Looking back?

After last week's equine excellence, this weekend's fare look pretty dull and uninspiring. Rather than muddling through a myriad of handicaps, one is going to take another peek at the action on the Downs. Camelot's smooth win in the Derby was undoubtedly the highlight. Plaudits to his young Jockey and hopefully his normally wise connections will eschew the Triple Crown nonsense and plot a route to Longchamp via Leopardstown, emulating Sea The Stars triumphant march in 2009.

St Nicholas Abbey also impressed and looks set for the King George, while Was completed Ballydoyle's trio of Group 1 wins at Epsom. Have to admit to a small wager here at long odds having been taken with her debut win in a Curragh maiden last summer. She should progress and will be of obvious interest in the Irish Oaks.

Golden summer for Aidan O'Brien and the Boys???

good luck...

Irish Guineas 2012

The final brace of Guineas take place at the Curragh this weekend. The fine weather will ensure good ground at least and we should be in for fine fare. The 2,000 today is an intriguing contest albeit lacking a potential super miler. Jim Bolger, as his wont, is attempting to defy normal practice by aiming his Dewhurst victor, Parish Hall at this and the Derby next weekend. There is no Camelot to reckon with today and his Group One form entitles him to be a clear favourite, making the 4/1 currently available an attractive bet. Aidan O'Brien has a very strong hand of 3 year old colts this season but none of his representatives convince and with question marks over the Oxx pair, Parish Hall gets the nod.

On Sunday, Homecoming Queen seeks to reprise her stunning Newmarket win. That however, along with her winning form was on soft ground which leads one to surmise that she may be vulnerable. She does not have a lot to contend with from a moderate line up but Yellow Rosebud showed enough at Leopardstown to suggest she may up to the task in a race where her trainer (Dermot Weld) has had plenty of recent success.

enjoy.....

Guineas Weekend 2012

Intriguing renewal of the 2,000 Guineas this afternoon at Newmarket. Plenty of potentially high class colts go to post in what promises to be an informative, but difficult to call contest. Therefore going to focus on how five of the eighteen runners will fare rather than attempting to identify a winner. Here goes:

1) Camelot could well take this en route to the Derby but he is bred for further and represents poor value at current odds (may well be a different story at Epsom however).

2) Power acquitted himself well as a 2 year old but two defeats at Group 1 level suggest he may not be good enough for this and being by Oasis Dancer, could well turn out to be a July Cup candidate.

3) Born to Sea has very strong connections and is priced accordingly. However John Oxx will have him ready for a good run and expect better to come at the Curragh and Royal Ascot.

4) Top Story has only one run (albeit very promising) under his belt. Doubts about the going lessen his chances but he will definitely come on for the experience.

5) Fencing has little chance against Camelot on the book, but his trainer is a master at bringing colts on from these tests and he is one who could progress nicely over the season.

The French contingent are also worth noting particularly with the first three from the Djebel running-Abtaal is probably best of these.

All in all, a race to savour and study. For a bet, will hope to get Born to Sea at 10s or higher, with the summer more in mind than today.

The 1,000 Guineas on Sunday is much more straightforward. Maybe was a top class 2 year old and assuming she has trained on, she will take all the beating in a lop sided contest. One for the watching brief is The Fugue trained by John Gosden.

enjoy....

National Power

Important race today, The Group One National Stakes at the Curragh. It's recent illustrious roll of honour includes Derby winners, Sinndar and New Approach, 2,000 Guineas winners Refuse to Bend and George Washington, Irish 2,000 winners Dubawi and Mastercraftsman plus high class colts, Hawk Wing and Teofilio. There does not appear to be anything of that calibre running this afternoon but nevertheless in a season where we have yet to see an emerging star, I expect the race to be very informative. The market cannot split the three leading contenders and while they all have obvious merits, I reckon Ballydoyle's tenacious colt, Power will prevail. Nabbed late in the Phoenix, the extra furlong should bring out the best in him.

