Cups Overflowing!!

On a hectic day going to focus on three of summer racing's traditional highlights. First up is the July Cup, feature of the now rescheduled July Meeting at Newmarket. This year's running looks slightly below par, but interested to see Dream Ahead (impressive Middle Park winner) revert back to a shorter trip. He ran well enough at Ascot and the speed he showed at Deauville and on the Rowley Mile suggests he could take all the beating if the going retains some cut. Also will be monitoring Bated Breadth and expect another solid performance on his way to Group 1 glory later in the season. He should thereabouts this afternoon but track and going not in his favour.

Supporting the big sprint is the long established Bunbury Cup over 7 furlongs. It's a rather tight handicap this year with 12 pounds separating the twenty runners. As usual, it's possible to give every one a chance but Nasri looks each way value assuming stable is in better form. Course winner Fireback (curious jockey booking) is also worth a look after his stable's prosperous afternoon last Saturday.

Up the A1 at York is the John Smith's Cup (aka Magnet Cup) which is equally competitive. A couple of  relatively unexposed and progressive four year olds head the market and of these, like Green Destiny best. He did not seem to enjoy Ascot (not the first horse), but his Newmarket handicap win early in the season suggested he would have every chance on the Knavesmire. It's worth bearing in mind that, trainer William Haggas was quoted on RUK saying this was his main target before Royal Ascot.


good luck and enjoy.....

John Smiths Cup York 2010

Another top summer handicap today at York, the John Smith' s Cup (Magnet Cup). Imposing's gallant run at Ascot entitles him to be favourite but he does not look to have the necesssary turn of foot to triumph here. The obvious choice is the eyecatcher of all eyecatchers, Wigmore Hall, whose surging late charge at Ascot suggests he has the requirements to win a race of this nature. Allied to his superb seasonal debut on the Rowley mile, his handy weight and claiming jockey, he must have every chance. However this is evident to everyone, thus explaining his current low odds. I think it is 4/1 to get luck in running here, but have to admit that he is the most likely winner. Looking for value is difficult but it would be unwise to rule the chances of Sweet Lightning, Royal Destination and Kings Gambit, one of whom may go off at a value price.

Very much enjoyed the excellent fare at Newmarket's July meeting and thought Johnny Murtagh was brave in taking Starbangledbanner to the rail so early. I am sure the punters appreciated his nerve, but was a bit surprised to see him get a six day ban from the stewards. Very harsh for a race winning manoeuvre, particularly in a high profile Group 1.

good luck....

Johns Smith's Cup

The John Smith's Cup (aka Magnet Cup) at York has long been one of the flat season's top handicaps. This year's renewal looks to be of a higher standard than recent runnings with "improving type" training meisters Messrs Cumani and Stoute taking on local kingpin Richard Fahey (landed last 2 runnings). All three have strong contenders with Riggins being the pick due to advantageous draw. However have had Sweet Lightning in mind for a while for this but maybe now only worth a small stake with his chance apparently scuppered by the wide draw. With that in mind perhaps it is advisable to split stake with capable Seeking the Buck who has got his ground.

good luck......