Author: John Burke

Hi all,

A busy few day’s come to an end and I have a couple of selections from Ripon for you today.

Ripon

1:20 – Just Hiss, normally a front runner, didn’t have the best of starts over C&D last time and had to make his effort from behind. However, the strong early gallop meant he wasn’t to inconvenienced by his slow start and got up lead in the final strides, to win by a neck. The 7-year-old has got winning form on soft ground so plenty in his favour again and although he’s up 3lb has won off higher marks in the past.

Hesslewood has been knocking on the door in handicaps this season and gets the addition of the first time cheekpieces today.  If the new headgear has the desired effect, he must go close again although he may prefer the ground to dry out further.

Hortzadar, gets 3lb from Just Hiss for 1 ¾ lengths. The forecast soft ground won’t be a problem for the 5-year-old who won here last August on soft. Can race off the same mark as for that C&D win and is better drawn in stall three than the other two.

Verdict: I wouldn’t put anyone of Just Hiss making it back to back C&D wins but my preference is for Hesslewood.

1pt win – Hesslewood – 6/1 @ Coral & Ladbrokes

1:50 – Roman Dynasty looked a useful prospect for new trainer Joseph Parr when winning at Wolverhampton on his racecourse debut. He was thrown in the deep end for his next start in the Gimcrack Stakes at York 10-days ago. No match for easy winner Minzaal. He wasn’t disgraced in finishing less than 3 lengths behind the runner-up in 7^th. If he can back that run up, he’s got each way claims here.

1pt each way – Roman Dynasty – 8/1 @ Paddy Power & Betfair Sportsbook

Cheers

John

Hi all,

Saturday proved a let down as I suspected it might do. ITV racing are covering seven races from Goodwood & Perth and I have selections from both fixtures. Let’s begin this Sunday’s preview down on the south coast.

Goodwood

2:25 – Chairmanoftheboard looks to have a favourites chance. A juvenile C&D winner (soft ground). He’s bounced back to form this season with wins at Windsor & Newmarket (good to soft) and last time out finished 5^th of 27 here in the Stewards Cup. Can race off the same mark in a weaker race and is the one to beat.

Louie De Palma was only 13^th in the Stewards Cup but he remains capable of better on his day. A winner on soft ground at Ascot in May 2019, off 2lb lower, he ran even better off higher marks last season. An excellent 4^th of 19 in the Silver Wokingham and reproduction of that run would see the 8-year-old into the places.

1pt win – Chairmanoftheboard – 7/2 @ Bet365

1pt each way – Louie De Palma – 8/1 @ Coral & Ladbrokes

3:35 – Cloak Of Spirits a winner at Ascot as a juvenile, finished just over four lengths behind Love in the 1,000 Guineas and wasn’t disgraced when 5^th of 8 in the Coronation Stakes at Royal Ascot. Just touched off in a Group 3 at Epsom over an extended mile she seemed to handle the heavy ground well enough when 3^rd of 10 at Deauville 15-days ago. The drop back to 7f looks a good move and a front running ride can hopefully pay dividends.

1pt win – Cloak Of Spirits -13/2 @Bet365

Perth

3:15 – bet365 Sam Morshead Perth Gold Cup Handicap Chase (GBB Race) (Class 2) – 3m

The feature race of Perth’s nine race card is the Class 2 Perth Gold Cup (Handicap Chase). The race attracted a field of ten runners £15,640 first price.

Previous course winner Imada looked an improved handicap chaser for the step up to 3m when making a winning return to action at Bangor 32-days ago. He’s up 14lb for that easy success but could be capable of defying his new mark if the ground isn’t too soft.

As You Like made it 5 from 14 over fences when making a winning return to action at Southwell. That was a career best from the 9-year-old and if the ground dries out, he could defy his 4lb rise in the weights.

Previous C&D winner More Buck’s is better than he was able to show at Market Rasen two weeks ago. He made a bad mistake at halfway and was soon pulled.  The 10-year-old has dropped to a winnable mark and can’t be easily dismissed, if the ground is on the good side.

Lucinda Russell saddles two in Boy’s On Tour & Fortunes Hiding. Both have chances but preference is for the latter. Fortunes Hiding made a winning debut for the trainer here over 2m 4f, 40 days ago. That was the 7-year-old’s first run since a wind-op and although he hasn’t run for 40-days, he goes well fresh and the trainer told the Racing Post, “we specifically kept him fresh for this race”. Now 6lb higher in a better race but at least the step up to 3m won’t be a problem, has won over 3m 1 ½ f and each way claims.

