Cold Storage

300th post today and an opportune moment to put matters into "Cold Storage" in an attempt to refresh a stale racing brain. Many thanks to everyone who has taken the time to read one's musings over the past few years and hopefully followed some of the winning advice proffered. A few months break ought to recharge the batteries!

Nonetheless, looking to go out on a winning note with old friend, Bated Breath in the Betfred Sprint Cup at Haydock. He has his ideal conditions this afternoon; track, distance and going and if reproducing the same level of form as in last season's renewal (chinned on the line by the excellent Dream Ahead), Roger Charlton's charge should finally garner the long awaited Group 1 victory. He does not face the same level of opposition this time and at 3/1 looks a great bet.

ciao for now.....

Bullet Sprint Stakes 2012

Beverley is not normally at the centre of Saturday racing's attention but on quiet day, the Yorkshire track's highlight, the Bullet Sprint is perhaps the most interesting race of the afternoon. In an open contest, like the chances of Brian Smart's 3 year old, Free Zone who caught the eye on two occasions in hot sprints at Sandown. Already a course and distance winner, he should be well prepared by his shrewd trainer and despite an unfavourable draw, could be thereabouts.

Good luck.... 

Ebor 2012

After the excellent fare this week, today's card at York looks somewhat lob sided with 3 long distance races featuring. The highlight is the Tote Ebor over 1m 6f. This year's renewal looks even more competitive than usual, with the large purse on offer attracting plenty of interest. Changeable weather and the unpredictability of the draw, add to the confusion and will be looking to a shortlist of Icon Dream, Hurricane Higgins and Sense of Purpose (Mr Weld plying his Galway magic touch at York?) for a run and bit of luck.

Racing headlines however have been dominated by Frankel (not for the first time) following his saunter in the Juddmonte International. Not wishing to carp, but there are better horses on the circuit than those vanquished on the Knavesmire. Nevertheless, freakishly brilliant, what's next for Sir Henry's machine? The Arc? a showdown with Danedream, Nathaniel and Camelot and the opportunity to cement his place on the Pantheon?

Doubtful that he will make it to Paris, but here's hoping...

good luck..

Great St Wilfrid 2012

A low draw generally prevails in the Great St. Wilfrid on the idiosyncratic track at Ripon. With the leading lights mostly drawn here, seven furlong specialist Captain Ramius, may run on to good effect at the business end. However in these highly competitive heats it always wise to split stakes and the lightly raced, Singeur is definitely worth a look. This speedster appears to have been laid out for this by his astute local connections and will have strong claims particularly on quickish ground.

good luck..