On the Double!!

Strange having two of the Group 1 contests for 2 year old colts run on the same card at Newmarket this afternoon. It seems a shortsighted manoeuvre and hopefully won't be too detrimental to the Racing pattern. Nevertheless, we have a pair of intriguing, if not top class contests. The Dewhurst is always one of this corner's favourite races, usually offering an informative glimpse into the future. This season's renewal however lacks a certain quality reflecting perhaps the dearth of a true superstar in this division. Power from the Ballydoyle stable has been consistent throughout the summer and at attractive odds looks the one to beat. Bronterre is the main danger, having showed a nice turn of foot at Goodwood (albeit on good to soft).

In the Middle Park, French raider Family One, through a line with Dabirism represents the best two year old form (Morny and Lagadere) but Bapak Chinta showed a lot of speed at Ascot and could be more at home on the fast going. He missed an intended run in the Nunthorpe but from a stable in form (Kevin Ryan), he should go well at a decent price.
 

enjoy....

Third Time Lucky

Perhaps the most competitive and most difficult race of the season, The Ayr Gold Cup. Sticking with Colonel Mak for the third time in a major Handicap. Banged his head at Goodwood, wrong side at Ripon, might he be a bit more fortunate this afternoon? He will need to be from a middle draw, but his course form (winner Silver Cup last year) suggests he has the ability to be thereabouts. Curiously in a such an open race, there does not appear to be any hidden value lurking, but in the soft conditions Dandy Nicholls' Tajneed might be worth a look (well drawn).

good luck...

Colonel to lead Cavalry Charge?

28 sprinters dashing down the hill at Goodwood is one of flat racing's most spectacular sights. The Stewards Cup is perhaps the best of the sprint handicaps, requiring a good horse to win despite it's somewhat lottery feel. Whilst there does not appear to be an evident draw bias, I am going to opt for one from either side. Colonel Mak demonstrated his ability for big field sprints at Ayr last season and returned to form last time at Hamilton. Trained by the very capable David Barron, he has not been penalised for that and one can envisage him arriving late under a typical Jamie Spencer ride. An interesting contender from the other side is Dafeef, who recorded a very smart piece of form last season. He is now with William Haggas, and although he may be a bit high in the weights, one can expect a decent effort, if handling the going. Victoire de Lyphar also merits mentioning. Highly capable with top connections, he was disappointing in the Wokingham. As then, late market moves should be informative.

The consolation race at 2.05 looks equally competitive. Novellen Lad, if handling track must have solid claims but a speculative punt on Noverre To Go entices (currently on offer at 25s).

A pity that Misty For Me was scratched from the Nassau Stakes, but very interested to see how Snow Fairy goes and if she has recovered from last season's exertions. Her run in the Eclipse should have brought her on and I expect her to beat two time winner Midday.

good luck....

Frankely Fantastic

Fabulous display by Frankel at Goodwood yesterday. Reminiscent of his sire Galileo, when he glided through the gears at Tom Queally's request. Great show and great to hear that he may stay in training. Undoubtedly the racing highlight of the summer!!

Nothing of that calibre today and still waiting to have a bet. However, Noble Storm looks interesting in the King George Stakes over 5 furlongs. It is a tight contest but Ed McMahon's progressive five year old should go close in a race, where his stablemate Astrophysical Jet was a tad unfortunate last year.

good luck....

Tread Warily

Goodwood and Galway are upon us with their bounty of summer temptations. Best advice is to tread warily and avoid being sucked in. The main talking point is the match up (Sussex Stakes Weds.) between Canford Cliffs and Frankel. Who wins? Who knows? Too many imponderables and variables to be sure! However, hopefully we will have an epic contest without any of Saturday's dramatics (still ruminating over a very unsatisfactory King George). Both colts have excelled so far this season and in a four runner field it might come down to jockeymanship.

The supporting races for Goodwood's first two days are as normal competitive and while there are no obvious bets, looking forward to to seeing if any key form patterns emerge with the latter half of the season in mind. In particular the Gordon Stakes should shed light on the Leger and both the Molecomb and Vintage Stakes move the 2 year old sphere up a level.

As for the week long party in Galway, enjoy watching the big races but strictly a punt free zone unless you have been well advised.

good 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.....

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......

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....

Totesport Mile (Goodwood)

Despite intense scrutiny, I am at loss with today's Totesport mile at Goowood. The customary starting point is with the draw where a high one is mandatory (except last year) and this is where the market leaders stand. Both Sea Lord (won good race last time) and Oasis Dream have strong credentials but offer little value in such a competitive race. Invisible Man and Marajaa have also claims but none of them convince. I always to like  to have a punt in this, so despite draw bias, going to have a sentimental bet on Vitznau (Hannon and Hughes) at long odds. He has a good rating, finished 6th in 08 and plenty of experience and hopefully will give us a run for our money.

good luck..enjoy

Goodwood Speed

Day 3 sees the equine speedsters at Goodwood with the Audi King George Stakes over five furlongs. Normally a race I would eschew, my attention is drawn to a relatively long term notebook resident who takes her chance this afternoon. Namely, Astrophysical Jet, who initially caught my attention at Ayr last autumn. She has subsequently run decently but only managed to get her head in front last time, in excellent fashion at the July Meeting at Newmarket, when moved back to the minimum trip. She left a decent field for dead while stretching out for the line. From a very competent but low profile stable in this sphere, I was looking forward to backing her at double figures. However her current market position looks decidedly short (Paddy Power have her @ 5s!!) and  I am reluctant to take what's on offer, when factoring in the ultra competitive field (including a US raider) and her less than advantageous draw.

Nevertheless still quite keen, and intend to wait in hope for a more reasonable price close to the off.

good luck....

