Author: John Burke

Hi all,

Two days of competitive racing with ITV Racing covering seven races from Ascot, Newmarket & Haydock today and on Sunday eight races from Salisbury, Thirsk, and the Curragh.

No weather problems to complicate today’s racing as it’s set to be hot and sunny across the UK with the going likely to be on the quick side at the three tracks ITV are covering.

I have selections from Ascot, Newmarket & Cork. Let’s begin this betting preview at Ascot.

Ascot

1:50 – Equitation won a Class 4 handicap over C&D last September, off 3lb lower. That win came on good to firm so no problem with anticipated underfoot conditions for the 6-year-old. He’s improved with each of his three starts this season and ran well in finishing runner-up in Class 2 company at Newmarket 13-days ago. The return to 6f is a positive and he looks set for a good run.

Dazzling Dan was an improving sprint handicapper last season winning twice at Newmarket. On the last occasion, in August, he beat recent Group 1 Diamond Jubilee winner Oxted. The 4-year-old hasn’t been at his very best on subsequent but there were hints that he was coming back to his best last time when 5^th at Newbury 20-days ago. Now 1lb below his last winning mark. He looks to be hitting form at the right time.

0.5pts each way – Equitation – 8/1 @ Bet365

0.5pts each way – Dazzling Dan – 13/2 @ Bet365

2:25 – Another competitive Class 2 handicap, this time over the straight mile.  

Game Player returns from a 372-day break. A winner over 7f at Lingfield back in May of last year. He ran well on three subsequent starts to think he’s on a workable mark off 95 and if trainer Roger Varian has him fully tuned up looks capable of going close.

Cape Francois took advantage of declining handicap mark when winning at Haydock on his seasonal reappearance. Disappointed badly back at the same venue on soft ground three weeks ago. The stiff mile will suit and although the top-weight is 5lb above his last winning mark he needs respecting.

Via Serendipity is having his first start for Charlie Fellowes. The 6-year-old has won over the round mile and run well here on the straight course in the past. He’s now 12lb below his last winning turf mark two years ago. To well handicapped to ignore if the stable switch has had the desired effect. The trainer is 5 winners from 17 runners 29% +100.5 6 placed 35% with his handicap runners at Ascot on the straight track.

0.5pts each way – Via Serendipity – 8/1 @ Bet365 & Ladbrokes

0.5pts each way – Game Player – 6/1 @ Bet365

3:00 – Australis has been a steadily improving staying handicapper on the all-weather and is sure to be popular after his runner-up effort in the Northumberland Plate last month.

Kaloor has been bought along steadily by new trainer David Menuisier. He’s been stepped up in trip from a mile to 1m 6f and shaped well last time in finishing 3^rd of 7 at Sandown 18-days ago. The step up to 2m shouldn’t be a problem as he was doing his best work at the finish at Sandown.

Eddystone Rock won over C&D 12 months ago and then went onto win at the York Ebor Meeting. He’s 1lb above his last winning mark but Cieren Fallon takes off a handy 3lb.  If the 8-year-old is in the same form as a year ago he won’t be far away at the finish.

0.5pts each way – Eddystone Rock -14/1 @ Bet365

1pt win – Kaloor – 9/2 @ Bet365 & Paddy Power

3:35 – Jeremiah did us a favour when winning over C&D 13-days ago. Up 6lb now but he could progress further now he looks to have found his optimum trip. The blinker he wore last time stay on and he can go well again.

Look Closely also won a C&D handicap 14-days ago. He’s up 8lb for that success and in better race which makes life tougher for the 4-year-old but he goes well on good to firm ground and has only had six career starts.

Fox Vardy thrashed three rivals at Newmarket two starts back and then went on to run just as well when 3^rd of 10 at York 30-days ago. Cieren Fallon has been booked to take off 3lb which put the 4-year-old right in the mix if in the same form as last time.

Caradoc was an improving handicapper at 1m 2f last season winning three times and seemed to stay 1m 4f when 3^rd of 16 in a valuable handicap at York last August. The 5-year-old shaped with promise when 6^th at Epsom on is seasonal return but was a shade disappointing when only 9^th in the John Smith’s Handicap at York last time. Unexposed over 1m 4f he will like the quick ground.

0.5pts each way – Jeremiah – 11/2 @ Paddy Power (paying 4 places 1/5 odds)

0.5pts each way – Fox Vardy – 5/1 @ Paddy Power (paying 4 places 1/5 odds)

Newmarket

4:00 – Al Rufaa, a comfortable C&D winner 15-days ago will be a hot favourite to land the hat trick in this Class 2 handicap. He’s clearly thriving but a 12lb rise in the weights could catch up out in a better race.

Tomfre is 2 from 3 here, including over C&D, and hasn’t had the best of luck in the run on his last three starts. The handicapper has dropped the 3-year-old 2lb since his last run at Goodwood last Saturday which means he’s just 1lb higher than when beaten a short head at Sandown three starts back.

Bear Force One bounced back to form when winning over a mile at Newbury 30-days ago. Drop back to 7f shouldn’t be a problem and although he’s up 5lb for his last success looks set for another good run here.

Top weight Fox Champion won the German 2000 Guineas last spring and put in a career best on RPR’s when finishing third to Too Darn Hot in the Group 1 Prix Jean Prat at Deauville last July. However, his form has tailed off since and the 4-year-old needs the drop to handicap company and step back up to 7f to provoke a return to form. If they do, he would be a danger to all.

0.5pts each way – Tomfre – 5/1 @ Coral

4:35 – Evening Sun has clearly improved from two to three having won a novice on the Rowley course on his seasonal return before finishing third in a hot Ascot handicap behind Tsar 14-days ago. Obvious claims here and looks the one to beat.

Laser Show was running on the dirt in Meydan over the winter and shaped with promise back on turf when 4^th of 10 over C&D 28-days ago. That was his first start after a gelding operation and the cheekpieces he wore then are retained.

Ajax Tavern & Duesenberg were third and six respectably in a Doncaster handicap last month. The former has run gone onto run disappointingly at Ascot. Duesenberg was giving away race fitness at Doncaster and has a good chance of finishing ahead of his rival here. He seemed to handle the good to firm ground at Doncaster and isn’t without a chance if doing so again.

1pt win – Duesenberg – 8/1 @ Bet365 & Coral

Cork

3:05 – Goodnight Girl a three-time winner over 6f when trained in England’ shaped with promise on her first start for Sarah Lynam when 5^th of 18 at the Curragh 29-days ago.  She showed plenty of speed that day so the drop to the minimum trip looks worth a go. All her wins have come on good to firm so the drier the ground the better her chance.

Elzaamone a winner over 5f at the Curragh two starts back almost defied a 15lb rise in the weights back at the same venue when just got in the final strides 13-days ago.  Just 1lb higher here and the 3-year-old remains on the up.

Laugh A Minute’s stamina ran out on soft ground over 7f at Galway 6-days ago. Drops back to 5f here but the top-weight has a touch of class and can’t be discounted with Gavin Ryan taking off 3lb.

Chocquinto is the least exposed runner in the field having just had the three career starts. The 3-year-old won a 5f Curragh maiden at 150/1 13-days ago. That success was clearly an improved effort from the filly who make her handicap debut off a workable mark if that win wasn’t a flash in the pan.

0.5pts each way – – Goodnight Girl – 16/1 @ Coral (paying 4 places 1/5 odds)

0.5pts each way – Elzaamone – 7/1 @ Ladbrokes (paying 4 places 1/5 odds)

Cheers

John

Hi all,

We ended a busy week of racing with a winner yesterday and a third.  A tough week but we came away unscathed.

I am going to take a two-day break on the tipping front but before I go, I have a couple of selections from Haydock and Naas.

Haydock

3:15- Mountain Peak made it two from two over C&D when winning her in May. He’s subsequently gone onto match that effort twice at Ascot. The faster the ground the better and he should go close again here.

1pt win – Mountain Peak –100/30 or better

Naas

2:35 – If the ground is soft, I would really like the claims of Miacomet who’s handicapped to close in this 6f handicap. Backed into favouritism at the Curragh last time. She lost any chance she had with a slow start there. The 4-year-old probably needs soft ground to be at her best but if she gets it won’t be far away.

If the ground dries out Blairmayne is the one to be with. A recent eyecatcher and a previous course winner at 5f. The 7-year-old has returned to action with three good efforts including in the valuable Scurry Handicap 16-days ago. He was a bit short of room coming to two out that day but once in the clear finished his race of well to grab third. Just 2lb higher than his last winning mark he deserves to win a race like this.