1pt each way – Fortunes Hiding – 10/1 @ William Hill

1pt win – Imada – 3/1 @ Coral & Ladbrokes

Cheers

John

Hi all,

A good enough day yesterday with Tresorier a good winner at the Curragh and Quizical & Ubuntu running into the places. A profitable day and hopefully another one today.

Normally this Saturday is weak on the betting front. The recent rain means soft is the order of the day at most tracks and plenty of small fields for the ITV races. There could be even more non-runners this morning as a few trainers are saying their horses won’t run if the ground is too soft.

Today’s preview is rather short for a Saturday.

Newmarket

2:45 – Abstemious’ best two RPR’s have come on soft ground so no problem with the going for the 3-year-old. Found 6f on quick ground to short when 5^th at Pontefract 15-days ago and looks worth another attempt at 7f on his favoured ground.

Ascension a winner at Salisbury (good to soft) & Newcastle last season made a promising return to action when a close-up 3^rd of 8 at Sandown back in June before. Possibly a combination of good to firm ground and a quick return to action too much when last of four at Newmarket 15-days later. Has been gelded since that poor run and returns from a 62-day break.

Verdict: At the prices I just prefer Abstemious, who hopefully will be given a forward ride, over Ascension who remains capable of better than he showed at the Rowley Course last time.

1pt win – Abstemious – 7/1 @ William Hill

3:20 – The consistent Moon King was well placed to win his first five starts as a 3-year-old and wasn’t disgraced on his final two runs in better races last Autumn. Made a winning return to action at Haydock in June on his first go at 2m before and may have found the race coming to quick when down the field in the 2m 4f Ascot Stakes just 8-days later. Struggled when only 9^th in the Marsh Cup at Newbury 41-days ago. But the first-time blinkers are applied today and a prominent ride back at 1m 6f could prove ideal for the 4-year-old who loves the mud.

1pt win – Moon King – 9/2 – Gen

Goodwood

2:25 – I’m happy to take a chance with the returning Milltown Star. The 3-year-old improved markedly on his final two juvenile starts when finishing runner-up in a valuable 7f Newmarket nursery (soft) and winning a heavy ground Listed race at Chantilly 284-days ago. No easy task off a mark of 100 but he’s been gelded and James Doyle has been booked for the ride.

1pt each way – Milltown Star – 12/1 @ Bet365

Windsor

2:40 – Sextant ran like the run was needed when 5^th of 7 in the Geoffrey Freer at Newbury 15-days ago. The 5-year-old has a few lbs. to find with principals but he’s well suited to a small field, seems effective on soft ground and did win a handicap over C&D last summer.

Alounak isn’t the most consistent of horses. He’s disappointed on his last two starts, although his last run can be excused on account of the good to firm ground. A reproduction of his 2^nd of 9 in the Group 2 Hardwicke Stakes would make him hard to beat here.  

Le Don De Vie had run well when 4^th in the Duke Of Edinburgh Handicap at Royal Ascot and when occupying the same position in the Old Newton Cup at Haydock. Put in a career best when third in a 1m 4f Group 3, at Goodwood, 29-days ago. Today’s slight drop in trip and sharp track should suit the 4-year-old who’s effective on soft ground.

Verdict: On a going day Alounak would win this.  Le Don De Vie is improving and could be suited by today’s C&D. However, at the prices I have a slight preference for previous C&D winner Sextant who will be sharper for his recent Newbury return.

1pt win – Sextant – 8/1 @ Bet365

There you have it, short and sweet.

ITV racing are covering seven races from Goodwood & Perth on Sunday so let’s hope the field sizes hold up better.

Cheers

John

Hi all,

I should have been happy with BOG winners at 18/1 & 11/2 but I‘m shade frustrated that I ended up only 0.5pts win on East Street Revue. The recent losing run played a big part in the decision. Anyway, it’s all done so no need to dwell on it.

For a Friday there’s a good card at the Curragh with Group 3’s and the Irish Cambridgeshire the features of an eight-race card from the home of Irish flat racing.

This side of the Irish Sea there’s fixtures at Goodwood, Newmarket & Fontwell. I’m concentrating on the Curragh today but I also have a selection from Newmarket.