Across the water, the normally well contested Champagne Stakes at Doncaster looks decidedly lacklustre this term and the progressive Entifaadha ought to maintain his unbeaten record. The projected quick going at Donny has thrown St. Leger considerations somewhat awry and at this stage it looks a race best watched along with it's Irish equivalent.

Otherwise going to persevere with two of this season's horses; Soraah deserves a change of fortune after running well in major handicaps from disadvantageous draws and the equally misfortunate Waffle should benefit from having Richard Hughes on board in the Portland. Pity the price has collapsed but in a competitive betting market, he may drift back out to a more attractive level before the off.

Plans are afoot for a trip to Paris in October, so Sunday's Arc trials take on greater significance with a keen eye to be kept on Meandre.

good look....

Day Off

Typical Bank holiday fare today, so taking a day off to refresh and keep powder for the forthcoming Autumn fare. Nevertheless, will be keeping an eye on the Moyglare at the Curragh on Sunday. Hopefully, Maybe has avoided the cloud recently hanging over Ballydoyle and will cement her position at the top of the 2 year old rankings.

ciao for now....

Saturday Ebor

Strange look to the racing calendar this season with the Ebor at York taking place on a Saturday. Possibly it may turn out to be a good idea but feel the race loses some of it's lustre as it had an unique aura when run midweek. However it's still as difficult to call and it is one race that has eluded this corner so far. This year's stab will come from a shortlist comprising Mount Athos (if not too soft), Harlestone Times (improving) and capable mare Cill Rialaig (should stay). Hard to be confident but hopefully we will get a run for our money.

On a day of trappy races, the remainder of our attention will be focused on three 2 year old group races; Solario at Sandown, Futurity at the Curragh and on Sunday, the Prix Morny at Deauville. Always informative, a cross country treble (Talwar, Parish Hall and Sofast) will sharpen the eye.

enjoy....

Fillies Encore

The Yorkshire Oaks is the highlight of the second day of the Ebor meeting on the Knavesmire. The first four home in the Irish Oaks re oppose taking on older fillies including Crystal Capella. Little separated them at the Curragh but Laughing Lashes appeared to be travelling best when Fran Berry lost his whip. That offers a potential betting angle and she may be value in a competitive race. The 2 year old fillies put their credentials on the line in the Lowther. Could give at least five a chance in what should be an informative contest.

Can't resist a speculative wager on old friend Prime Exhibit in the big handicap. Off bottom weight in favoured conditions, Richard Fahey's inmate has the ability to spring a surprise.

good luck...

Sunday Best

Despite interesting cards today at Newmarket and Haydock, the weekend's best action takes place tomorrow at Deauville and the Curragh. Two scintillating Group 1s dominate the picture. First up is the Maurice de Gheest where July Cup winner, Dream Ahead is challenged by Golden Jubilee winner, Society Rock, Sprint stalwarts Genki, Markab, Marchand D'Or and the very interesting back in trip, Zoffany. Value looks likely in a hot field but very hard to oppose Dream Ahead and expect him to land the spoils (impressive last time and course winner-Prix Morny).

The first Group 1 of the season for two year olds, the Phoenix Stakes is run at the Curragh. Power, from  Ballydoyle should improve for his win at Royal Ascot, but in an equally competitive contest, it is difficult to ignore the chances of English challengers, Frederick Engels, Lilbourne Lad and Gatepost, with Jim Bolger's Parish Hall worth a close look if the rain desists. There is also an intriguing two year fillies race on the card, where Maybe (another impressive Ascot victor) takes on a progressive field including Remember Alexander, who should give us a clue to Parish Hall's credentials. Value options abound but expect favourites to prevail (Dream Ahead, Power, Maybe).

Saturday's action pales somewhat, but the Sweet Solera is always informative. Godolphin's Discourse looks the likely winner, but Sir Mark Prescott usually does not waste his time at this level and Kinetica may prove to be a better bet. Meanwhile at Haydock, it appears Hot Prospect (won this day last year) has his ideal conditions in the Rose of Lancaster stakes.

good luck....