1pt win – Blairmayne – 9/1 @ Bet365

Cheers

John

Hi all,

Disappointing Saturday with only Swindler really running to form. We end a bust week where we started at Galway.

Galway

2:45 – Dragon Of Malta remains a maiden after 11 starts but put in several good performances in soft ground nursery handicaps last autumn, including when beaten just a head here last October. The 3-year-old was probably in need of the run when 9^th of 16 at Limerick 16-days ago. Today’s softer ground will be more in his favour and he’s 2lb lower than when he ran here last season. Handy low draw and looks worth a chancing here.

1pt win – Dragon Of Malta – 9/1 @ Paddy Power & Betfair Sportsbook

3:50 – Darkened is nine race maiden on the flatbut two of his best three RPR’s have come at Galway, including when beaten ¾ length over an extended mile here on Tuesday. Can now race off 1lb lower and reproduction of that performance even dropped to 7f would probably be good enough.

1pt win – Darkened – 7/2 @ Bet365

4:20 – Irish Stallion Farms EBF “Ahonoora” Handicap (Premier Handicap) – 7f

A maximum field of 16 are set to go to post for the feature race of the final day of the Galway Festival. My two against the field are Flaming Moon and On A Session.

Flaming Moon ran a cracker when 5^th of 16 in the valuable ‘Scurry’ Handicap at the Curragh 15-days ago. The 3-year-old was doing his best work at the finish of that 6 ½ f race which offers plenty of hope that he can stay 7f here. No issues with soft ground and as he’s only had the six career starts so there’s a good chance, he remains open to a bit more improvement.

On A Session was runner-up in this race last year. He was only beaten ¾ length and is just 1lb higher today. Looked to be coming back to form when 6^th of 16 in a valuable Cork handicap on his second start since October. Didn’t get the best of passage out wide but still ran well to finish 6^th of 18 here 5-days ago.  Drop back to 7f is in the 4-year-old’s favour and he has a handy draw in stall 5.

1pt win – Flaming Moon – 11/1 @ Bet365

0.5pts each way – On A Session – 16/1 @ William Hill (paying 5 places 1/5 odds)

Cheers

John

Hi all,

A decent enough day with two winner’s courtesy of Cepheus & Great White Shark.  I have looked at four of the handicaps on the final day of Glorious Goodwood and one of the Galway handicaps. There’s also a card at Newmarket but the four races on ITV racing contain small fields and don’t really appeal.

Goodwood

1:50 – Unibet Stewards’ Sprint Handicap (Consolation Race For The Stewards’ Cup) (Class 2) – 6f

The Charlie Hills trained Rewaayat heads the market for this. He’s a 5-year-old but he’s unexposed for his age, just the 11 starts, and has improved this season to win both his starts. Up 12lb for his last success at Salisbury but it’s not difficult to think he remains on a winnable mark.

Of the rest at an each-way price Music Society looks interesting with Tom Marquand booked. The 5-year-old won the Ayr Bronze Cup last September and a return to trip to that venue next month may well be his target again. Not really hit his best form so far on three starts this season but he’s just 2lb above his Ayr winning mark and could get into the money.

Advice: It’s hard to look beyond the favourite Rewaayet but Music Society has place claims if the going isn’t to quick.

1pt win – Rewaayat – 7/2 @ Bet365

2:25 – Unibet Summer Handicap (Class 2) – 1m 6f

Laafy who made a winning seasonal return to action at Newbury last month heads the ante post market.  The 5-year-old followed up his Newbury win with a good second in the Old Newton Cup at Haydock 27-days ago. That’s as good a recent form as there is on offer and he did win over 1m 6f last year so the return to this trip shouldn’t be a problem.

Platitude is dual C&D winner but hasn’t won since May 2018.  This means he’s dropped down back to a winnable mark. Ran well to finish second at Sandown 11-days ago and Jim Crowley has been booked for the ride.

Mark Johnston has won this three times since 2015. He saddles a pair of lively contenders in Themaxwecan & King’s Advice. The former won here over 2m last September, He beat Platitude by a length that day but that one has a 12lb pull in the weights today. Ran well enough when 4^th of 16 at Royal Ascot two starts back, over today’s distance, to suggest he can be competitive here.  Must bounce back from a poor run in the Marsh Cup last time but from a yard whose horse often do. Quick ground is in his favour.

King’s Advice has dropped down to a very tempting handicap. The 6-year-old was in good form last year winning eight races, including this off 4lb higher. Comes in to the race after two dreadful performances at Newcastle & Newmarket (soft ground wouldn’t have suited).  Four from five on good to firm and two from two over C&D and if he was to bounce back to his best form, would take some beating.

Verdict: Plenty to like about the claims of the favourite Laafy. Platitude finds winning hard but his C&D form means he’s a contender. Mark Johnston’s recent record in the race means his pair need respecting.

1pt win – King’s Advice – 8/1 @ Coral & Ladbrokes

3:35 – Unibet Stewards’ Cup (Heritage Handicap) (Class 2) – 6f

Nahaarr had too much class for his rivals when winning at Newbury 13-days ago. The faster they go in a race the better he is. Up 7lb for his last win but he’s a handicap sprinter very much on the up. Deserves his place at the head of the betting and will take the beating if stall 19 isn’t an inconvenience.

Watan finished runner-up to Nahaarr at Newbury. He was giving away race fitness to the winner that day as it was his first start for a year. Should be sharper today and Ryan Moore takes the ride. One from one over C&D and should get closer to the favourite.

Watan’s stablemate Lexington Dash won his first two starts of the season at Newmarket and wasn’t disgraced under a penalty when 4^th of 17 in a valuable 3-year-old handicap on the July Course 25-days ago.  It was soft ground last time and a return to quicker will could see his improvement continue.

Meraas bounced back to form returned to good ground when winning the Scottish Stewards Cup at Hamilton 16-days ago. Up 6lb for that win but the 3-year-old could be a Group horse in a handicap. Mind you he will have to be to win this off his present mark. Since 2015 3-year-old’s have a good record in the race 3 winners from 11 runners 4 placed. Could have a good draw in stall 4.

Open Wide was runner-up in this last year off 3lb higher. Has yet to fit form on his three starts this season and disappointed at Windsor last time.  Quick ground and an end to end gallop suits the 6-year-old ideally. A reproduction of last years best brings him right into the mix.

Gulliver normally runs his race in these big field handicaps. Fourth in the Wokingham two starts back he got caught in the Scurry Handicap at the Curragh 14-days ago and has been raised 5lb for that.

Swindler was an improving handicap sprinter last season winning twice at Ascot. The 4-year-old wasn’t knocked about when 5^th on his seasonal reappearance before refusing to enter the stalls in the Silver Wokingham. Suited by quick ground he’s got ability and is probably on a winnable mark. If Goodwood suits and he’s on a going day he would make them all go. Stall 23 may not be where he wants to be though.

Aljady has won two of this three starts this season.  Up 5lb for winning at Windsor but can’t be ruled out given his present from.

Kimifive won here over 7f last spring and didn’t get the best of runs when 6^th of 17 in the Bunbury Cup at Newmarket last time. Showed two starts back at Haydock that a drop to 6f isn’t an issue if he gets to chase a strong pace. On a winnable mark and Cieren Fallon takes off a handy 5lb.

Atalanta’s Boy was steadily progressive in 2019 winning 6f handicaps at Doncaster and here. Continued his form in 2020 when making all to win at Chelmsford on his return to action in June before putting a career best when runner-up at Windsor 34-days ago. Up in class here but can go well from stall 4.

Verdict: As you can see my ‘long’ shortlist there are plenty of contenders. Despite liking both horses, a high draw slightly puts me off Nahaarr & Swindler. Last year’s runner-up Open Wide should get his ideal pace set up and has each way claims. Kimifive is on a winnable mark and is another who should be suited by the pace of the race. The progressive Meraas is a major contender as is Lexington Dash.

0.5pts each way – Open Wide – 33/1 @ Coral & Ladbrokes (Paying 6 places 1/5 odds)

0.5pts each way – Atalanta’s Boy – 20/1 @Bet365 (paying 5 places ¼ odds)

1pt win – Swindler – 12/1 @ Coral & Ladbrokes

Despite being a 5-year-old previous C&D winner Atalanta’s Boy could be open to more progress.

4:10 – Society Lion, trained by Sir Michael Stoute has improved with each start this season. He’s sure to be popular after his good second at Doncaster 24-days ago. He travelled like a good horse that day and showed notable change of gear to take up the running a furlong out.

King Ragnar is another last time winner. He won on good to firm at Leicester 15-days ago. Up 5lb now but if he continues to progress, should be in the mix at the finish.