Curragh

2:40 – Kilcarn Stud Flame Of Tara Irish European Breeders Fund Stakes Fillies’ (Group 3) – 1m

Nicest impressed, despite a slow start, to beat nine rivals at Leopardstown last month on her racecourse debut. A daughter of Triple Crown winner American Pharaoh out of an Irish Oaks winner she’s bred to be smart and should do well over middle distances as a 3-year-old. Looks worth the step-up Group company today but the ground is likely to be different to last time.

Emaniya was given a kind introduction to racing when fifth over 7f here on her racecourse debut. Showed the benefit of that run when winning at Cork over a mile 20-days ago. The daughter of Sea The Stars is another who can do well over 1m 2f next season but can’t be ruled out here.

Ubuntu is thrown into the deep end here on just her second career start. Ran green in the early stages here over 7f, 14-days ago and was being pushed along three furlongs from home. Once she got the hang of racing, she was doing her best work inside the final furlong to finish 5^th of 8. Plenty of improvement needed to win this but progress can be expected.

0.5pts each way – Ubuntu – 12/1 @Bet365

3:40 – Paddy Power Irish Cambridgeshire (Premier Handicap) – 1m

Jassaar won this last year off 5lb lower. Tougher off his new mark on different ground but he’s looked to have been trained for this again and should run again for a yard among the winners.

Jessica Harrington saddles a couple of contenders in Njord & Only Human. The former has won twice here with the last win coming over 1m 2f three starts back. He’s improved since finishing runner-up twice at the recent Galway Festival. Back to a mile today and well suited to the mud but is 6lb higher than last time. Still he’s expected to go well.  Stablemate Only Human finished one place behind Njord at Galway. The application of the first time cheekpieces seemed to have the desired effect and he shouldn’t be far away on soft ground that will suit.

Trading Point made an encouraging stable debut when 5^th of 8 at Killarney 7-days ago. Handicapped to win races for new yard in time but may prefer slightly better ground.

Laughifuwant a winner of a valuable handicap at Galway last season maintained his form on three subsequent runs. Returned from a 281-day lay off to finish 8^th of 16 at Galway last time. Should be better for that run, will like the soft ground but has yet to show his best on a straight track.

Quizical finished three places in front of Laughifuwant at Galway and with a clear run would have finished better than 5^th.  Disappointed on good ground at Gowran Park on his next start before finishing 4^th in a Listed race at Killarney, returned to soft ground last week. A previous C&D winner his best form has come with plenty of juice in the ground and all three of his wins have come when running within 15-days of his last start. Still 4lb above his last winning mark but a very useful apprentice takes off a handy 7lb and likely to go well.

Mythologic ran an eyecatching race when 4^th of 16 over C&D two starts back. Would have finished much closer but didn’t get the best of runs inside the final furlong. Yet to win on turf after 12 starts but has twice run well over C&D this season. Never really got into the race at Dundalk 13-days ago but the 3-year-old has a good handicap in him when all the cards fall right. Not sure he wants as soft as ground as this though.

Strongbowe is one of the least exposed runners in the field. Looked a decent prospect when winning a Roscommon maiden on his second career start. Struggled from a high draw at Leopardstown on his handicap debut. Ran slightly better than his final position of sixth suggests at Cork 12-days ago. Has been beaten favourite on both his last two starts which suggests think his present mark is workable.  Nathan Crosse takes off a handy 5lb but the 4-year-old probably needs the first-time visor to eke out a bit more improvement. Each way claims if they do.

Verdict: Jassaar has a solid chance of back to back wins in the race if he handles today’s much softer going. There’s likely a decent pot in Mythologic but this sort of going is an unknown. No problems with the ground for Quizical, who has each way claims and Strongbowe who’s one of the least exposed runners in the field and looks on a competitive mark

1pt each way – Quizical – 12/1 @ Paddy Power (paying six places 1/5 odds)

0.5pts each way – Strongbowe – 18/1 @ Paddy Power (paying six places 1/5 odds)

4:40 – Tresorier is on a 23-race losing run but he ran well in a couple of big field handicaps last autumn, including C&D and on his seasonal return at Naas in March to think he can win a handicap like this. Returned from a 145-day lay off to finish an excellent 3^rd of 14 at Dundalk and can race off 2lb lower today. Must be held up to come with a late run which always makes him a hostage to fortune in his races but if he gets a clear passage should go close.

