Champ is Back

After an inauspicious start, last season's top chaser Long Run justified our faith and duly landed the King George and Gold Cup in exemplary fashion. About to turn seven and lightly raced (three outings last term), there should more improvement to come and it is not difficult to see him defend his crowns. However, one wonders if he will be fully fit today, taking on a interesting field in the Betfair Chase at Haydock. If so, he wins, if not, he could be vulnerable. The competition includes his "predecessor", Kauto Star (surely too old), Time For Rupert (ran well enough but probably needs stiffer track), Weird Al (not enough class) and Diamond Harry (more to come). The latter strikes as the most likely, based on his fine record first time out and Brush Hurdles success on this track. An excellent victory in the Hennessy suggests a horse of high ability and at 5/1 or higher, he looks a value bet.

Heading to Punchestown on Sunday and whilst Hurricane Fly remains at home, looking forward to seeing a few up and coming stars including So Young, Last Instalment, Four Commanders, and Oscars Well.

enjoy...

Boom or Bust

Today's card looks the best of a week dominated by difficult handicaps (Frankel aside). A few runners worth keeping an eye on, include Harbour Watch, who hopefully can improve further from his eyecatching run at the July meeting and the lightly raced Western Aristocrat, who showed well at Ascot but is up against it on this occasion in a competitve field.

The drop back to 7 furlongs should be very much in Maqaasid's favour and hopefully the ground will dry out a bit by 4.50pm. Have been waiting for her to reappear under favourable conditions and this just might suit.

Green Destiny was the apple of this corner's eye at York. He is attempting to add another marquee handicap to his CV today in the Totesport Mile. Not unduly penalised and with a plum draw, he looks to have every chance. However, he is likely to be very short in the betting and going to go for a bit of value (Betfair 25s) with the possibly unexposed Marcus Tregonning runner, Boom and Bust.

good luck...

Glorious Goodwood

Glorious Goodwood starts today but still puzzled by events at Ascot on Saturday. Have liked Harbinger since the season started but could not foresee him improving that much to put in such a high level performance (not the only person either as he was available at 5s just prior to the off -in fact Youmzain strangely seemed to be better supported) and it was also difficult to see Workforce running so poorly. Perhaps logical explanations will surface in time but despite his ostensibly brilliant performance, I would not be supporting him at short odds for the Arc (particularly on softish going). It's worth noting that second place Cape Blanco did not stay and was under pressure a long way out.

Of all the summer festivals, Goodwood (we won't mention Galway) is possibly the most difficult to find winners but nevertheless, it always manages to engage. Today's fare looks as competitive as ever and while I will be rooting for Dandino, best bet could be Lord Shanakill in the Betfair Cup. Henry Cecil found him a nice confidence booster last time and 7 furlongs may well prove to be his forte.

good luck...

The Breeders Cup

The advent of dedicated racing channels over the past few years with access to top class US racing has greatly augmented the Breeder's Cup appeal. Both RUK and ATR provide great coverage and have made Breeders Cup night an unmissable event in the calendar, offering high quality fare, thrilling contests and enticing wagering opportunities. Betfair's link with the American PMU pool is a further boost and should afford us greater value on European runners, who have much better chances than normal on the surface at Santa Anita.

The Classic is the feature race and I have long fancied Rip Van Winkle for this. His collateral form with Sea The Stars makes him top rated in this field and it seems to this eye at least that Ballydoyle have for quite a while, targetted him at this much yearned for prize. However it's a strong field with Zenyatta the main challenger. She looks exceptional and her chance has been greatly enhanced by her stablemate's win last night. Summer Bird, Quality Road, Gio Ponti and indeed Twice Over cannot be discounted either, so it perhaps wise to tread warily. However reckon that Rip Van Winkle will be hard to beat and is a definite play at odds of 3/1 or bigger.

Sir Michael Stoute should have a good night also with the late developing Zacinto (good second to RVW last time) in the turf mile as Goldikova's chances appear to have scuppered by the draw. Conduit and Spanish Moon look strong in the turf but not great value. Mastercraftsman had a nice spin at Dundalk and looks to have the Dirt Mile at his mercy. A note of caution necessary though as he had a long season.

The juvenile races look very interesting with Pounced who ran well at Longchamp worth a look. The Ballydoyle pair of group 1 winners, Beethhoven and Alfred Nobel take on a Baffert hotpot with the former who did well at Newmarket looking a nice price currently on the tissue.

The sprints are anybody's guess but would not dismiss Fleeting Spirit's chances.

happy viewing and good luck with any bets......

Stewards Cup

The Stewards Cup at Goodwood is one of racing's greatest spectacles. This year's renewal with a compressed handicap appears more competitive than usual. Despite the random nature of the race due to the downhill track, variable draw bias, and a large field, it is normally won by a horse with a touch of class and a bit in hand. To that end would suggest Genki as the most likely to fit the bill. Under the radar since a disappointing run in the Wokingham, his two recent performances suggest he is good form and ready for a big run. Pearly Wey ran well enough in the Wokingham and with a good record on the course is worth consideration as a saver.

The Group 1 Nassau Stakes is very tight with Sariska's rivals all seeking black type. Intrigued to see John Oxx accept the challenge bringing over Katiyra, who could be very interesting with a drop of rain. She has good form in the book and could go close if improving slightly. Currently 7s on Betfair but may drift to a nice price in a competitive field.

good luck...

Irish Oaks 09

The change in going at the Curragh advances Sariska's cause over Midday and makes it hard to oppose her in the Irish Oaks. However at odds on, it might be worthwhile to look to the home contingent for a bit of value. Beauty O'Gwaun looks a nice type but poor value, Roman Empress does not look good enough, Oh Goodness Me would be very much of interest if Jim Bolger's string were in better form, which leaves us with Grace O'Malley who won a competitive race at Cork last time in nice fashion. She is a decent price (16's on betfair) and should run a good race if improving again.

good luck.......

Royal Ascot Day 4

The Coronation Stakes shapes up to be the race of the meeting with the 3 guineas winners lining up along with last year's top 2yo and 2 unexposed fillies from Ireland and France. It should be a fascinating race and it is very difficult to knock chances of leading contenders. However at the moment, Again looks fair value on Betfair @ 9s, probably due to concern about her liking for quick going. A valid consideration but did see her win a competitive maiden at the Curragh on lightning fast ground last summer.

South Easter was pulled out of the Derby at the last minute but previously had showed plenty of potential. This is more his level and he should be the one to beat. Lillie Langtry comes with high hopes but this looks like a race to be avoided. Also like Clowance House but have no idea as to whether he will stay or not (Last run suggested possibilities).

Finally in the 7f handicap, Golden Desert (track specialist?) might be worth a second look!!

best of luck...