Tomfre is more exposed than the previous three mentioned. However, he looked improved when an unlucky runner-up at Sandown two starts back. Just 3lb higher he was a shade disappointing when only 11^th against the holder horses in the Bunbury Cup. He’s better than that form and a reproduction of his Sandown run off makes him a strong contender.

1pt win – Tomfre – 15/2 @ Coral & Ladbrokes

Galway

5:15 – Princess Zoe is sure to be popular after her win here over 2m 1f, five days ago. Won over today’s trip two starts back so the drop in trip won’t concern the mare if they go a decent gallop. Has a 7lb penalty to carry but Joey Sheridan had been booked to take off a handy 5lb. Stall 14 could be better and she will need luck in the run. But if the cards fall right, she can defy the penalty.

Dangers to the favourite abound. War Diary was 4^th in this race 12 months ago.  He’s since switched to the Michael Halford yard. The 5-year-old made a highly encouraging debut for his new trainer when runner-up to a stablemate, who improved to win again, in the Cork Derby 27-days ago. With natural improvement looks capable of going close.

The Aidan O’Brien trained 3-year-old Memorablis got off the mark at the third attempt in a Fairyhouse maiden two starts back. Set the pace in a Group 2 at the Curragh last time but eventually finished a well beaten 4^th of 6. Handicap debut here and the colt needs to improve to defy a mark of 94.

Donnacha O’Brien saddles Emperor of the Sun who was 5^th of 10 from off the pace in the Ulster Derby 8-days ago. Gets the first-time hood and is lightly raced to think there could be more improvement to come from the colt who acts on the track as he showed when winning a maiden here as juvenile 12 months ago.

Halimi won here over ½ furlong further 12 months ago. He goes well on soft/heavy ground and ran well when 2^nd of 13 at the Curragh last Sunday. The 4-year-old is consistent and looks sure to run his race on a track he goes well and ground that suits but he remains vulnerable to any better handicapped horses of his present mark.

Takarengo ran on well to finish 5^th behind Princess Zoe at the Curragh in the Ladies Derby. Both last years win came on testing ground so underfoot conditions won’t phase him. The extra distance of the was expected to suit in the 2m 1f handicap won by Princess Zoe early in the week but he pulled to hard and didn’t stay. Drop back to today’s distance on soft ground could see an improved performance.

Melburnian beat Halimi by 2 ½ lengths in the October Handicap at the Curragh last year. She should come on for a low key run on her seasonal reappearance in the Cork Derby and can’t be totally dismissed on her improved form of last autumn. However, she maybe one for later in the season. Trainer Tony Martin has won this race in 2014 & 2016.

Verdict: A typically competitive Galway handicap. The inform and progressive Princess Zoe could well defy her penalty and gain her second win here this week. There could be more to come from Emperor Of The Sun on just his second start for Donnacha O’Brien. War Diary should be all the better for his seasonal return and should be there at the finish as should Takarengo who’s better than he was able to show behind Princess Zoe on Monday.

0.5pts each way – Takarengo – 20/1 @ Paddy Power (paying 5 places 1/5 odds)

Cheers

John

Hi all,

Not bad day, all in all.  Acklam Express won at Goodwood. Hearts Are Trumps (50/1) ran a cracker to finish runner-up in the Galway Hurdle and Mt Leinster just missed out on the places in the same race. The Rubinator also got into the places at Galway at a big advised price.

Goodwood

Battaash (3:15) and Khaloosy (2:15) are the headline acts at Goodwood today and are odds on to win their respective races.  I haven’t looked at either race for obvious reasons but I have looked at four of the eight races on the Goodwood card.

1:10 – TDN Australia Handicap (Class 3) – 1m 3f

Al Qaqaa is the short priced favourite to land this 3-year-old handicap. An easy winner of a 1m 4f Newmarket novice race last time. The son of War Front is improving with racing and should progress for moving into handicap company for the first time.

Mafia Power is another who’s improved with each of his four career starts. Made a winning handicap debut at Haydock (good to soft). The handicapper has raised him 11lb for that success. Step up a furlong in trip but every chance he will stay and trainer Richard Hannon is among the winners at the meeting.

Cepheus is steadily improving with racing. A promising 6^th of 14 on his handicap/seasonal debut at Royal Ascot. He built on that promise when runner-up at Kempton 16-days ago. Has been raised 3lb for that effort but he’s capable of more improvement and has solid claims here.

Verdict: Cepheus is going the right way and looks the value pick.

1pt win – Cepheus – 6/1 @ Bet365

1:45 – Saint Clair Oak Tree Stakes (Group 3) (Fillies & Mares) – 7f

One Master is the class act of the race.  Twice a winner of the Group 1 Prix de la Foret at Longchamp. This is her distance but she’s better with plenty of juice in the ground. Maybe her class will get her through.

Breathtaking Look made all to win a Group 3 at Doncaster last September. Runner-up in the Group 3 Abernant Stakes on her seasonal reappearance. She was outclassed in the Group 1 Diamond Jubilee and bounced back to form when runner-up in a Group 3 at York last time. Suited by quick ground although stall 9 could have been better for a front runner and she will have competition for the lead here.

Invitational ran better than her final finishing position suggests in the Group 2 Duke Of Cambridge Stakes last time. She set a very strong gallop that day and only faded out of it a furlong out. The drop back to 7f will suit and she has place claims.

The lightly raced Althiqa is improving with racing and last time out was successful in a Listed race at Deauville. Needs to continue find more improvement but that’s entirely possible given she’s just a 3-year-old.

French raider Wasmya has each way claims. She made a good return to action at Longchamp in May but was below form over a mile in the Duke Of Cambridge at Ascot last time. Back to 7f suits and she could get a good pace to chase here.  

Frankie Dettori rode Wasmya at Ascot but he’s on the Jessica Harrington trained Valeria Messalina today.The 3-year-oldwas down the field on her seasonal return in the Irish 1000 Guineas but left that run behind when winning a Group 3 at Cork 19-days ago. Has a 3lb penalty for that win but there was plenty to like about how much you found for pressure at Cork and she’s going the right way.

Verdict: The French have a decent record in this race and Wasmya has each way claims. Valeria Messalina is going the right way but her wide draw is off putting. One Master is the class horse here but the quick ground brings others into contention. Althiqa could find the bit of improvement needed to win in Group 3 company and must be respected.

0.5pts each way – Wasmya – 20/1 @ William Hill (playing 4 places 1/5 odds)

1pt win – Althiqa – 7/1 @ Bet365

2:45 – Golden Mile Handicap (Class 2) – 1m

The big betting race of the day and one of the biggest of the five days.

The David O’Meara trained Prompting is a short price in his bid for the hat trick. A winner at Ayr two starts back he followed up with an impressive win at York just 6-days ago. Only has a 3lb penalty to carry for that win and could improve for the return to a mile. A handy low draw and if the quick turn round doesn’t inconvenience is a big player.

O’Meara also saddles Baltic Baron. The 5-year-old caught the eye when 5^th of 23 in the Royal Hunt Cup before not getting involved when stepped up to 1m 2 ½ f in the John Smiths Cup at York last time. Finished 5^th in this race last year, beaten 3 ½ lengths but would have finished closer but didn’t get a clear run when making his effort a furlong out. Now 3lb lower and can land one of these when all the cards fall right.

Montatham was an excellent second in the Hunt Cup and followed up with a win at Sandown 26-days ago. Raised 4lb for his last win but he’s going the right way and the 4-year-old may not have reached his class ceiling yet.

Vale Of Kent normally runs his race in these big field handicaps. Last years Bunbury Cup winner was runner-up in this, 12 months ago, from an unfavorable high draw.  A decent 4^th in the Hunt Cup and although he’s been slightly below form on his last two starts, he’s the sort to bounce back and has handy draw in three for a prominent runner.

Vale Of Kent’s stablemate Cardsharp has dropped back to an attractive handicap as he showed when 3^rd of 19 behind Blue Mist in the International Stakes at Ascot last Saturday.  Can’t be ruled out off his present mark although he’s yet to show his best over a mile.

Willie John is an intriguing runner from the Roger Varian stable. The 5-year-old has only had the eight career starts and has been gelded since a poor run on his seasonal return in the Hunt Cup. Career best effort came here last year when runner-up to Elarqam in a Listed race over 1m 2f. Unexposed over a mile and the quicker ground suits. Granted risks attached regarding his well-being but a big run wouldn’t surprise me.

Verdict: Cardsharp has dropped to a tempting mark but maybe better over 7f. Stablemate Vale Of Kent was runner-up in this 12 months ago and can bounce back from a couple of underwhelming efforts last time. Prompting is going the right way and has solid claims of the hat trick.  Stalemate Baltic Baron would have finished closer in this 12 months ago if he had got a clearer passage and has each-way claims. Montatham remains on the upgrade and makes of plenty of appeal after his recent Sandown win.