1pt win – Tresorier – 9/2 @ Coral & Ladbrokes

Newmarket

The going is being forecast as good but showers are forecast so it probably won’t be much quicker. Man of Promise could easily be much better than his opening mark of 92 but he’s plenty short enough in the betting in what looks a competitive 6f handicap.

Endowed is more exposed then the likely favourite but put in a career best effort on RPR’s when 2^nd of 12 over C&D 13-days ago. That was his first start since a wind-op and he’s been nudged up 3lb for that effort in a slightly better race now. Soft ground would be an unknown but he shouldn’t be far away again.

Owney Madden two best performances have come at York although he did win at Newbury last season.  Career best when winning a valuable nursery last August and returned to that form when 4^th of 18 back at York 41-days ago. Remains 4lb above his last winning mark. Both wins have come on good or good to soft so shouldn’t have any problem with the ground. Trainer has just had three runners in the past 14-days but they all have placed so a big run could be forthcoming.

Many A Star looked an improving handicap sprinter when winning at Doncaster two starts back. Up 4lb and did best of those coming from off the pace when 3^rd at Pontefract two weeks ago. Remains progressive and can win more races. Best form so far on good to firm and has yet to race on going worse than good. Each way claims if going is suitable.

Verdict: The one to beat looks to be Man of Promise. There are several with each way claims no more so than Endowed, Owney Madden and Many A Star.  

1pt each way – Owney Madden – 7/1 @ Coral & Ladbrokes

Cheers

John

Hi all,

Beverley takes centre stage today with the latest running of the Beverley Bullet (3:30). The meeting is normally held on a Saturday but this isn’t a normal season. 

Beverley

3:00 – East Street Revue looked like he was running into form when 3^rd of 8 at Thirsk two starts back. Disappointed back at the same venue over 6f last time. Has a few questions to answer about his well-being but that was a Class 3 handicap and he drops back into Class 5 here. Has won over C&D in the past there’s no doubt the 7-year-old is well handicapped on his very best back form and now down to his last winning mark. Stall 12 doesn’t look to promising but if it’s not an inconvenience he can go well.

Airglow is better drawn in stall 5. The 5-year-old hasn’t won since his 3-year-old season but he’s put in plenty of decent efforts in the meantime. He finished 2^nd of 14 at Haydock three starts back and last time out was beaten ½ into second at Pontefract. Just 1lb higher here and another aggressive ride back over a stiff 5f should see him competitive again.

0.5pts win – East Street Revue – 16/1 @ Coral & Paddy Power

0.5pts win – Airglow – 11/1 @ Paddy Power

3:00 – Alpha Delphini won the ‘Bullet’ in 2016 and finished runner-up in the Group 1 Nunthorpe Stakes at York two years ago. His form figures over C&D 1171 and he’s 2-2 on soft ground. Hasn’t been the easiest to keep sound since as he’s just had three starts since the August 2018. Returned from a 420-day lay off with a disappointing run at York. That reappearance was probably needed and better show wouldn’t surprise.

Dakota Gold a much-improved sprinter last season struggled on his first three starts this season but shaped much better when 7^th of 19 in the Great St Wilfrid Handicap at Ripon 11-days ago. Drop back to a stiff 5f isn’t a problem, if anywhere back to his best better expected today.

1pt win – Alpha Delphini – 12/1 @ Coral & Ladbrokes

1pt win – Dakota Gold – 4/1 @ Coral & Ladbrokes

4:05 – A couple of unexposed 3-year-old’s in; Ilaraab & Throne Hall look set to dominate the market in this Class 2 handicap. However, I like the claims of HMS President. The 3-year-old has run well on all four starts this season putting a career best when 2^nd of 11 at Newbury 12-days ago. The front two pulled nicely clear of the field that day so a 5lb rise in the weight’s doesn’t look to harsh. He won’t be far away again and looks the one to be with here.

2pts win – HMS President – 5/2 @ Bet365

Bellewstown

5:40 – Stormy Belle is on a losing run that dates to April 2019 but she’s dropped 2lb below that winning mark. Hasn’t been at her best so far this season but get’s her favoured soft ground today and although a mile is at end of her stamina range, she too well handicapped to ignore especially with a useful and inform apprentice taking off an extra 7lb off the mares back.

