Irish Derby

The Irish Derby at the Curragh looks like another Ballydoyle benefit with Aidan O'Brien afforded an opportunity to decipher the middle distance pecking order. Some give Midas Touch a chance, Johnny Murtagh plumps for Cape Blanco, but I reckon Jan Vermeer has the greatest ability and will stick with him despite obvious going concerns (9/2 could look a nice price in retrospect).

cheers....

Pitmen's Derby

Despite my best intentions, have been struggling to get back in a racing groove, with the World Cup and the fine weather proving to be attractive distractions (Ascot review will have to wait!!)

However the Northumberland Plate, one of the season's most difficult handicaps, caught the eye and after due consideration would like to proffer two against the field. Bernie the Bolt was a progressive 3yo last term winning over longer trips. His chance at Chester was scuppered by the draw and if forgiven that, he holds a solid chance today. Alan Swinbank's Merchant of Dubai has a good level of form, being highly tried and although high enough in the weights, has claims at value odds (currently 25s on Betfair).

Plenty of good racing elsewhere without anything standing out, although interested to see how Mabait fares at Newmarket. The Derby Festival at the Curragh will be run unusually on fast going and one can only surmise that is the reason for Johnny Murtagh deserting Jan Vermeer (further thoughts anon).

cheers.....

Summer Hols

Last posting for a few weeks as one is heading off on an overdue break. Pity that it means forsaking Epsom, but very much a price worth paying. I had intended on placing an ante post before embarking, but mixed messages from Ballydoyle have tempered my enthusiasm. Johnny Murtagh's quandary is eminently understandable following Jan Vermeer's impressive seasonal bow last Sunday. That was an excellent showing, cementing his Group 1 win in France last autumn and he will be very hard to oppose if turning up next week. However, despite gloomy reports during the week and his disappointing run in the Guineas, St Nicholas Abbey based on his run at Doncaster can hardly be dismissed if making it to Surrey on the day (albeit one would expect better odds than those currently available). Workforce also merits a mention. Sir Michael Stoute's skill will insure that he will improve greatly following the Dante, but a slight doubt persists about his ability to handle Epsom's cambers.

The Oaks looks much more open but going to heed another master trainer's advice and go with Timepiece. Henry Cecil knows an awful lot more than I do and I suspect, Tom Queally. A small stake double, on Jan Vermeer & Timepiece should suffice!

By the way, interested to see how Layla's Hero (did us a favour last season) runs for a new trainer at Haydock today.

until next time......