1pt win – Montatham – 13/2 @ Bet365

0.5pts each way – Baltic Baron – 25/1 @ William Hill (paying 4 places 1/5 odds)

4:20 – Unibet Instant Roulette Nursery Handicap (Class 2) – 6f

Zamaani has improved with each of his three starts and last time out bagged the rail and ran out a comfortable winner of a Windsor novice 18-days ago. Top-weight for his nursery debut but has the potential to being a lot better than his initial mark.

Julie Johnson a winner of her second career start at Chelmsford gained a second win for Mark Johnston when landing a York nursery last Saturday. Typical tough Mark Johnston horse who can be hard to pass as she showed last time. A 6lb penalty to carry for her York win but remains a contender given her present form.

Peretto overcame a slow start to beat two rivals over C&D back in June. The runner-up that day has gone onto win so the form looks reliable. He makes his handicap debut off a workable mark of 78 and has decent chance of giving trainer Marcus Tregoning a third win at the meeting.

Thank You Next did well to win from high drawat Kempton last time. Handicap debut for the daughter of No Nay Never who has potential for more improvement for the inform Richard Hannon yard.

Verdict: Top-weight Zamaani will be a tough nut to crack. However, both Peretto & Thank You Next are capable of better now going handicapping for the first time.

1pt win – Peretto – 11/2 @ Paddy Power & Bet365

1pt win – Thank You Next – 8/1 @ Bet365 & Paddy Power

Galway

I have looked at two of the Galway handicaps.

6:15 – Guinness Handicap Hurdle (Grade B) – 2m 7f

Willie Mullins has won this race four times since 2013 and he’s mob handed again this year with seven of the twenty runners.

Canardier is the shortest priced of his runners and is the choice of Paul Townend. The 8-year-old made a cracking debut for the trainer when still in contention for the places when falling at the last in the Coral Cup at Cheltenham. Shapes like he will stay this far although any further softening in the ground would be slight concern.

The recent rain has helped the cause of Sayo who won a beginner’s chase here last October. The 6-year-old shaped with promise on the flat when runner-up in the Apprentice Derby at the Curragh last month and should be spot fitness wise for this assignment.

Both Great White Shark & My Sister Sarah have already run here this week. Great White Shark was third in this race last year off 4lb lower and has since gone onto occupy that same position in the Martin Pipe Handicap Hurdle at Cheltenham. Was caught out wide in the when 7^th of 20 in the amateur rider’s handicap on Monday. My Sister Sarah has won three of her ten starts over hurdles. She was still in contention for the places when brought down at the last in the Martin Pipe. Was doing her best work at the finish when 5^th of 16 in maiden on the flat on Monday. Remains unexposed beyond 2m 4 ½ f, just two runs and winning a 3m handicap hurdle at last year’s Punchestown Festival.

The inform Pilbara was 2^nd of 14 over hurdles here on Wednesday.  He’s now 9lb higher and on softer ground but given his present form still can’t be ruled out.

Another inform contender is Flooring Porter who put in a career best effort when beating 12 rivals over an extended three miles at Gowran Park 11-days ago. Up 8lb for that win, but Conor McNamara takes off a handy 5lb. This is a stronger race but if he gets a good gallop to chase must be a contender.

Sweet Home Chicago might be an 11-year-old but he put in a career best effort when winning at Roscommon last month. He’s been hiked up for that success and may prefer a sounder surface but not dismissed lightly given present well-being.

Trainer Ronan McNally had a winner here yesterday and is 3 winners from 5 runners +9.13 in the past 14-days. He saddles The Jam Man who was well placed to win four times over hurdles/fences between June & December last year. Put in a career best effort when 2^nd of 28 in a 3m Leopardstown handicap hurdle in February. Struggled when down the field in the Grade 1 Stayer Hurdle at Cheltenham but remains competitively weighted back into handicaps. Down the field on three starts on the flat but better can be expected today.

Verdict: The likes of Pilbara, Flooring Porter & Sweet Home Chicago are in great form and need respecting. Of those three I just prefer the claims of Flooring Porter. The Jam Man looks competitive on his bet efforts of last season and has place claims. Of the Mullins horses My Sister Sarah & Great White Shark appeal after good efforts on the flat earlier in the week.

0.5pts each way – The Jam Man – 25/1 @ Coral & Ladbrokes (paying 5 places 1/5 odds)

1pt win – My Sister Sarah – 10/1 @ Bet365

1pt win – Great White Shark – 10/1 @ Bet365

7:45 – Guinness Galway Blazers Handicap Chase – 2m 6 ½f

An interesting renewal of the ‘Blazer’s and I like four.

Gunfire Reef maybe a veteran but the 10-year-old never been in better form winning over fences at Tipperary two starts back and last time over hurdles at Limerick.  Back over fences today and 11lb higher but remains a contender.

Portmore Lough’s form figures at Galway are 311, including a C&D handicap chase win in October. He then went on to finish a respectable 3^rd of 23 in the Troytown Handicap Chase at Navan in November. Returns from 180-day break but won off an even longer absence last October so fitness shouldn’t be a problem.

Tesseract has switched stables since finishing 4^th of 16 in this race 12 months ago. But for a bad mistake at the last could well have won. A former C&D winner the 9-year-old can win a race off his present handicap mark.

Cusp Of Carabelli has only had the three starts over fences, winning two of them. Has returned from a 209-day break with a couple of runs over hurdles and was a good second to Flooring Porter at Gowran 11-days ago. This is the 7-year’s old first run at Galway and if he handles the rain softened ground in this company has each way claims.

Verdict: Gunfire Reef comes into the race in the form of his life and must be respected in his hat trick bid. The unexposed Cusp of Carabelli has each way claims if handling the track and the softer ground. Previous C&D winner Tesseract was 4^th in this last year. Portmore Lough is another C&D winner and his third in last seasons Troytown handicap is arguably the best on offer.

1pt win – Portmore Lough – 7/1 @ Bet365

1pt win – Tesseract – 10/1 @ Bet365

Cheers

John

Hi all,

Yesterday was tough on the betting front but the well backed Toro Strike saved the day in the lucky last at Goodwood.

Dean Street Doll ran well to finish third in the first and I thought Rochester House was going to hold on in the marathon race but got chinned in the final strides. Royal Rendezvous also ran a cracker to finish runner-up in the Galway Plate. If either or both had had won, it would have been a very good day indeed.

Qatar Goodwood Festival – Day 3

Onto today’s action at Goodwood & Galway. The highlight of day three of Glorious Goodwood is the Group 1 Nassau Stakes and it looks an intriguing renewal of the race. Over at Galway the feature race is the Galway Handicap Hurdle.

I can’t say I have to many strong fancies at Goodwood today and Galway looks better for some value bets.  

1:45 – Unibet You’re On Handicap (Class 2) – 1m 2f

Zabeel Champion had no issues with soft ground when winning at Newmarket 20-days ago. A previous winner on good he looks fairly ground versatile. Up 8lb for his last win demands more but given he’s only had five career starts more progress could be forthcoming.

Magnetised looked a useful prospect when winning a heavy ground maiden at Doncaster on his racecourse debut last October. The colt showed he had trained on when runner-up in a Thirsk novice 24-days ago. There should be more to come and an opening handicap mark of 87 could be lenient if he handles the track.

Luigi Vampa made a promising seasonal return when 5^th in a Newmarket handicap last month. Unseated his jockey at the start at Haydock and has since been gelded. Each way claims for the inform David Menuisier yard.

Verdict: Zabeel Champion looks solid. The lightly raced Magnetised looks on a good mark for his handicap debut but he’s been well found in the market. Luigi Vampa has each way claims with bookies paying four places.

0.5pts each way – 12/1 @ Coral & Ladbrokes (both paying 4 places 1/5 odds)

3:15 – Qatar Nassau Stakes (Group 1) (British Champions Series) (Fillies & Mares) (Class 1) – 1m 2f

Seven fillies go to post for the feature race of day three. The first thing you notice is the lack of pace. This race could turn very tactical.

Fancy Blue built on the promise of her 2^nd of 11 in the Irish 1000 Guineas when landing the Group 1 Prix de Diane (French Oaks) at Chantilly 25-days ago. Just the four career starts and is open to more progress. It will be interesting if Ryan Moore decides to make the running with the 3-year-old.