1pt win – Stormy Belle – 13/2 @ Coral & Ladbrokes

Cheers

John

Hi all,

Going through a tough spell at present. However, we’ll pull out of it as we have done in the past and hopefully today is the day for a winner. I have one selection from Bellewstown.

Bellewstown

6:15 – Future Proof, trained by Noel Meade, is a decent enough dual-purpose horse at the right level. He’s only 1 win from 9 runs on the flat and has been down the field on both starts since Irish racing returned from lockdown. However, he goes well in the mud and his best RPR’s over hurdles and on the flat have come on heavy ground. The 5-year-old ran well when placed in valuable big field handicaps at Leopardstown last October to think he can be competitive here. Each way claims at the 14/1 available.

1pt win – Future Proof – 14/1 @ Bet365 (paying 3 places ¼ odds)

Cheers

John

Hi all,

The weather is more like October than August and the going looks set to be testing today. However, a couple have tempted me at Catterick & Cork.

Catterick

4:35 – Rux Ruxx made it 2-2 over C&D when winning here last September, off 1lh higher. Has run below par since that win but shaped like she could be running into form when 4th of 11 at Wolverhampton 13-days ago. Has won twice with soft in the going description in the past. So should handle today’s likely underfoot conditions. Looks a lively contender to make 3-3 over C&D.

Rux Ruxx – – 13/2 @ Bet365

Cork

3:15 –Top-weight Verhoyen is 0-16 6 placed over 5f but has a touch of class and could overcome the drop back to the minimum trip. The ground is sure to be testing which will bring his stamina into play and he’s got good form with heavy in the going description, including when beaten a short head at the Curragh last October. Can race off 1lb lower here and a capable apprentice Mikey Sheehy takes off a handy 7lb. Hard to see him being out of the money, for a trainer 1-2 here in the past 5 seasons.

Mister Trader won over C&D last September off 3lb lower and shaped like he was coming into form when 4th of 17 at the Curragh 11-days ago. Up 4lb demands more from the 6-year-old but given his C&D form can’t be discounted and could be worth a saver.

Verhoyen – 8/1 – Gen

Mister Trader – 13/2 @ Bet365

Cheers

John

Hi all,

A tough few day’s at York but four winners and I was generally happy with my reading of the various races that I tipped in.

ITV are covering racing from Sandown, Naas & Cartmel.  I have a selection from each of the meetings.

Sandown

2:00 – Saaheq won the three times during a productive 2019 for his previous connections, including a valuable 5f sprint handicap at Musselburgh last May and he was very unlucky in the run in this race 12 months ago, off 4lb higher. Has yet to sparkle on five starts for present yard albeit shaped with a but of promise when runner-up to rapidly improver sprinter at Kempton 11-days ago. A stiff 5f suit’s and he seems ground versatile. There is a race in the 6-year-old off his present mark when all the cards fall right and hopefully that’s today.

1pt win- Saaheq – 9/1 @ Bet365

Cartmel

2:15 – Useful on her day Northern Beau won a Cheltenham handicap chase back in December off 3lb lower. Didn’t seem to stay 2m 4f when last seen in action back in February and the drop back to 2m 1f should suit. First run at Cartmel for the 7-year-old and if she handles the track, she will go close. Trainer Michael Scudamore has had a couple of winners on the flat this month so the yards runners seem to be going well enough.

1pt win – Northern Beau – 5/1 @ Bet365

Naas

2:50 – There’s €149,200 on offer to the winner of this 6f Sales race. Measure of Magic beat recent York winner Miss Amulet at Down Royal at two starts back before finishing third to the same filly in a Listed race here over 5f, 20-days ago. The second has gone onto win a Curragh Listed race so the form is solid. First start over 6f asks a new question of the filly but if she stays, she will go close.

Street Kid seemed to relish the soft ground when winning over 6 ½ f at Cork 7-days ago. No issues with the ground or distance for the colt. And provided this race doesn’t come to quick he could run into the places with more improvement likely.

Monaasib also won over 6 ½ f at Cork last week and he bids for the hat trick here. Another who seems well suited to soft ground and provided the quick turnaround doesn’t inconvenience I will be disappointed if this improving colt isn’t bang there at the finish.

1pt win – Monaasib – 6/1 @ Coral & Ladbrokes

It looks like it will be much quieter on the selections front next week but there maybe a tip or two so watch your inbox’s.

