National Power

Important race today, The Group One National Stakes at the Curragh. It's recent illustrious roll of honour includes Derby winners, Sinndar and New Approach, 2,000 Guineas winners Refuse to Bend and George Washington, Irish 2,000 winners Dubawi and Mastercraftsman plus high class colts, Hawk Wing and Teofilio. There does not appear to be anything of that calibre running this afternoon but nevertheless in a season where we have yet to see an emerging star, I expect the race to be very informative. The market cannot split the three leading contenders and while they all have obvious merits, I reckon Ballydoyle's tenacious colt, Power will prevail. Nabbed late in the Phoenix, the extra furlong should bring out the best in him.

Across the water, the normally well contested Champagne Stakes at Doncaster looks decidedly lacklustre this term and the progressive Entifaadha ought to maintain his unbeaten record. The projected quick going at Donny has thrown St. Leger considerations somewhat awry and at this stage it looks a race best watched along with it's Irish equivalent.

Otherwise going to persevere with two of this season's horses; Soraah deserves a change of fortune after running well in major handicaps from disadvantageous draws and the equally misfortunate Waffle should benefit from having Richard Hughes on board in the Portland. Pity the price has collapsed but in a competitive betting market, he may drift back out to a more attractive level before the off.

Plans are afoot for a trip to Paris in October, so Sunday's Arc trials take on greater significance with a keen eye to be kept on Meandre.

good look....

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....

Breeders Cup 2010: Back to the Dirt

The UK Flat season comes to an end today at Doncaster with Richard Hughes and Paul Hanagan still vying for the Jockey's championship. Well done so far and best of luck to the pair of them. We have had a profitable second half to the season and hope to conclude on a winning note with Simenon in the November Handicap (looks unexposed at this level).

Across the Atlantic, Breeders Cup 2010 continues at Churchill Downs. The retreat to the Dirt makes it less appealing to European enthusiasts (no runner in Classic) and judging from last night's racing, it looks as if both Goldikova and Workforce will need to be at their best. The timing also looks a bit odd with conditions seeming very wintry and the possibility that some horses will be over the top. Nevertheless it is always a great spectacle and I am looking forward to a thrilling evening. Despite doubts, I will find it hard to desist from aforementioned stars but best bet of the night should be Lookin at Lucky, who could be great value with the market hyped over Zenyatta.

To add further spice to the equine fare, Kauto Star returns to action at Down Royal taking on an interesting crop of Irish Chasers. It's great to see him back and he should get a good test.

enjoy and best of luck....

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..

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

Curragh Sunshine

Enjoyed a pleasant afternoon at the Curragh yesterday in the sweltering sunshine. Canford Cliffs dispelled any doubts regarding his stamina, winning in an excellent manner and now looks the top miler this season, although the quicker going is undoubtedly the key. Xtension did his best but it was a tad disappointing that he did not make the frame. Steinbeck also ran a nice race but there must be a question mark now over his ability to compete at the highest level.

Samuel Morse was the other impressive winner on the day and tellingly from a Ballydoyle aspect, he was the only one of their leading chances to attract market support. There was no luck on the punting front, so going to have another go today with the 1000 Guineas in mind.

This looks very open with quite a few runners having a decent chance. Music Show is entitled to be favourite and while it would be nice for her connections to finally land a Classic, she looks a bit short. Godolphin acquisition, Anna Salai looks handy but not sure if she will be favoured by the going. Similar concerns apply to Termagant (really thrived on heavy in Moyglare) and Lolly for Dolly (nice win last time). Cille na Greine seeks to frank Newmarket form but she may have been flattered by her proximity to the front pair. Lillie Langtry looked a high class filly last season and if fully recovered from her injury must have a solid chance. She is a tentative selection but with a proviso that one should wait until seeing the level of market support. I would also like to suggest Lady Darshaan as an outside bet (second in Fillies Mile and a winner on good to firm) with jockey (Richard Hughes) in form on board.

Also on the card Fame and Glory should win the Tattarsalls and very interested to see how Jan Vermeer goes. Goldikova returns at Longchamp to further enhance an intriguing afternoon's fare.

good luck....