Sunday Best

Despite interesting cards today at Newmarket and Haydock, the weekend's best action takes place tomorrow at Deauville and the Curragh. Two scintillating Group 1s dominate the picture. First up is the Maurice de Gheest where July Cup winner, Dream Ahead is challenged by Golden Jubilee winner, Society Rock, Sprint stalwarts Genki, Markab, Marchand D'Or and the very interesting back in trip, Zoffany. Value looks likely in a hot field but very hard to oppose Dream Ahead and expect him to land the spoils (impressive last time and course winner-Prix Morny).

The first Group 1 of the season for two year olds, the Phoenix Stakes is run at the Curragh. Power, from  Ballydoyle should improve for his win at Royal Ascot, but in an equally competitive contest, it is difficult to ignore the chances of English challengers, Frederick Engels, Lilbourne Lad and Gatepost, with Jim Bolger's Parish Hall worth a close look if the rain desists. There is also an intriguing two year fillies race on the card, where Maybe (another impressive Ascot victor) takes on a progressive field including Remember Alexander, who should give us a clue to Parish Hall's credentials. Value options abound but expect favourites to prevail (Dream Ahead, Power, Maybe).

Saturday's action pales somewhat, but the Sweet Solera is always informative. Godolphin's Discourse looks the likely winner, but Sir Mark Prescott usually does not waste his time at this level and Kinetica may prove to be a better bet. Meanwhile at Haydock, it appears Hot Prospect (won this day last year) has his ideal conditions in the Rose of Lancaster stakes.

good luck....

Sweet Solera 2010

The rain has changed the prevailing going and directed one's thoughts towards the Autumn 2 year old contests. The Sweet Solera at Newmarket usually provides an early indicator to the juvenile filly standings and today's renewal looks as if it will be quite informative. Khor Sheed was impressive last time but Clinical (from the always worth watching Sir Mark Prescott yard) and Musharakaat shaped as if they could be improve considerably. The Godolphin filly caught the eye at Ascot but perhaps was flattered by her rail passage. A race for study rather than betting however!!!

The weather has certainly changed in the north of England and it is strange to see it being declared soft at Haydock. It is here where today's fancy runs, namely Magaling (3.25). Running on well to a solid horse (Cappioni) at York recently, after there was decent money looking for value before the off on Betfair, he looks the sort who could do well in this type of contest. From a canny stable, unexposed at trip and with a win on soft, he could be worth a wager.

Today's other racing attraction is the Shergar Cup, which I suppose will be diverting, but in an age of limited resources, one wonders why go to the bother, particularly with punter's attention focussed on the bulging Scoop 6 pot!

best of luck...

Lanzarote Hurdle

Great to have Jump Racing back after the big freeze with the main action taking place at Kempton. It is perhaps wise to tread a mite carefully as it anyone's guess as to how the form lines have been affected. Nevertheless it is reasonable to assume that Nicky Henderson's string are in fine fettle following a novel treble at Southwell during the week. Both his participants (Duc De Regniere & Tasheba) in today's feature race; the Lanzarote Hurdle, look to have leading chances. However in a competitive race, I prefer to look towards the bottom weights and fancy the chances of Mighty Moon. He will relish the going, has plenty of stamina and progressed nicely over last hurdles last season. Richard Fahey had him well entered in decent races over the past few weeks and doubt if they are making the long journey to stretch his legs.

Otherwise, interested to see Mad Max debut over fences and the clash between ex Sir Mark Prescott horses (Braveheart Moon + Watergate) in the juvenile hurdle.

good luck....