Cheers

John

Hi all,

Angel Power & Moss Gill (3^rd) provided a decent profit on the day. Apart from yesterday’s final race I have been happy with my workings this week.

It’s Ebor Day today and the York card is a good one. There’s also a decent enough Sandown card and ITV are covering three races from the Surrey track on Saturday.

York

2:25 – Sky Bet Melrose Handicap (Heritage Handicap) (Class 2) – 1m 6f

King’s Charisma has been well placed to win all three starts this season and put in a career best when stepped up to 1m 4f for the first time at Thirsk 24-days ago. He was doing his best work at the finish that day and should stay today’s extra two furlongs. Up 6lb but his progression may not have ended just yet

Midnight’s Legacy is another seeking the four timer after wins at Bath and Haydock (2). Another who was doing his best work at the finish over 1m 4f at Haydock. Up 2lb for his last win but he’s bred for the further than 1m 4f and the step up in trip should bring out even more improvement in the colt.

Verdict: King’s Charismawinning run may not have ended and he’s feared. Midnight’s Legacy is an improving colt who should be suited by the step up to today’s distance and looks to have the right profile for this race.

1pt each way – Midnight’s Legacy – 10/1 @ Paddy Power (paying 4 places 1/5 odds)

3:40 – Sky Bet Ebor Handicap (Heritage Handicap) (Class 2) – 1m 6f

Trainer Roger Varian has already had a couple of winners here this week and he saddles ante post favourite  Fujaira Prince. The 6-year-old is very lightly raced for age, just the seven starts, winning four of them. He’s certainly improved for the step up to middle distances and last time out won on his first go at 1m 6f at Royal Ascot. Handicapper has raised him 9lb for that that win but he’s earned it and is very much unexposed over the distance. A 64-day break isn’t a problem, as he goes well fresh.

Ghostwatch won the Melrose Handicap over C&D in 2018. Has returned from a long absence with three starts and showed he retains plenty of his old ability when runner-up to Cape Coast at Newmarket two starts back and has since finished 3^rd of 7 in a Listed race at Deauville. His Newmarket run was a career best by the 5-year-old and is an each-way contender.

Trushan’s chance will be enhanced should the showers arrive before racing. An improver as a 3-year-old he’s maintained that progression on his two starts this season and last time out won a 1m 4f Listed race at Haydock (good to soft). Another one who’s unexposed at the trip and open more improvement over it.

Jeremiah looked improver when winning an Ascot handicap over 1m 4f two starts back. Wasn’t suited by the slow early gallop back at the same venue two weeks ago but wasn’t beaten that far at the line despite finishing 8^th of 12. Another each way contender on going that shouldn’t be too quick.

Irish raider Pondus should appreciate a good gallop and must be on interest on his first start at 1m 6f.

Top weight Deja relished the soft ground when winning the Old Newton Cup at Haydock last month. He’s improving but is 7lb higher than last time and stall 23 isn’t helpful to his chance. If he was to win off 9-12, he would be bordering on Group 1 class. The step up to 1m 6f should be within his stamina range and any more rain won’t inconvenience the 5-year-old.

Verdana Blue surely need the ground to dry out even more. Whilst Monica Sheriff would probably prefer softer ground on her seasonal reappearance but can win races this autumn.

Verdict: Deja is improving with racing but it would be some weight carrying performance if he was to win this.Fujaira Prince is a solid favourite and has been aimed at this race since winning at Royal Ascot. I wouldn’t be surprised if Jeremiah was to run well. Trushan has had this race as his target all season and should go close on easy ground. Previous C&D winner Ghostwatch has each way claims.

1pt win – Fujaira Prince – 13/2 @ Coral & Bet365

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

1pt win – Trushan – 8/1 @ Bet365

4:40 – Cape Cavalii looked an improver when winning over C&D two starts back (good to soft). Not so good at Goodwood last time but he had to be dropped in from his wide draw and race favoured those racing prominently. It may pay to ignore that run.

Fifth Position finished one place ahead of Cape Cavalli at Goodwood. The first-time blinkers he wore that day have been removed and prior to that had finished third in the John Smith’s Cup Handicap over C&D.  

Derevo was 4^th in the Goodwood race and has run with promise on both this season’s starts. Did well to get as close as he did from a wide draw. Races off the same mark here as last time and is another who has claims. Trainer Sir Michael Stoute is 6 winners from 10 runners 60% +31.75 with his handicappers over C&D since the start of 2016.