Sussex Stakes 2010

Disappointing turnout for one of the season's top mile races, the Sussex Stakes at Goodwood today. There appears to be only 2 contenders in Canford Cliffs and Rip Van Winkle. The former excelled at the Curragh and Ascot seemingly dispelling obvious hitherto stamina doubts. Ballydoyle run 3 this afternoon and perhaps their tactics are the most fascinating aspect of the race. Will they go quick to make it a stiff test or will they attempt to strike a staccato ryhthm to get Canford off the bridle? On form, Canford Cillfs looks the one, but Rip van Winkle could be the "at the prices" bet, particularly as he was very impressive winning this last year, but one must have doubts about his well being. Dewhurst winner Beethoven should have a squeak but jockey arrangements suggest a pace making role.

Too many imponderables to be confident but Rip, if he goes off at 9/4 or bigger might offer some value!!

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...

Irish 2000

Heading to the Curragh this afternoon for the Irish 2000 Guineas and hoping to spend a pleasant day in good company with the welcome improvement in the weather enhancing matters. The main feature is a very tight affair with many imponderables. Steinbeck looks to be the potential superstar in the field but one wonders if he will be fully primed today and furthermore, I am wary of supporting him at the price particularly as his career so far evokes that of Rip Van Winkle! Canford Cliffs is a smashing horse but I doubt if he will be at his best over the mile here, unless none of the Ballydoyle legions make it a true test. Aidan O'Brien's number two, Fencing Master, (ran well in the Dewhurst, but poorly in the English Guineas) along with Keredari (John Oxx) offer little value and look slightly below Group 1 standard. That leaves us again with Xtension (good run for our money at Newmarket), who I expect to be placed and with luck on the day may land the spoils for Clive Cox. He put in a solid effort for his first outing and although faltering slightly at the dip, he picked up again to run on strongly to suggest he will improve for the stiffer track.

The supporting card looks competitive with an interesting and hopefully informative 2yo race and a hot sprint where Velvet Flicker may go in again.

Across the water, there is a plethora of racing at a selection of top tracks including Goodwood, Haydock and York. It's probably not the day to be trying my luck with the Scoop 6 but one can hardly not be tempted by the bulging pot! Selections (for what it's worth) as follows:

1. Mac Gille Eoin, Parisian Pyramid, 2. Balducci, Huygens, 3. Perpetually, 4. Equiano, 5. Aajel, 6. Discanti

Good luck and enjoy....

Celebration Mile

The Celebration Mile is the main race of what looks lack lustre fare for a Saturday with the best action, despite the going, taking place at the Curragh on Sunday (more anon). At Goodwood, Delegator appears to be a certainty on the book, but as ever a move to Godolphin casts a doubt. Taking on a progressive horse, Zacinto on a tricky track makes him vulnerable and with neither offering any value, it might be worth looking to Beacon Lodge for a sporting bet (particularly if going is not too fast) as he ran creditably in Sussex. The Prestige for 2yo fillies is of more interest and going to stick with Sent From Heaven whose chance last time was impaired by having to run wide -she should improve but a competitive race. Palace Moon looks to have found a nice opportunity in a listed race at Newmarket, while at Beverley, Noble Storm should continue his winning run from a favourable draw.

The Moyglare on Sunday at the Curragh sees Lillie Langtry taken on by Long Lashes (form to be tested today) in the first major Coolmore/Darley contest for a while. Lillie Langtry should prevail in the conditions and it is always worthwhile keeping an eye on the Prendergast runners. Another filly of interest is Perfect Polly who has been in great form since returning home.

good luck....

Nice One!!

Great to see Genki emerge through the mist to land the Stewards Cup at Goodwood on Saturday - nice way to end a frustrating week!! Hopefully he will go on to better things from here in the capable hands of Roger Charlton. Midday also enhanced her reputation in the Nassau although not sure if it was the dramatic pictures of her motoring downhill through the enveloping mist that made her look so impressive. The rest of Goodwood was less exciting aside from Rip Van Winkle's coming of age in the Sussex. Other noteworthy mentions go to Kingsgate Native, Zacinto, Monsieur Chevalier, Beyond Desire, Xtension and Mark Johnston.

cheers....

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...

Totesport Mile at Goodwood

Despite half the field having no chance due to the most defining draw bias in racing, the Totesport Mile still looks quite difficult to solve. Cloudy Start with his progressive profile and perfect berth is a worthy favourite but could be vulnerable to a fast finisher. Those drawn 14 upwards look closely matched so going to have a small wager on Horatio Carter who despite doubts about his stamina is a good closer and will benefit from a little rain.

good luck....

Goodwood Day 3

Inxile has been on my list for 5f sprints since the beginning of the season. Despite being in the hands of a very capable trainer, he will have it all to do in an extremely competitive Audi Stakes. Goodwood sprints are difficult to make all in but could be value at 12s or higher. The Goodwood Cup does not normally arouse any interest but like the look of Enroller who should run well with a drop of rain. Laureldean Spirit looked like a winner in waiting when just foiled at York and very interested to see how she fares in the maiden.

The Sussex Stakes saw Rip van Winkle finally land a Group 1 and justify the hype. Despite the drama concerning his participation, he won emphatically beating 2 Group 1 winners (who both ran well) and further enhanced Sea The Stars' reputation. Doubtful if anyone has ever seen Aidan O'Brien so animated and wound up in the post race interview on RUK. He was gushing (ditto Murtagh) in his praise for the horse, going to extraordinary lengths detailing the horse's trials and tribulations to a slightly bemused Lydia. To this eye, Rip van Winkle is the best of the Ballydoyle trio and one wonders should they have another crack at Sea The Stars with him rather than pitching Mastercraftsman and Fame and Glory into the melting pot.

Time will tell........I suppose.....

cheers