Oaks Reprise

The Irish Oaks at the Curragh sees the main players from Epsom re oppose this afternoon. Albeit, on this occasion the ground, following heavy rain showers, will ride softer and the fairer nature of the track should negate any clever tactical ploys. Nevertheless, it should be a cracking contest with little between the main protagonists; Epsom winner Dancing Rain taking on the big guns Wonder of Wonders (Coolmore) and Blue Bunting (Godolphin). It's a difficult one to call, but the Godolphin filly on breeding (Limamix) appears to be best equipped to handle the soft going and attendant stamina issues.

Looking forward to being on track to see the action unfold particularly with top jockeys, Dettori, Fallon, Moore and Murtagh engaged. The supporting card is competitve with the opening maiden on the card deserving close scrutiny as it's recent roll of honour includes Pathfork, Sea The Stars (unplaced) and the Bolger pair, New Approach and Teofilo. Wild Wind should finally land a decent prize and the progressive Celerina is of interest in the sprint handicap despite a poor draw.

enjoy.......

Super Sprint Shortlist

The uneven nature of the flat racing programme is very much in evidence today with little to entice, particularly when compared to last Saturday's abundant menu. However the Weatherby Super Sprint at Newbury is always interesting and this is where today's attention is focused. 25 Two year olds handicapped to the their sales price over a straight five certainly makes a puzzle, but it's worth noting that this race throws up many a decent horse and long priced winners. Best to start with the Hannon stable who generally feature. Eureka and Redact with Hughes and Moore in the saddle have to be respected but appear to be priced accordingly. Kevin Ryan's juveniles have shown good form so far this season, but none of his four entrants attract. Richard Fahey's contingent look somewhat exposed so going to look elsewhere for inspiration.

The Brian Meehan/July factor leads us to Mention (nice profile being a winner already and notable jockey booking) while off bottom weight, Sweet Chilli (capable trainer) should also be thereabouts. Orders From Rome (unexposed) from the other side of the draw completes the shortlist.

While Saturday disappoints, heading to the Curragh on Sunday for the Irish Oaks, where the main protagonists from Epsom re oppose. Further thoughts on what should be a strong contest anon.

good luck....

A Tale of Two Derbies

The rain put an end to the Queen's quest for two Derbies this weekend after the well drawn Tactician was taken out yesterday. The Northumberland Plate (aka Pitman's Derby) at Newcastle has improved greatly over the years, providing interesting if not compelling contests. It pays generally to go with a low drawn runner. Overturn who won from an outside berth last year, looks to be well positioned this time but preference is a for a value bet, and going to with stalwart, La Vecchia Scoula.

The Irish Derby on Sunday is at the opposite end of the scale with paddock status of most importance. Carlton House goes for Sir Michael and the Queen, but there must be doubts about his stamina and it should pay to stick with Ballydoyle (Seville probably best of them).

Perhaps the best race at the Curragh is the Pretty Polly Stakes on Saturday, where Midday, Snow Fairy and the younger Misty For Me clash. The O'Brien filly did not get home at Epsom but 10 furlongs here should be ideal.

enjoy....

You would think so!!

Day 2 at Royal Ascot sees Australian superstar So You Think put his reputation on the line in the Prince of Wales's Stakes. Now domiciled at Ballydoyle, apparently to the chagrin of our antipodean cousins, who reckon he is unbeatable and too good for the northern hemisphere. I had the pleasure of seeing him in the flesh, winning his prep at the Curragh recently (travelled powerfully/displayed necessary turn of foot) and expect the 5 year old to prevail and further enhance his paddock credentials.

The main betting race is the Royal Hunt Cup, which is always competitive, exciting and difficult to call. Two against the field, with an eye to the future are, Soorah (tad unlucky last time) and off bottom weight, Bronze Prince (untapped potential).

Two other progressive sorts worth keeping an eye on, are Western Aristocrat who runs in a trappy looking Jersey Stakes and short priced favourite, Shumoos (cf. Frederick Engels), in the Queen Mary.

good luck...

Sparse Saturday

After last weekend's feast, today's offering looks pretty meagre. Possible bets are thin on the ground and one is minded to wait for Epsom. Nevertheless, it's always hard to resist and will put Naqshabban up as today's Nap and interested in Majestic Myles for value in the Coral Sprint at Newmarket.