Nazeef has won her last six starts over the past 12 months. Moving from handicap company, to winning the Group 2 Duke of Cambridge at Royal Ascot and last time out making a winning step up into Group 1 company in the Falmouth Stakes at Newmarket. First run over 1m 2f but should stay and could improve again. Has give to 9lb to Fancy Blue but could be suited by a tactical race.

Magic Wand ran well in finishing 4^th to Ghaiyyath in the Eclipse. The better ground the better her chance and she must be respected back against her own sex.

Deirdre was one place behind Magic Wand in the Eclipse, The 6-year-old was giving away race fitness to Magic Wand that day, should be all the better for that run and can finish ahead of that one here, Won this last year and has a good chance of back to back wins in the race with drying ground in her favour.

Verdict: This race could turn tactical which may not suit Deirdre. Nazeef had the speed to win a slowly run mile race last time so won’t be inconvenienced if this comes a test of speed rather than stamina.

3:45 – Gusbourne Nursery Handicap (Class 2) – 7f

William Bligh put his experience to good use when handling soft better ground than his rivals in Haydock novice last time. Top weight for his nursery debut but is the one to beat if he’s as effective on quicker ground.

Study the Stars has shown ability on all three starts and should do better now switched to nurseries for the first time.

The Richard Fahey trained Samara Bay won on her nursery debut at Catterick 8-days ago. Has a 6lb penalty for that success and this a much better race. However, she won with plenty in hand that day and could go in again.

Fahey also saddles Quarantini. The daughter of Showcasing wasn’t suited by the pace of the race when third at Newcastle 19-days ago. Was doing her best work at the finish and a better overall gallop will see her in a better light. A mark of 71 looks workable and she can go well.  Trainer Richard Fahey saddled the 2018 winner.

Richard Hannon won this in 2017 with Billesdon Brook and he saddles Mark Of A Man & Running Back. The latter has finished runner-up on both starts and looks the sort who can improve for the step into handicap company and step up to 7f. Mark Of A Man won at the third attempt at Chepstow over 7f last time. Needs to improve for the step into handicap company.

0.5pts each way – Samara Bay – 14/1 @ Bet365

4:55 – Tatler Nursery Handicap (Class 2) – 5f

Another nursery handicap concludes today’s action.

Winter Power, trained by Tim Easterby, bolted up on her nursery debut three days ago. She will be hard to beat under her 6lb penalty, if in the same form here.

Acklam Express built on the promise of her Beverley racecourse debut when winning at Hamilton 18-days ago.   Capable of more improvement now stepping into handicap company and can get into the places.

Golden Bear has shaped with promise on both starts over 6f. Has been gelded since finishing 5th of 11 at Windsor 44-days ago. Interesting on handicap debut back down to 5f and has each way claims.

1pt each way – Acklam Express – 6/1 @ Bet365

Galway

6:15 – Arthur Guinness Handicap Hurdle – 2m

There’s one I really liked here at a big price and it’s The Rubinator. The 6-year-old won a maiden at Wexford last summer and was still very much in contention when falling at the last on his handicap debut at Listowel last September.  First run since a poor run at Navan at the end of September. Get’s the first time cheekpieces and can race off the same mark as at Listowel. The rain that fell at the track yesterday is a bit of an unknown but if he’s not inconvenienced by underfoot conditions can go well.

0.5pts each way – The Rubinator – 18/1 @ Coral & Ladbrokes (both paying 5 places 1/5 odds)

6:45 – Guinness Galway Hurdle (Grade A Handicap) – 2m

Nineteen are declared to meet the starter for this valuable handicap hurdle with €118,000 on offer to the winner.

Hearts Are Trumps can normally be relied on to run well in these big field 2m handicap hurdles without winning. He finished 6^th of 18 in this 12 months ago, 2lb lower today.  A C&D winner two years ago he can be competitive again and has each way claims although he didn’t beat a rival on his return from a 208-day break at Tipperary last month.

Felix Desjy was a high-class novice hurdler two season back finishing 5^th in the Supreme Novices Hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival before going on to win a Grade 1 at Aintree.  Not seen over hurdles since finishing runner-up to Klassical Dream at the 2019 Punchestown Festival.  Returned from 430-day break and advertised his well-being when easily winning a 2m maiden on the flat at Navan 27-days ago. Has a big weight to defy and trainer Gordon Elliott is 0 winners from 23 runners in the race in the past 12-years but he can’t be ruled out.

Elliott also saddles Aramax, a young hurdler very much on the upgrade. A winner of a juvenile hurdle at Naas in February. He then ran on strongly to win the Boodles Juvenile Handicap Hurdle at Cheltenham a month later. He’s only had six starts over hurdles so is open to further progress. Up 4lb for his Cheltenham success but it’s no easy task for a 4-year-old to win this, last winner from that age group was in 2000.

Willie Mullins has saddled the winner of this race twice since 2016. He runs five today and all five have live claims.

Buildmeupbuttercup is the choice of Paul Townend. The mare often runs well in these big field handicap without winning.  Finished 5^th of 22 in the Ladbroke Hurdle at Leopardstown in February and posted a career best when 4^th of 24 in the County Hurdle at Cheltenham a month later. She travelled like a well handicapped horse in the County but just didn’t get up the Cheltenham hill.  A winner on the flat here 12 months ago she probably needs to be produced as late as possible if she’s to get her head in front here.

Stablemate Aramon finished two places ahead of Buildmeupbuttercup in the County Hurdle. He’s since gone on to win a Grade 3 at Tipperary 34-days ago. No easy task under top-weight of 11-10 but he’s got a touch of class and as long as the ground doesn’t ease to much is a contender.

Mt Leinster won a 1m 4f maiden here on the flat on Monday.  A decent novice hurdler last season winning a maiden hurdle at Leopardstown at Christmas. Was then sent of 5/2 for a Grade 1 Novices hurdle at the Dublin Racing Festival but was no match for stablemate Asterion Folange & the Gordon Elliott trained Easywork who went on to finish a respectable second to Envoi Allen in the Ballymore at Cheltenham. Given his liking for the track he’s not without a chance on his handicap hurdle debut if this doesn’t come to quick.

Tudor City won this 12 months ago. He’s 8lb higher this time around but Sean O’Keeffe takes off a handy 5lb. The 8-year-old returned from a 268-day absence with a nice prep for this in the Cork Derby 25-days ago. Should be spot on fitness wise and must command respect in his bid for back to back wins in the race.

Verdict: Both Gordon Elliot & Willie Mullins have a strong hand in this year’s race. Buildmeupbuttercup always the bridesmaid never the bride can go close if the race is run to suit. Mt Leinster likes the track and if the quick turn round isn’t an issue is another who can run well.  At a big price I can see Hearts Are Trumps outrunning his odds.

1pt win – Buildmeupbuttercup – 9/1 @ Coral & Ladbrokes

0.5pts each way – Hearts Are Trumps – 50/1 @ Paddy Power (paying 6 places 1/5 odds)

1pt each way – Mt Leinster – 14/1 @ Bet365 (paying 5 places ¼ odds)

Cheers

John

Hi all,

It was a tough on Tuesday which just goes to show how you can be on a high one day and then quickly brought down to earth the next.

No time to dwell as we move on to day two of the Goodwood Festival. The highlight of the card is the Group 1 Sussex Stakes and another ‘Duel On The Downs’.

It’s day three of the Galway Festival with the feature race of the whole meeting and the biggest jumps race of the summer the Galway Plate.

Let’s begin today’s preview at Goodwood.

Goodwood

1:10 – British Stallion Studs EBF Fillies’ Handicap (Class 2) – 1m 2f

Just like Tuesday, it’s the fillies that get the seven-race card underway. Just the eight are declared to go to post.

Waliyak heads the market after a career best effort in finishing runner-up in the Sandringham Handicap at Royal Ascot. She’s bred to improve for today’s step up to 1m 2f and looks the one to beat.

William Haggas saddles two in Ghaziyah & Nkosikazi. The latter has improved to both her starts this season including a weak Group 3 at Newmarket last month.  Raised 8lb for that success and she’s vulnerable to unexposed fillies in the field. Ghaziyah is a 4-year-old but has only had the five starts. She improved with each of her starts last year ending the season finishing runner up in a Newmarket handicap. This is her first start for 298-days but she did win first time up last season so should be fit enough.

Dean Street Doll represents the very much in form David Menuisier yard. Fifth in last years Irish 1000 Guineas for her previous trainer she then seemed to lose her way and was switched to his present trainer. Seems to be progressing with each of her three starts this season. Last time out she ran well to finish 4^th of 7 at Sandown 24-days ago. She’s unexposed over 1m 2f, that was just her second run over the distance, and has dropped 1lb since Sandown. Ryan Moore who rode her last time stays in the saddle and I think she’ll run well.

