"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.....

Steward's Cup '10

Perhaps the most difficult of all sprint handicaps, the Steward's Cup takes place today at Goodwood. This year's renewal looks particularly competitive with almost all the top horses in this sphere taking part (aside from Hawkeyedenoo). Genki served us well 12 months ago bursting through the mist to land the spoils at a nice price and there appears to be no reason why he should not repeat that success having run well (twice poorly drawn) so far this season. He is now only 7lbs higher and with a flank draw should be thereabouts. However that obviously has not gone unnoticed and he looks as he will go off favourite. That to me is a hindrance and prompted one to seek a bit of value on the other side. Parisian Pyramid fits the bill nicely, previous track winner, honest draw on the rails, low weight and from a specialist trainer (Kevin Ryan). Nice price currently and should give us a run for our money.

best of luck....

Ascot Sprints

Happy to be back in action today after gently easing myself back into racing matters whilst keeping an eye on the thrilling action from Ascot during the week. Canford Cliffs and Goldikova were the obvious highlights with plenty of the remaining races requiring further scrutiny. The track seems to be riding fairer this year and appears to be finally settling down. Nevertheless high draws have been dominating races run on the straight track, although one would not necessarily be put off a low draw on the last day.

This afternoon sees two of my favourite races and looking forward to reacquainting myself with Couch, TV and Laptop. First up is the Golden Jubliee which is remarkably open for a Group 1 contest. I pencilled in Showcasing for this in May (good run at York) and despite ground not being absolutely suitable, expect a big run. As ever, it's always wise to have an outsider and one could worse with the unexposed but capable Serious Attitude. The Haggas pair, High Standing and Triple Aspect also look interesting.

The Wokingham is ever competitive and hard to call. Genki put in an eyecatching run last time and has a solid chance from a favourable berth. However enthusiasm is somewhat tempered by the going. Others in the shortlist include, Palace Moon and Striking Spirit.

Finally, Harbinger looks a good thing in the Hardwicke but have a sneaking regard for South Easter who might be an interesting each way punt.

best of luck and good to be back in harness.......