The International Stakes is the feature of Day 1 of the Ebor Meeting at York. The four main challengers all have solid claims but Twice Over currently available in places at 5/1, looks the value bet. He seems sure to be placed and with 9 runners could be a tempting free each way wager. However it is a tight field with Rip Van Winkle heading the market. While long being a fan, I feel Rip's best performances have come on undulating tracks (Sandown, Goodwood and Epsom) and he may not prosper on York's straight. Byword looks to be a similar standard to Twice Over (based on Royal Ascot form) but is nearly half the price. Dick Turpin is the season's most admirable performer but his breeding suggests he won't stay. Cavalryman looks best of outsiders but he will need to improve markedly on recent runs. In a race definitely worth watching, if not playing in, a tentative vote goes to the Henry Cecil charge.
The Voltigeur looks to be between the big 2 (Ballydoyle + Godolphin) and expect Rewidling to prevail whilst establishing St. Leger pecking order.
enjoy.....
Showing posts with label Twice Over. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Twice Over. Show all posts
Tuesday, August 17, 2010
Saturday, July 3, 2010
Eclipse 2010
The Eclipse Stakes, one of summer racing's traditional highlights, takes place at Sandown today. Despite the small field this year's race looks intriguing and in time hopefully will be informative.
All six protagonists have a chance which makes it difficult to call. Twice Over is entitled to be favourite but is well exposed at this stage and ran poorly on track last year. Dar Re Mi is an excellent filly and returns after her win at Meydan but her best form is over 1m4f and would probably prefer softer going. Zacinto has disappointed us in the past but could prosper stepping up in trip (also acts on track). Mawatheeq was unlucky in the Champion Stakes but since then has suffered an injury. His return at Ascot showed little and perhaps he will improve for the race. The only 3yo is Aidan O'Brien's Viscount Nelson who has already run in 3 classics. His form looks a bit below what's required but notable that he is Ballydoyle's only representative. Sri Pukan is a decent horse with track form, from a good stable but hard to see him winning. In summary not a race for high stakes, but will go for Zacinto at the prices (5/1 currently).
There is a solid supporting card at Sandown with Dunno interesting in the mile handicap and Triple Aspect returning to 5f. Good racing also at Haydock where the absence of rain makes the Lancashire Oaks unfathomable but definitely gives Dangerous Midge a chance in the Old Newton Cup.
good luck....
All six protagonists have a chance which makes it difficult to call. Twice Over is entitled to be favourite but is well exposed at this stage and ran poorly on track last year. Dar Re Mi is an excellent filly and returns after her win at Meydan but her best form is over 1m4f and would probably prefer softer going. Zacinto has disappointed us in the past but could prosper stepping up in trip (also acts on track). Mawatheeq was unlucky in the Champion Stakes but since then has suffered an injury. His return at Ascot showed little and perhaps he will improve for the race. The only 3yo is Aidan O'Brien's Viscount Nelson who has already run in 3 classics. His form looks a bit below what's required but notable that he is Ballydoyle's only representative. Sri Pukan is a decent horse with track form, from a good stable but hard to see him winning. In summary not a race for high stakes, but will go for Zacinto at the prices (5/1 currently).
There is a solid supporting card at Sandown with Dunno interesting in the mile handicap and Triple Aspect returning to 5f. Good racing also at Haydock where the absence of rain makes the Lancashire Oaks unfathomable but definitely gives Dangerous Midge a chance in the Old Newton Cup.
good luck....
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)