Dean Street Doll – 11/1 @ Bet365 & Coral

1:45 – Unibet You’re On Goodwood Handicap (Class 2) – 2m 4 ½ f

Oleg a winner over fences last Autumn returned from a winter break to win on the fibresand at Southwell. He then followed up at Pontefract over 2m 1f last month. Has only been raised 3lb for that win and remains on a winnable mark.

True Destiny won three times last year and finished 3^rd of 19 in this race 12 months ago. Has returned in great form finishing runner-up at Kempton and then 3^rd of 11 in the Marsh Cup Handicap at Newbury. The drier the ground the better he is.

Mark Johnston saddles a couple of live contenders in Summer Moon & Rochester House. The former finished a ½ length 3^rd of 30 in last year’s Cesarewitch at Newmarket last Autumn. And matched that form when third in the Ascot Stakes at the Royal Meeting.  Ran too bad to be true when last of 5 in a Group 3 at Sandown 24-days ago and is from a stable where horses often bounce back from a poor run. Rochester House finished 5^th in the Ascot Stakes and was doing his best work at the finish that day. Reproduced that form when 5^th in the Marsh Cup. The step up in trip should be in his favour and can continue to run well.

1pt win – Oleg – 8/1 @ Coral

1pt win – Rochester House – 8/1 @ Bet365 & Ladbrokes

2:15 – Unibet 3 Boosts A Day Handicap (Class 2) – 1m 4f

Win O’Clock, a winner at Haydock,finished 7^th of 17 in theKing George V Handicap at Royal Ascot. Dropped back to 1m 2f posed no problem for the son of Australia, as beat two rivals at Leicester in Class 4 company. Up 4lb in a better race but he’s progressive and should run well.

Carlos Felix took a big step up in trip on his second start of the season when winning at Ascot 18-days ago. He’s gone up 10lb in the weights for that win but looks the sort to continue to improve with racing.

A Star Above is another whose improving with racing and made a winning handicap at Leicester on just his fourth career start. Up 7lb in a better race but is another capable of further improvement.

Sarvan has improved with each of his three starts this season and impressed when winning a Pontefract maiden 22-days ago. Well backed that day and races like he will progress further for the step up to 1m 4f. Handicap debut off what looks a workable mark.

You can never rule out a Mark Johnston horse at the course and his runner Glenties showed he remain on the upgrade when finishing off strongly to win at Windsor 16-days ago. Up 4lb in a better race but is unexposed over this sort of trip.

1pt win – Win O’Clock – 5/1 @ Bet365 & Coral

1pt win – Sarvan – 9/1 @ Bet365

2:45 – Markel Insurance Molecomb Stakes (Group 3) – 5f

Irish raider Steel Bull created a very favourable impression when winning a maiden auction at Naas just 7-days ago. Knew his job that day and looks a useful juvenile. Interesting that connections turn him out quickly for this and I think he can close with normal improvement.

3:15 – Qatar Sussex Stakes (Group 1) (British Champions Series) (Class 1) – 1m

A small but select field for this year’s renewal but what a good field it is. We have the English & Irish 2000 Guineas winners Kameko & Siskin, three-time Group 1 winner Circus Maximus and the back to form Mohaather. Add in Wichita and the potential improver Vatican City and you have the makings of the race of the meeting, if not the season.

4:20 – Theo Fennell Handicap (Class 3) – 7f

Just the twenty runners for the ‘lucky last’.

Society Lion, trained by Sir Michael Stoute, is sure to be popular after his good second at Doncaster 24-days ago. He travelled like a good horse that day and showed notable change of gear to take up the running a furlong out. Has a wide draw in 16 to overcome though!

Dirty Rascal has yet to hit form on his three start this season but did win this race 12 months ago and has dropped down to the same mark. This track clearly suits and he can’t be ruled out from a handy low draw.

Battered won over C&D at this meeting three years ago. He’s been more hit than miss since switching to Ralph Beckett but even on his best form of last season is handicapped to win a race. Maybe better on softer ground but can’t be totally ruled out if on a going day.

Arigato twice winner over 7f at Newmarket this season wasn’t disgraced when 4^th of 17 in the Bunbury Cup 18-days ago. Same mark in a slightly easier race and should continue to run well from stall one.

Mottrib hails from a stable that had a winner here yesterday.  The 3-year-old has a decent draw in stall ten and makes his handicap debut off a workable mark. The return to 7f should bring out more improvement in the colt.

Toro Strike, a winner at Thirsk as a juvenile, finished a close-up third in a C&D nursery at this meeting 12 months ago before finishing third in a valuable Sales race at Doncaster on his final start of 2019. Shaped well when 5^th of 22 in the Britannia Handicap at Royal Ascot on his return to action. He seems to be going the right way and shouldn’t be inconvenienced by the drop back to 7f. Osin Murphy has been booked for the ride and he’s 3 wins from 3 rides +12 when combining with trainer Richard Fahey.

1pt win – Toro Strike – 7/1 @ Bet365

Galway

I have had a look at couple of races at Galway, including the Plate.

6:45 – Tote Galway Plate (Handicap Chase) (Grade A) – 2m 6 ½ f

With €118,000 on offer to the winner this historic handicap chase has attracted the usual strong field. Of the 22 runners you can make some sort of case for 17 of them which just shows how competitive a renewal it is.

Gordon Elliott has won three of the last four running’s of the race and Henry De Bromhead trained the winner in 2015 & 2018. Both have runners again this year. Elliott saddles five and De Bromhead two. Looking first at some of Elliott contenders.

Recent Killarney winner Galvin heads the market for Gordon Elliott, that was the 6-year-old’s first win over fences but he was an excellent second to Imperial Aura in the novices’ handicap chase at the Cheltenham Festival. Big chance if his jumping holds up in this company.

The Storyteller, also trained by Gordon Elliott, has won his fair share of races over both hurdles and fences, including a Grade 1 novices chase at the Punchestown Festival in 2018. Looked like he would win the Pertemps Handicap Hurdle at Cheltenham when taking the lead at the last but was just outstayed in the final 50yds. Sean O’Keeffe talks off a handy 5lb and the 9-year-old has a good chance on his best form.

Three Musketeers landed a valuable big field handicap hurdle at Aintree on his debut for Gordon Elliott in April 2019. Just the two starts since but returned from a 435-day absence to finish 2^nd of 14 in the Midlands National at Kilbeggan 19-days ago. Up 4lb for his nose defeat but Conor McNamara has been booked to take off 5lb which negates the 9-year-old’s rise in the weights. A reproduction of that run would see him go close.

Of the Henry De Bromhead pair the one I like is Spyglass Hill. The 7-year-old lacks the experience of most of his rivals, having just had the four starts over fences. Looked to be still in with a chance when falling two out in a Grade 3 novice chase at Naas before running out at easy winner of a beginner’s chase at Gowran Park. First run since February but won first time up last season so fitness should be a problem. Might prefer softer ground but looks on a decent mark for his handicap debut.

Champion trainer Willie Mullins saddles six and is seeking his first Galway Plate success since 2011. Royal Rendezvous is the choice of Paul Townend. Two from over fourover fences last season.The 8-year-old ended last season with a last gasp success in a Grade 3 at Naas in March. A winner here over hurdles he should go well.

Easy Game is even less experienced than his stablemate. The 6-year-old won on chase debut at Leopardstown in December before running Faugheen to ½ length in the Grade 1 Flogas Novices Chase back at the same venue at the Dublin Racing festival. Was beaten when falling at the last in the RSA Novices Chase at the Cheltenham Festival. Handicap debut off 154 but was a classy novice chaser and won’t have any problem with underfoot conditions.

Snugsborough Benny won the ‘Blazer’s over C&D in 2018 and finished third in this 12 months ago.  Had a prep over hurdles at Kilbeggan 19-days ago and will be fitter with that run under his belt. Now 2lb higher but the first time cheekpieces are applied and given his liking for the track can’t be ruled out with any confidence.

Early Doors, trained by Joseph O’Brien, is another fitted with the first time cheekpieces for his handicap chase debut. Just the four starts over fences. He’s yet to win over the larger obstacles but has finished runner-up in three of them, including in a beginners’ chase over C&D 12 months ago.  Had run over hurdle last month so should be spot on fitness wise. A Cheltenham Festival winner over hurdles last year he starts his handicap chase career off could be a lenient mark for powerful connections. He’s another who will appreciate any ease in the ground. 

Plate Verdict: Galvin, Easy Game and Early Doors all have claims but my picks are Royal Rendezvous and Three Musketeers.

