July Weather Warning!!

The July meeting starts at Newmarket today. Always interesting and informative, as it's when the 2 year old season moves up a gear. However, uncertainty regarding the going, due to possible heavy rain makes punting perilous and one is minded to watch and enjoy. Hopefully the rain will desist until the Falmouth (Friday) is run as Maqaasid looks to have a good chance on good to firm. Nevertheless, plenty to observe, including Roman Soldier, Frederick Engels, Mijhaar, Burwazz, Fury, and Shumoos in the Cherry Hinton.

good luck and looking forward to Cups on Sat. (July, Bunbury + Magnet)

Rain stops Play???

Since her gallant place showing in the 1,000 Guineas, Maqaasid has been this corner's nap for Royal Ascot 2011. This is premised on the fact that she would enjoy good (quick) going, her trainer's (John Gosden) penchant for gradual improvement and the Newmarket run demonstrating she would just about stay the mile. The Royal meeting is notable for repeat winners (like Cheltenham!!) and her winning run in last year's Queen Mary suggests she is the most talented filly in the race, as all three Guineas winners are absent.

Unfortunately, the one possible fly in the ointment has materialised; Rain. She did not relish it in the Cheveley Park and my enthusiasm is somewhat tempered after seeing how the track rode yesterday (soft side of good). She will probably cope with good, but any sign of "soft" in the official going report probably means we will have to wait for another day (Falmouth?). Hopefully the sun will blast and we will get to have a go!! If not, will make do with a saver at appropriate odds (just in case..).

However, the rain should benefit another of this corner's favoured fillies, Theyskens Theory. She won on soft last season and returned in good style recently. She is probably just short of top class, but that may be good enough this afternoon.

What to do?, best to wait until near the off and splitting stakes..!!!

good luck...

Falmouth Stakes 2010

Today's Falmouth Stakes offers Special Duty the opportunity to land a Group 1 on the track, after freakishly being awarded both Guineas by the stewards. Today's field looks much stronger and she will certainly be tested. Lillie Langtry impressed at Ascot and will hard to beat. Strawberrydaqiuiri has progressed in typical Stoute fashion but lacks enough class, while it would be foolish to ignore the remainder.

A difficult race to call, but nevertheless one to savour and expect the French filly to prevail.

enjoy...