The week past, however has seen two of the big guns in action. I had the pleasure of See You Think winning at the Curragh and it is easily understood how the Australians are peeved at his transfer to the northern hemisphere. Last season's Arc and Derby hero Workforce made a winning return at Sandown, where he showed, that he too will be a serious player. Looking forward to seeing them match up!!

best of luck.....

Sprint Saturday

A veritable feast of racing today with the action coming thick and fast at four grade 1 tracks, Goodwood, Haydock, York and the Curragh. Sprinting is definitely the order of the day and while it should be exciting viewing, it also makes for perilous punting. Thus going to sit back and relax with a cross track sporting yankee; Parisian Pyramid (Goodwood 2.15), Sole Power (Haydock 3.00), Arctic (Curragh 3.10) and Waffle (York 3.40).

The Guineas series moves to Ireland with the 2,000 at the Curragh. A rather modest field but still difficult to call. Dubawi Gold is entitled to be favourite but could find one too good in Dunboyne Express. Planning to attend the 1,000 on Sunday, but this stage, reckon Chrysanthemum is good value. She appears a very likely Pricewise candidate, so therefore it may be worthwhile placing a bet today, rather than waiting for reduced odds tomorrow, particularly with the rain on it's way.

Enjoy.....

200 Not Out!!!

Hoping to mark our 200th post with a winner today. However, one could not have picked a more difficult race than the Lincoln Handicap at Doncaster (3.10). In maintaining a recurring theme, I am going to stick with last year's selection, Prime Exhibit, from the Richard Fahey yard. Placed second twelve months ago, behind a handicap good thing, he looks to be well prepped for this year's renewal (should improve for recent run at Wolverhampton) with a capable claimer on board. I generally like to have an outside bet in the big handicaps and Prince of Dance (new trainer + rated 108 as a 3yo) fits the bill this time. It is early days in the flat season but a notebook entry from last season, Bated Breath, runs in the Cammidge and interested to see how he fares, as he could be one to follow.

It's a very quiet weekend on the NH front (pre-Aintree) although there is an interesting novice chase at Limerick on Sunday. This however, will be somewhat overshadowed by the return of St. Nicholas Abbey at the Curragh. They never really do come back but curious to see how this one time putative superstar runs.

enjoy....

"sticking with old friends"

Autumn approaches but surprisingly the going is good (good to firm) at both Ayr and Newbury today so intend to stick with current form lines and "old friends"!! First for consideration is Astrophysical Jet who impressed last time at the Curragh and is back out today in a similar contest, despite trainer's post race comments. That suggests she is well and will be hard to beat, albeit at miserly odds. Her stablemate Temple Meads impressed at Newbury in the Super Sprint and has every chance in the Mill Reef. Luca Cumani usually fares well in the 10f handicap and I am going with one of his former charges, Magaling who ran well for us last time when catching a good one. Interesting that he is making a long trek for a canny old handler.

The Ayr Gold is ever competitive with a quite compressed handicap this year making it very difficult to assess. Over the course of the season I have already supported 9 of the runners, but with the going ruling a few of these out, I am finding myself opting for Genki and Signor Peltro, who hopefully will give us a run a for our money. To be honest anything could win and with the market going for a high draw, value may be had on the other side with Parisian Pyramid.

Under the radar and a runner to note is Oracle, representing Aidan O'Brien in the 2 year old sales race at Newmarket. While he does not have an obvious chance giving weight away, Johnny Murtagh makes the trip and interesting to how he goes.

good luck.....

National Enquiry

After strong two year old performances in the past few days from Wooton Bassett, White Moonstone, Zebedee and Frankel, today sees Ireland's top juvenile contest run at the Curragh. The National Stakes has a stellar roll of honour and hopefully a future star will be added this afternoon. Included in that list is Godolphin's prodigious stallion Dubawi and it is interesting to see their colours carried by Janood along with the highly regarded Casamento who will be wearing the seldom seen Sheikh Mohammed silks. However Ballydoyle's Zoffany and the progressive Pathfork are the main players, with the latter looking as if he could improve again, in what should be a solid test. Jim Bolger's battle hardened Glor na Mara should not be overlooked either in a race that is probably best viewed (and reviewed) rather than punted.