1pt win – Cape Cavalii – 8/1 @ Bet365 & Ladbrokes

1pt win – Derevo – 8/1 @ Bet365 & Ladbrokes

Sandown

I also have one selection from Sandown.

3:15 – Raaeq is the most interesting of the 14 runners in this mile handicap. The son of Kingman had shaped with promise when third on racecourse debut last September before going onto win a Newbury novice 18-days later. He hasn’t been seen on the racecourse for 336-days and is having his first run on ground worse than good to firm. Well-being must be taken on trust and the going is an unknown but he could prove a better horse than a mark of 89 on his handicap debut.

1pt win – Raaeq – 13/2 @ Coral & Ladbrokes

There’s more racing on ITV tomorrow and I no doubt will have a selection of two for you.

Cheers

John

Hi all,

Montatham saved the day at yesterday’s Ebor Festival. We move onto day three still afloat and the feature race of a seven-race card is the Group 1 Nunthorpe Stakes. It’s the day for Battaash to wow us like Love did yesterday. Bar the ground going too soft the fastest 5f horse in a generation should win Friday’s big one. That said I do have one that can get into the places.

York

1:45 – Sky Bet Handicap (Class 2) – 1m 4f

A slightly disappointing field of just ten runners have been declared for the opener.

Zabeel Champion heads the market and the 3-year-old comes into the race with an improving profile having won twice at Newmarket before finishing 2^nd of 11 at Goodwood 22-days ago. Didn’t seem totally at home on the undulations at Goodwood and should be better on a more galloping track. The ground looks ideal and he shapes like the step up to 1m 4f will bring out more improvement. Plenty to like about his chance apart from his price.

The biggest danger to the favourite could be stablemate King’s Caper. The 3-year-oldcame within a nose of winning the Italian Derby two starts back. Last time out he finished 6^th of 10 in a Class 2 handicap at Goodwood. Needs to improve to win this but is progressing with racing and a stronger gallop than at Goodwood and the easier going could see him maintain that progress can get in to the places.

Verdict: Zabeel Champion has plenty in his favour but stablemate King’s Caper has each way claims.

1pt each way – King’s Caper – 9/1 @ William Hill (paying 4 places 1/5 odds)

2:15 – Weatherbys Hamilton Lonsdale Cup Stakes (Group 2) (British Champions Series) – 2m ½ f

The step up to 2m shouldn’t stop Enbihaar winning this. The mare has a likeable profile and looks ready for today’s new distance. The only thing that will stop her is the ground. Good is fine, good to firm is even better. Good to soft and even soft would be slight concerns. That said I still think she follow in the hoof prints of stablemate Stradivarius who has won the last two renewals of the race.

Verdict: Enbihaar for me if the ground doesn’t come up to soft or sticky.

2:45 – Al Basti Equiworld Dubai Gimcrack Stakes (Group 2) (Colts & Geldings) – 6f

From the stayers to the speedy juvenile colts & geldings. Minzaal heads the market after a facile win at Salisbury 12-days ago. After that success connections were talking about the colt being a Middle Park horse. We will know whether he’s up to that level later this afternoon but he looks a smart juvenile prospect. Both starts so far have been on good to firm and if he handles today’s different under foot conditions, I expect the colt to go close here. On form the pick must be the luckless Yazaman who has finished runner-up to the Tactical at Royal Ascot and the Group 2 July Stakes. The Kodiac colt then was unfortunate to come up against arguably the best English trained juvenile we have seen so far this season in Supremacy. He sets the standard that they all must beat and it will be interesting to see if the like of the Minzaal can rise to the challenge.

Verdict: Minzaal is the one with potential but Yazaman has the form in the book to win this.

3:15 – Coolmore Nunthorpe Stakes (Group 1) (British Champions Series – 5f

Battaash is the fastest 5f horse in a generation. He wins this easy or he should do provided the ground isn’t to soft. It’s a fight for the places or the betting without market which offers punters as a chance of some return.  

Art Power is the new kid on the block. The 3-year-old is a rapidly improving sprinter who went over to Ireland to win a Group 3 last month. No doubt he’s a future Group 1 winner in waiting and the softer the ground the better his chance.

