Mud larking

The seemingly incessant rain leads to rather dull fare this afternoon. Interested to see how progressive sprinter Pearl Secret goes on the reported soft going in the usually informative Scurry Stakes at Sandown. His class should tell but not a betting proposition on the prevailing conditions. Plenty of his fellow three year old speedsters line up in a six furlong handicap at York. Quite a few notebook entrants here, but on the going, Kevin Ryan's Dam Beautiful may be worth an each way wager.

good luck..

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....

Super Sprint Shortlist

The uneven nature of the flat racing programme is very much in evidence today with little to entice, particularly when compared to last Saturday's abundant menu. However the Weatherby Super Sprint at Newbury is always interesting and this is where today's attention is focused. 25 Two year olds handicapped to the their sales price over a straight five certainly makes a puzzle, but it's worth noting that this race throws up many a decent horse and long priced winners. Best to start with the Hannon stable who generally feature. Eureka and Redact with Hughes and Moore in the saddle have to be respected but appear to be priced accordingly. Kevin Ryan's juveniles have shown good form so far this season, but none of his four entrants attract. Richard Fahey's contingent look somewhat exposed so going to look elsewhere for inspiration.

The Brian Meehan/July factor leads us to Mention (nice profile being a winner already and notable jockey booking) while off bottom weight, Sweet Chilli (capable trainer) should also be thereabouts. Orders From Rome (unexposed) from the other side of the draw completes the shortlist.

While Saturday disappoints, heading to the Curragh on Sunday for the Irish Oaks, where the main protagonists from Epsom re oppose. Further thoughts on what should be a strong contest anon.

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....

Super Sprint

Despite the obvious difficulties picking the winner, 25 precocious 2 year olds flying down the Newbury straight always makes the Super Sprint a thrilling and exciting race. The season's leading trainer and traditionally the master of 2yo sales races, Richard Hannon runs six in attempt to land this for the eight time in 17 runnings. He is joined in the mob handed department by two hot trainers in Ricahrd Fahey and Kevin Ryan, making matters harder to assess than normal. The stats direct one to a filly off a low weight with a draw on the flank - Dress Up fits that bill and I will include her in shortlist of 3 with Ballista (impressive first time out) and Jaahiz who I was impressed with last Saturday (Kieron Fallon on board at his minimum weight and off course comes from the Hannon yard).

The Irish Oaks at the Curragh on Sunday looks equally competitive with the leading protagonists from Epsom re opposing. It is notable that Rosanara is making the trip from France. Her level of form appears markedly superior to the others and she could be value on the day, particularly with any further rain.

good luck..and enjoy...