1pt win – Royal Rendezvous – 9/1 @ Coral

0.5pts each way – Three Musketeers – 20/1 @ Bet365 (paying 5 places ¼ odds)

7:15 – Tote Proud Sponsor Of The Galway Races Handicap Chase – 2m 2f

All The Answers won this 12 months ago when trained by Joseph O’Brien. Still owned by J P McManus but has now moved to Aidan Anthony Howard stable. The 9-year-old is having his first start since finishing down the field in the Kerry National 322-days ago. Has gone well fresh in the past and although he’s 9lb higher than last year he’s only had the nine starts over fences so remains open to a bit more improvement.

Thecraicisninety returned from a 253-day absence to finish an excellent 2^nd of 13 at Kilbeggan 30-days ago. Just 1lb higher here, will like the good ground and looks set for a big run.

Rewritetherules is an interesting contender for the ‘Shark’ Hanlon yard. A twice winning hunter chaser in points at the beginning of the year before pulling up in the Foxhunters at Cheltenham. Is 4lb out of the handicap here but 5lb conditional Conor McNamara has been booked which means he can run off his correct mark. Well suited to good ground he hasn’t ben disgraced two starts over hurdles since Irish jump racing returned. Makes his handicap chase debut off what could be a good mark of 120.

1pt win – Rewritetherules – 15/2 @ Bet365

1pt win – All The Answers – 6/1 @ Coral & Ladbrokes

Cheers

John

Hi all,

Grandmaster Flash sneaked into the places in the big amateur rider’s handicap at Galway yesterday to keep losses down to a minimum.  It’s day one of the Qatar Glorious Goodwood Festival albeit behind closed doors until Saturday and the 1,000 people trial.  The feature race of the day is the Goodwood Cup in which Stradivarius gets to face a real rival in Irish Derby winner Santiago.

Goodwood

1:45 – Unibet You’re On Handicap (Class 2) – 1m 2f

Looking at the last twelve running’s of this handicap by draw segment. The first thing to notice is that being drawn in the lowest stalls (1 to 4) isn’t a necessarily a positive. The lightly raced Maydanny won at Yarmouth on his seasonal return before doing best of the small group that raced far side in the Silver Hunt Cup. Has run poorly since at Newmarket but could easily bounce back here with Silvestre De Sousa an interesting jockey booking for the 4-year-old. Those draw stats though are a bit of a concern.

Babbo’s Boy looked an improver when showing a nice turn of foot to win at Haydock two starts back but the 4-year-old never got into the race when a well beaten 15th of 16 back at the same venue in the Old Newton Cup. Maybe the drop back to 1m 2f and he could bounce back here but there are others with more stronger claims.

Stall 17 may not be an inconvenience for Cape Cavalli. The 4-year-old has returned to action with career best efforts at Newcastle and latterly when running out a comfortable winner at York 19-days ago. That was a Class 4 race though and he takes a rise in class here. Up 8lb but if he gets a good pace to chase, he won’t be far away and the yards runners are going well.

Tinandali has been an eyecatcher on both his last two starts at Epsom & York. The 4-year-old was held up in the rear, in the John Smith’s Cup Handicap, didn’t get a clear of runs down the stands rail a furlong out and had to be switched left. Once in the clear he ran on to finish 6th of 22. With a better passage I think he would have finished at least third.  There is a race like this in him when all the cards fall right. Trainer David O’Meara saddled last years winner.

Fifth Position was third in that race. A winner at Doncaster, off 5lb lower, two starts back the 4-year-old remains progressive and interestingly trainer Roger Varian opts for the first-time blinkers. If the race doesn’t come too quick after York, he’s got a big chance.

Verdict: Cape Cavalli looks on the upgrade and hails from a bang in form yard. Maydanny will bounce back in one of these races sooner rather than later. Both Tinandali and the first time blinkered Fifth Position are respected if this race doesn’t come to quick after York.

1pt win – Cape Cavalli – 6/1 @ Bet365

1pt win – Fifth Position – 8/1 @ Coral & Ladbrokes

2:45 – Qatar Lennox Stakes (Group 2) (Class 1) – 7f

Sir Dancealot did us a favour when winning this race 12 months ago. He bids for a hat trick today and his run in the July Cup was promising. A lot depends on the going as he’s a better horse on a sound surface.

Duke Of Hazzard is another who seems more effective on quick ground. He improved last year to win Group 2 & 3 races over a mile here last August. Now 3 wins from 3 runs at Goodwood he clearly handles the undulations well. The blinkers that were off at Ascot last time return today for the drop back to 7f and he’s got a good chance especially if the ground doesn’t ease too much.

Verdict: You can never rule out Sir Dancealot in this race.  However, Duke Of Hazzard has an exceptionally good record at the course and looks the pick.

1pt win – Duke Of Hazzard – 13/2 @ Ladbrokes & Coral

3:15 – Al Shaqab Goodwood Cup Stakes (Group 1) (British Champions Series) (Class 1) – 2m

This looks a match between Stradivarius & Santiago. The latter gets plenty of weight from Stradivarius and I wouldn’t be surprised if he wasn’t able to take advantage of it. However, whether Goodwood’s undulations will suit him is an unknown.

3:45 – Qatar Handicap (Class 2) – 5f

There could be a real pace burn up here with plenty who like to go from the front. Of those front runners I do like the claims of Recon Mission. The 4-year-old won a valuable 6f handicap at York last June off today’s mark. He bounced back to form when 3rd of 10 to Nahaarr over 6f, nine days ago. He has plenty of speed. likes a bit of ease in the ground and can surely pop up in one of these races before too long. Trainer Tony Carroll won this race with Boom The Groom in 2016.

Final Venture is on a long losing run that goes back to June 2017 but his trainer Paul Midgley is 6 winners from 27 runners 22% +24.29 in the past 14-days and the 8-year-old ran well when 5th of 18 at Ascot 17-days ago. Has dropped another 2lb since Ascot and can’t be ruled out.

Celsius has been an improving sprint handicapper since winning over C&D at this meeting 12 months ago. A winner at Haydock on his seasonal return. He probably didn’t stay the 6f when returned to that venue and bounced back to form when runner-up at Newmarket 18-days ago. His hold up style wasn’t seen to best effect at Newmarket and today’s strong gallop will be more to his liking.

If the rain arrives then you can’t rule out Count D’orsay who improved for soft ground and sharp 5f last autumn. He’s just 2lb higher than his last winning mark and this track looks set to suit.

Verdict: Recon Mission is back down to a winning mark but the number of front runners suggests the race could be set up for a closer like Celsius. Count D’orsay comes into contention should soft be in the going description.

1pt win – Recon Mission – 5/1 @ Bet365

1pt win – Celsius – 7/2 @ Bet365

4:55 – British European Breeders Fund EBF Fillies’ Handicap (Class 3) – 1m 4f

A tricky 12 runner handicap for fillies closes the day one of Glorious Goodwood.

Dancing Approach has improved for the step up to around 1m 4f winning her two last starts both at Haydock. She’s been raised another 8lb but is ground versatile, going the right way, and can’t be ruled out in her bid for the hat trick.

Tulip Fields won her first two starts of the season, including here before disappointing at Sandown. Ran better when third behind a stablemate in Listed race at Hamilton last time 12-days ago. Back in handicap company for trainer who does well at this meeting and has a big chance.

Believe In Love is having her first start back on grass since her racecourse debut. Improved for the step up to 1m 3f when winning at Kempton when last seen in action in March. Up 4lb in a much better race but is another with claims if fully fit after a 139-day layoff.

The lightly raced Chartered hasn’t been the easiest to keep sound but impressed when winning over C&D in June last year but she never got competitive on her next start at Newmarket in November. Can’t be totally dismissed if trainer Ralph Beckett has her fully tuned up for this.

Verdict: A tough concluding race. Tulip Fields is a strong contender from the Mark Johnston yard. If Believe In Love can transfer her all-weather form to the turf she’s a big danger. Dancing Approach is an improving filly who may not have reached her ceiling yet. The lightly raced  C&D winner Chartered returns from another long absence but has claims if ready to roll.

Galway

5:45 – Champers Elysees is a filly going the right way after winning a Curragh 7f handicap on her seasonal return. Steps up to Listed company today but she’s ground versatile and has a handy low draw.

1pt win – Champers Elysees – 5/1 @ Bet365

6:15 – Trainer Michael Mulvany had a winner here yesterday and his runner In From The Cold will enjoy the return to genuinely soft ground. More exposed than most but the 3-year-old was doing his best work at the finish when 5th of 14 at Curragh 9-days ago.

Layfayette has just had the five career starts and the colt could be capable of better now back in to handicap company.

