Hi all,
Two winners on Saturday, albeit one was long odds on.
Nothing to get excited about in England or Ireland on Sunday although over the English Channel its Prix Du Jockey Club Day at Chantilly.
I will let you know when any eyecatchers are running this week. But I don’t think there will be many other selections until the weekend.
Chantilly
3:25 – Persian King winner of the French 2,000 Guineas is a sold favourite for the Prix du Jockey Club. He’s looked the best 3-year-old colt in Europe this season so far and should stay the extra 2 ½ f of the French Derby. However, he’s got a wide draw in 14 to overcome which means he might be worth taking on.
Mohawk runner-up to Circus Maximus in the Dee Stakes drops back to what looks his optimum trip but he’s drawn out even wider than the favourite in stall 15.
Slalom like the favourite trained by Andre Fabre made it 3 wins from 3 runs when winning a Group 3 at Longchamp 49-days ago. He’s an improving colt who may prove to be even better over 1m 4f. If they go a decent gallop, he can go close from stall 10.
Verdict: If he stays and stall 14 doesn’t prove too much of an inconvenience then Persian King will be hard to beat. However, at the prices it might be with chancing Mohawk and Slalom to small stakes each way.
Mohawk – 33/1 @ Ladbrokes – each way (paying 4 places)
Slalom – 8/1 @ Ladbrokes – each way (paying 4 places)
Nottingham
4:30 – Indian Raj caught the eye when a 2 ½ length 4th behind Burford Brown at Ascot 32-days ago. That was the 5-year-old first start for 629-days and he entitled to be closer to the winner today on 4lb better terms. That said Burford Brown has only had 10 career starts, 6 on turf and remains capable of further progress.
Trainer Mick Appleby has won this race three times in the past 8 years and he saddles Danzeno. It’s his first run since last July but he’s won and run well after a lay off in the past. The 8-year-old carries top weight of 9-13 but he’s a well handicapped horse if/when if he bounces back to form.
Spoof, ran better on his first start over 6f at York 18-days ago, than he had done on his Newbury seasonal reappearance. The 4-year-old won’t be inconvenienced by the drop back to the minimum trip but wouldn’t want to much rain to ease the ground before post time. Just 1lb higher than his last winning mark and can’t be left out of calculations
Roman River – Put in a career best when 2nd of 11, beaten a head by yesterday’s Epsom ‘Dash’ winner Ornate at Newmarket 45-days ago. The 4-year-old has been nudged up 3lb for that effort but looks capable of going one place better here with a similar level of performance.
Verdict: A decent sprint handicap. Roman River can win off his mark and it’s worth noting Spoof from the inform Charlie Hills stable.
Roman River -– 4/1 @ Bet365 & BetVictor
Spoof – 10/1 @ Bet365 & BetVictor
Cheers
John