Cups Overflowing!!

On a hectic day going to focus on three of summer racing's traditional highlights. First up is the July Cup, feature of the now rescheduled July Meeting at Newmarket. This year's running looks slightly below par, but interested to see Dream Ahead (impressive Middle Park winner) revert back to a shorter trip. He ran well enough at Ascot and the speed he showed at Deauville and on the Rowley Mile suggests he could take all the beating if the going retains some cut. Also will be monitoring Bated Breadth and expect another solid performance on his way to Group 1 glory later in the season. He should thereabouts this afternoon but track and going not in his favour.

Supporting the big sprint is the long established Bunbury Cup over 7 furlongs. It's a rather tight handicap this year with 12 pounds separating the twenty runners. As usual, it's possible to give every one a chance but Nasri looks each way value assuming stable is in better form. Course winner Fireback (curious jockey booking) is also worth a look after his stable's prosperous afternoon last Saturday.

Up the A1 at York is the John Smith's Cup (aka Magnet Cup) which is equally competitive. A couple of  relatively unexposed and progressive four year olds head the market and of these, like Green Destiny best. He did not seem to enjoy Ascot (not the first horse), but his Newmarket handicap win early in the season suggested he would have every chance on the Knavesmire. It's worth bearing in mind that, trainer William Haggas was quoted on RUK saying this was his main target before Royal Ascot.


good luck and enjoy.....

"over the cliff we go"

Today's Bunbury Cup at Newmarket (albeit under a new moniker) is always one of the summer's most intriguing handicaps. Despite the usual competitive field, I am staying loyal to one of our perennial selections, Signor Peltro. A seasoned handicap pro , he always puts in a good show without yet landing one of these big pots. A decent run last time from a poor draw at Windsor (tight 6f sprint) showed him in good heart and if he is able to travel without finding difficulty, he has enough finishing speed to get his head in front at the business end. The draw will be influential and with no obvious bias evident this week, he should see enough daylight to produce a winning thrust. Currently available at miserly odds, one would expect to see him at 10s or more given the nature of the race.

Otherwise, the July Cup looks to be between the market leaders following their excellent runs at Ascot. Nevertheless the prices make them unattractive and going to maintain loyalty theme by sticking with Showcasing. His run at Ascot was an obvious aberration and hopefully he will show a return to form en route to York.

good luck...

July Cup 09

Two of Flat Racing's more interesting races run at Newmarket, the always competitive July Cup and always informative Bunbury Cup. Scenic Blast definitely looks the one to beat if as predicted the going rides good to firm with JJ the Jet Plane the obvious contender. However not being being totally au fait with colonial form lines, going to have a look elsewhere. I have liked the way Main Aim has shaped this season and put him on the shortlist for this race, thinking that Sir Michael was bringing him along nicely. The lack of rain suggests he won't run but if does, should be good value. If he does not, Art Connoisseur who seems to have been totally overlooked by everyone could be interesting at a nice price.

The Bunbury Cup also appears to centred on one horse whose position at the top of the market is perhaps due to his trainer's profile. They are plenty in with a chance but like the look of Signor Peltro, a professional 7 furlong handicapper who has yet to be penalised by winning one of the big ones.

One observation from Day 2 was the poor luck Alwaary met in running. He may not have won but is definitely worth noting.

good luck....