My offering each way though is Moss Gill. The 4-year-old’s form figures over C&D are 2211. Two of his career wins have come on soft so more rain the better for him. I don’t see him beating Battaash or Art Power on these terms but he can give us a good run for our money.

Verdict: Battaash all the way provided the ground isn’t to soft. Course specialist Moss Gill is a lively contender for the places at big odds.

0.5pts each way – Moss Gill – 40/1 @ Bet365

3:45 – British Stallion Studs EBF Convivial Maiden Stakes (Plus 10 Race) (Class 2) – 7f

Plenty of unknowns in the most valuable juvenile maiden of the season. Broomy Law shaped with promise when 3^rd of 9 at Haydock on his racecourse debut and will have improved for that run. Rushmore must have been showing something at home as he was sent off the 11/4 favourite for Newbury maiden 34-days ago. He was slowly away that day and could only finish 7^th of 15. He’s likely better than he showed last time and better can be expected from this well-bred son of Lope De Vega.

Verdict: Better can be expected from Rushmore today but he wouldn’t be a confident selection in a race with too many unknowns.

4:15 – British Stallion Studs EBF Fillies’ Handicap (Class 2) – 1m 2 ½ f

Asiaaf an eyecatcher for me at Goodwood last time heads the bettingand she must have a great chanceif reproducing the form of her recent Goodwood second. It’s the filly’s first run on going worse than good though which is a slight concern.

Roger Varian saddles a couple of lively contenders in Waliyak & Angel Power. The former was an excellent second in the Sandringham Handicap at Royal Ascot before occupying the same position behind all the way winner Chamade (who re-opposes here) at Goodwood. She’s gets 5lb from the winner and deserves to land a race like this. Angel Power won a Chelmsford novice on her seasonal return and has finished runner-up in handicaps at Haydock and Goodwood. Just the four career starts and could be capable of better stepped up to 1m 2f for the first time.

Chamade is an improving filly as she showed when making all to win at Goodwood last time. She got the run of the race that day and may not get that luxury this time. However, If she does she can’t be discounted here even off 8lb higher.

Verdict: Asiaaf looks the most likely winner but she looks plenty short enough given softish ground would be an unknown for her. I’m leaning towards the Varian pair of Waliyak & Angel Power with a slight preference for the latter at the prices.

1pt win – Angel Power – 13/2 @ Bet365

4:50 – Sky Bet Mile Stakes (Handicap) (Class 2) – 1m

Just a 16 runner, 3-year-old’s only handicap puzzle to solve and it’s a tough one for the ‘getting out stakes’.  Indeed, I could make a decent case for twelve here.

The most intriguing runner must be the Mark Johnson trained Visinari. The colt made a big impression and had the sectional fans ‘purring’ when winning on his racecourse debut at Newmarket last June. Had his limitations exposed in Group/listed company on his next three starts but has always looks like he would make a better 3-year-old. Seasonal return here but he goes well fresh and looks interesting on handicap debut.  Stablemate Overwrite was first past the post at Newbury on Sunday and can’t be discounted if getting an easy lead out in front.

William Haggas saddles three in Cold Front, Grand Rock & Johan. They all have claims but Grand Rock looks the most interesting in the first time cheekpieces and dropped back to a mile.

Magnetised was well fancied for his Goodwood Handicap debut 22-days ago. He ran too bad to be true and all only beat one home. After the race the trainer said the colt had a breathing problem so the first-time tongue tie could make all the difference today. He’s surely better than he showed last time and has a nice light weight here.

Hat trick seeking Mon Choix can’t be ruled out although his improved form has come on good to firm going and he’s 13lb higher than when winning at Sandown.

The likes of Eastern World and Finest Sound are solid. Add in improvers like Brunch, Hartswood and Cloud Drift and you have the makings of one of the most competitive races of the four days.

Verdict: Visinarihas questions to answer but remains with potential to be better than a handicapper.  Magnetised is likely on a winnable mark and if you forgive his Goodwood run and looks capable of a bold showing. William Haggas sets a poser with his three runners but the drop back to a strongly run mile could suit Grand Rock who won’t be inconvenienced by further rain either.

1pt each way – Grand Rock – 12/1 @ Bet365 (paying 4 places ¼ odds)

1pt win – Visinari – 8/1 @ Ladbrokes

0.5pts each way – Magnetised – 16/1 @ Ladbrokes (paying 4 places ¼  odds)

Cheers

John