Frank Arthur won a Roscommon Maiden two starts back before a close-up 2nd of 14 on his handicap debut at the Curragh 9-days ago. He finished 1 ¾ lengths ahead of In From The Cold that day but is 3lb higher today. That said he looks capable of more progress.

Joven remains a seven-race maiden but he’s only had two runs in a handicap and the step up to an extended mile could bring out some more improvement.

Verdict: Frank Arthur is a big player for the inform Ger Lyons yard. In From the Cold represents a stable who had a winner here and has each way claims.

0.5pts each way – In From The Cold – 20/1 @ Bet365

6:45 – COLM QUINN BMW Mile Handicap (Premier Handicap) – 1m ½ f

The big betting race of day two of the Galway Festival and there’s plenty in with a chance.

Tauran Shaman a winner over C&D 12 months ago, off 5lb lower, put in a career best effort when 3rd of 16 to Nebo at Cork 16-days ago and gets 10lb from winner here. First time cheekpieces are enlisted today and the forecast strong gallop should him better than last time. Has a solid favourites chance although might prefer better ground?

Nebo was 50/1 when winning the Cork race. He got an uncontested lead that day which seems unlikely here. Up 10lb demands more but the 5-year-old did win the Group 3 Horris Hill Stakes as a juvenile when trained in England by Charlie Hills and isn’t handicapped out of this despite top-weight.

Magnetic North was in good from early last summer winning handicaps at Navan & the Curragh. Didn’t get the best of runs in this last year when finishing 7th. Finished third at this meeting in the ‘Ahonoora” over 7f a few days later. Form deteriorated after that but his 4th of 17 at Navan 25-days ago was more encouraging and he’s got place claims.

On Session finished one place ahead of Magnetic North in the ‘Ahonoora” Handicap last year. Lightly raced he looked to be coming into form at the right time when 6th in the race that Nebo won at Cork. Likes ease in the ground and should be bang there from his low draw.

Verdict: Nebo may not get the run of the race like he did last time but can’t be ruled out. A stronger overall gallop will suit Tauran Shaman but he may be slightly better on a sounder surface. Magnetic North & On Session both look to be coming into form at the right time.

1pt win – On Session – 7/1 @ Coral & Ladbrokes

1pt win – Nebo – 12/1 @ Coral

Cheers

John

Hi all,

Things don’t get any better than Sunday. Do they?  When Dancing Vega got chinned on the line. I thought it was going to be one of those days. I was wrong. As four went in all at good prices. I was particularly pleased to see Jeremiah’s win at Ascot as he was my value bet of the day.

A busy week ahead and It will get tougher. The Galway Festival starts today and the Qatar ‘Glorious’ Goodwood gets underway tomorrow.

I’m going to ease into Goodwood with some selections from a competitive looking Galway card.

Galway

6:45 – A field of twenty go to post for this amateur rider’s handicap and jockeyship is likely to win the day.  Dalton Highway (Jamie Codd), De Name Escapes Me (Derek O’Connor) and Sharjah (Patrick Mullins) were first, second & fourth respectably at the Curragh last time.

I wouldn’t be surprised if Dalton Highway upholds form with the runner-up today. However, at the revised weights talented hurdler Sharjah could be the best of the trio.

Grandmaster Flash was only 7th behind Dalton Highway but that was his first run for 198-days and he was entitled to need to the run. The colt should get closer today and needs respecting on his close-up 3rd of 10 at the Curragh 17-days ago. Shaped that day like a return to this sort of trip will suit and has each way claims.

Great White Shark won this 12 months ago and shouldn’t be far away again although he’s 8lb higher than this time around.

Princess Zoe was a comfortable winner of the Ladies Derby, over 1m 4f, at the Curragh 9-days ago. Up 13lb demand more but she’s clearly in good heart and Finian Maguire is a good jockey booking.

Takearengo was 7 ½ lengths behind Princess Zoe in the Ladies Derby and should be a lot closer at the revised weights.  The four-year-old was noted making sone good late headway and now had the added assistance of Lisa O’Neill in the saddle.

Verdict: Sharjah has the ability to win thisbut his price reflects his chance. Stablemate Great White Shark was successful 12 months ago and can’t be dismissed even off 8lb higher. Princess Zoe comes into the race in great form and a 13lb hike in the weights shouldn’t stop her going close but I fully expect Takearengo to get closer to her over today’s longer trip. Grandmaster Flash maybe a better horse on the all-weather but his recent third placed effort at the Curragh gives him each way claims.

0.5pts each way – Takearengo – 12/1 @ Coral & Ladbrokes (paying 5 places 1/5 odds)

0.5pts each way – Grandmaster Flash – 18/1 @ William Hill (paying 5 places 1/5 odds)

7:15 – Dazzling Darren was well placed to win three races on the all-weather in February. He’s continued to progress on three starts on turf since the resumption of Irish racing finishing runner-up on all three starts at Roscommon, beaten less than a neck in all three. The 3-year-old has paid a price for such consistency, going up 10lb without winning. Beaten just a head, off 1lb lower, 20-days ago. The cheekpieces he wore that day are replaced by the first-time blinkers and if they can eek out a bit more improvement he won’t be far away.

1pt win – Dazzling Darren – 13/2 @ Bet365

Cheers

John

Hi all,

Worst Saturday for a while. I went for big pre-Goodwood & Galway hit. I threw plenty of darts at the board but only Roundhay Park hit the target.

Today we have more racing from Ascot & York and there’s also racing at the Curragh. I have selections from all three meetings.

Ascot

2:30 – The lightly raced 5-year-old Jeremiah has won one of his nine career starts. Made a satisfactory return to action. after a 672-day absence, when 8^th in the Group 3 Sagaro Stakes at Newcastle. Wasn’t disgraced when 8^th of 16 in the Old Newton Cup and the first-time blinkers are applied today. The booking of Jim Crowley is an eyecatching one as he’s 5 winners from 11 rides 45% +5.5 6 placed 55% when riding for trainer Charlie Fellowes. Looks a decent price and can outrun his odds.

1pt each way – Jeremiah – 16/1 @ Paddy Power & Betfair Sportsbook

4:50 – Makram had shaped with promise when runner-up at Kempton on his racecourse debut and put that experience to good use when winning at Lingfield on his next start. Ran to bad to be tue when only 8^th of 11 at Wolverhampton 141-days ago. His long absence suggests something was amiss that day. Step up to a mile should suit for his handicap/turf debut and trainer Roger Charlton had a double yesterday.

1pt win – Makram – 15/2 @ Paddy Power & Betfair Sportsbook

York

1:35 – Cruising looked to have improved from two to three when winning a Redcar novice on his second start of the season 35-days ago. Refused to enter the stalls on his last intended start at Haydock at the beginning of the month. The 3-year-old finished third here in a nursery back in October so the track shouldn’t pose any problems. Back in handicap company today and has each way claims.

0.5pts each way – Cruising – 40/1 @ Coral

2:10 – Dancing Vega had created a really good impression when easily winning a Doncaster maiden on her racecourse debut in October 2018. Just the one start last season when sent of 3/1 for the favourite for the Group 3 Fred Darling Stakes. She was never really travelling that day and eventually finished 12^th of 15. Had a couple of starts with Chad Brown in the US but has now returned back to her original trainer Ralph Beckett. Hood on for her handicap debut/seasonal return and she looks worth chancing that she can return to something like her best here.

1pt Dancing Vega – 8/1 @ Bet365

4:30 – Golden Force looks to have improved for the fitting of the visor. Finishing third at Yarmouth on his first start for three months before battling on well to win at Wolverhampton 35-days ago. The first two pulled nicely clear that day which means the 4-year-old has been raised 5lb for that win. That weight rise means he need to find a bit more improvement but it’s entirely possible as he’s only having his second start beyond 7f.

1pt win – Golden Force – 9/1 @ Bet365

Curragh

3:30 – Rayounpour put in career best effort when winning the Cork Derby on his handicap debut 21-dsys ago. The 4-year-old who has been raised 8lb for that success which means he needs to find more improvement but that’s entirely possible given he’s only had six career starts. Drop back two furlongs in trip shouldn’t inconvenience and he set for another big run here.

1pt win – Rayounpour – 13/2 @ Paddy Power & Ladbrokes

4:40 – Lady Maura hails from the very much inform Johnny Murtagh stable and showed plenty of speed to run out an impressive winner at Navan 33-days ago. The handicapper has reacted by putting the filly up 13lb for her Navan win. However, she’s going the right way, is well suited to 5f and should make a bold bid for a second career win.

1pt win – Lady Maura – 9/2 @ Coral

Cheers

John