthy market leader. If Cruyff Turn can get to the front from stall 9 he’s a big player with the ground in his favour. Dubai Love is looks handily weighted on her best form in the first time cheekpieces. Starshiba starts the season on a good mark which can be exploited sooner rather than later.

Punchestown

Some rain is forecast for the final day of the Punchestown Festival.

3:10 – Colm Quinn BMW Handicap Chase – 3m 7f

The Dabbler likes a sound surface and although he’s failed to complete on his last two starts, he’s on a workable mark and showed he stayed 3m 5f when a 3-length 2^nd of 11 to Smoking Gun in November. Has a big performance in him if the ground doesn’t ease to much before post time.

Anibale Fly was bought down at the third in the Grand National on his last start. The 12-year-old did finish a 2 ¾ length 3^rd of 19 to Mister Fogpatches in this race last year. He’s now 5lb lower. Granted he’s not the horse he once but he’s become a well-handicapped staying chaser who can go well.

4:25 – Palmerstown House Pat Taaffe Handicap Chase (Grade B) – 3m

Plenty in with a chance in this 14-runner valuable handicap chase. The ones I like most are in no particular order: Phoenix Way, Ten Ten, Duc De Beauchene, Donkey Years and West Cork Wildway. The first four all run in the colours of JP McManus.

Phoenix Way got a confident ride from jockey Kevin Brogan to win at Ascot (2m 5f) two starts back before falling at the third at Kempton last time. Probably stays 3m and is just 4lb above his last winning mark. Harry Fry yard had one go close on Thursday.

Ten Ten was a neck 2^nd of 20 in this race 12 months ago. The 9-year-old has had a light campaign this season and this has likely been the plan again. He’s just 1lb higher than last year and the yard had a winner here on Thursday.  

Owners retained jockey Mark Walsh deserts Ten ten though for Donkey Years. The 8-year-old has been knocking on the door in handicap chase, placing on his last three starts and he posted a career best on RPR’s when a ¾ length 2^nd of 14 at Fairyhouse 12-days ago. Doesn’t always find as much at the finish so the application of the first time cheekpieces will hopefully help.

Duc De Beauchene made it 2-7 over fences when winning at Newbury 29-days ago. Proved he stays an extended 2m 6f at Newbury but whether he’ll stay 3m is open to question. He’s only 2lb higher than last time though and should remain competitive.

West Cork Wildway a useful handicap hurdler seems to have taken well enough to fences this season. He made all to win a Thurles beginners chase on his second start over the larger obstacles in November. Ran as well as could be expected when 4^th of 8 here in a hot Grade 3 chase last time.  Step up to 3m over fences will suit, stayed 3m over hurdles and won two points over the trip. One of the least experienced in the field over fences but is open to further improvement with the first time cheekpieces an interesting addition.

5:30 – Tote Always SP Or Better Handicap Hurdle (Grade B) – 2m 3f

I doubt there will be a more competitive handicap today than this 25-runner contest.

Comprond finished a 10 ½ length 4^th of 23 in the Coral Cup last time. Given he goes well on a sound surface the rain softened ground at Cheltenham wouldn’t have suited that day. Take into consideration the ground it was a good effort from the 6-year-old. Connections will be hoping the rain doesn’t scupper in chance again.

Fastorslow was a short head runner-up in the Coral Cup. That was a clear personal best from the 6-year-old who is lightly raced and capable of more improvement. Unlike Comprond he’s likely to appreciate the forecast rain.

Get My Drift went very close here in a novice hurdle last years festival. The 6-year-old comes into the race after a light campaign, just the three starts, and put in a solid effort when 9-length 3^rd of 18 on his handicap hurdle debut at Leopardstown over Christmas. Not so good last time but the way he travelled on his handicap debut suggests he’s on a workable mark if bouncing back to his best. Stamina beyond 2m taken on trust and may want easier ground.

La Prima Donna, Heia and He’s Hardy Bloke were separated by 2 ¾ lengths when finishing 2^nd, 3^rd & 4^th respectively in a Fairyhouse handicap hurdle (2m) two weeks ago. The first two named are up 4lb and the He’s A Hardy Bloke is up 2lb. There shouldn’t be much between the pair at the revised weights. All three could be suited by the step up to 2m 3f and must be high on the shortlist.

Betting Advice:

Newmarket

1:50 – 1pt win – Jumby – 8/1 @ Coral & Ladbrokes and 1pt win – Raatea – 11/1 @ Bet365 & Ladbrokes

2:25 – 1pt win – Forest Falcon – 8/1 @ Bet365

Thirsk

2:05 – 1pt win – Cruyff Turn – 9/1 @Bet365 and 1pt win – Dubai Love – 10/1 @Bet365

Punchestown

3:10 – 1pt win – Anibale Fly – 11/1 @ Coral & Ladbrokes

4:25 – 1pt win – Donkey Years – 7/1 @Bet365  and 0.5pts each way – Ten Ten – 33/1 @ Bet365 (paying 4 places 1/5 odds)

5:30 – 1pt win – La Prima Donna – 8/1 @ Coral & Ladbrokes and 1pt win – Heia – 11/1 @ Coral & Ladbrokes

Cheers

John