Rewilding looked the Leger winner in waiting at Goodwood in May and nothing has happened in the meantime to change one's mind. However he is too short currently against an interesting field. Oaks winner Snow Fairy has to have a great chance but will she stay? Ballydoyle pair Midas Touch and Joshua Tree chased Rewilding home in the Voltigeur with latter looking the most attractive at the prices following his eye catching/encouraging run. Nevertheless, my heart will be with Dandino, representing the Elite Racing Club who hopefully will give us a good run.

There is plenty of other top class action over the weekend particularly at Longchamp, but will be keeping a close eye on Arazan at the Curragh on Sunday, making his return to the track after a long absence. Worth noting that he was matching Sea the Stars on the gallops before the 2,000 guineas last season.

enjoy.....

Memorable Moyglare

Undoubtedly Memory has looked the best 2yo filly so far this season and she has the opportunity to cement her position in the Group1 Moyglare Stakes at the Curragh this afternoon. However she is up against a competitive field including four from Ballydoyle and Mrs Harrington's impressive winner last time Laughing Lashes, who on reflection appeared to benefit from the easier going. It looks like it will be good to firm today, and that may play to Memory's strengths, allowing Richard Hughes to deliver a late winning thrust to deny a home win. However, even money is hardly a tempting price!!!

There is plenty of interest on an excellent supporting card with Glor na Mara trying again for long overdue win. Hopefully he will have enough left in the tank to frank his tremendous form lines. Curious to see old friend Astrophysical Jet turning out in the Flying Five. Her run at Goodwood entitles her to be near the top of the market but Curragh sprints are fiendishly difficult, particularly on this occasion with so many travelling. Again the odds are a bit skinny but with quick going and a favourable draw, going to stick with her and hope for a bit of late value.

good luck..

Prestigeous Progeny?

The highlight of a rather quite day is George Washington's sole offspring, Date with Destiny moving up a grade in the Prestige Stakes this afternoon at Goodwood. She is taking on a impressive last time winner, if oddly named, Theysken's Theory and will do well to succeed. Otherwise on the card, very disappointing to see such a poor turnout for the Celebration Mile especially with decent prize money and black type on offer. Over at Newmarket, very interested to how Bated Breadth gets on in a trappy contest (no value today but to one keep with).

As nothing really is jumping out at me, going to save punting funds for tomorrow's excellent card at the Curragh and Memory's bid for Group 1 glory in the Moyglare (more anon).

By the way, it was great to see Guy Harwood on the Morning Line reminiscing about Dancing Brave amongst others. A great trainer who landed many a bet for this quarter. Happy Days!!!

cheers......

Whither Pathfork for the Futurity?

The racing brain is rather weary after an excellent and engrossing week's racing on the Knavesmire and finding it difficult to spot a bet for today. Therefore one is focusing on the 2 year old contests at the Curragh and Sandown with a view to the autumn. Firstly, Meow (regally bred) should enhance her reputation at the Curragh over 5f. She ran well at Royal Ascot and meets a lesser grade today. Her dam Airwave was a particular favourite of this corner and indeed she may go on to emulate her win in the Cheveley Park. The Futurity Stakes for colts has been won in the recent past by two of Jim Bolger's stars, Teofilio and New Approach. The highly regarded Glor na Mara represents the stable this afternoon but so far has not looked as good as that pair. His last run entitles him to go off favourite but like many, I was impressed with Pathfork and favour him to progress further.

Over at Sandown, the always informative Solario Stakes has an interesting hue. Native Khan leads the market, but Titus Mills battled well last day and might be the sort to enjoy the climb to the winning post. Stentorian (beaten by Zoffany and King Torus on last two runs) can give us a decent yardstick.

A watching multiple will whet the punting thirst; Meow, Pathfork, Titus Mills..

good luck....