Stepping up

Crack Sprint handicappers, Masamah and Hoof It, step up considerably in grade today in the Group 1 Nunthorpe at York. Both have decent track form and are difficult to split. Bated Breadth is perhaps the most solid performer at his level and while the going and trip may not ideally suit, he should continue his education en route to Haydock. There was an 100/1 upset (Sole Power) in this last season and another outsider looks likely again this time. Dandy Nicholls' experienced campaigner, Inxile, handles softish going better than most and could be an interesting each way bet.

enjoy....

Bewitched or Bereft?

Today sees the culmination of an enthralling Royal Ascot. The Golden Jubilee (Group 1) is the highlight and all seemingly has fallen into place for Irish filly, Bewitched. The lack of a true top class sprinter, the soft going, her course and distance win last term, her recent good win over Zoffany and probably most pertinently, her jockey (Group 1 Johnny) signal a serious chance. While the value has diminished somewhat, I am quite happy to play at current odds (5/1). Up against her are a few decent sorts including notebook member, Bated Breadth. Highly progressive, today's move up in grade should be a stepping stone to success at this level later in the season. As his only blips have been with soft underfoot conditions, he could well be available at a decent price making a saver worthwhile (10s upwards).

The supporting card includes the ever riveting king of sprint handicaps, the Wokingham. Always like to have a go and shortlist this time comprises, Victoire de Lyphar (master trainer and favourites chance), Waffle (sprinter to follow), Nasri (Dandy again) and one from the other side, Gramercy (despite form, should handle going being by Whipper).

John Gosden had a great day yesterday and runs his emerging talented handicapper, Taqleed. Mr Gosden bravely pulled him from the Lincoln, when favourite due to the going and his patience may be rewarded this afternoon. It's his first time over this distance, but his breeding suggests he will stay (dam won Ribblesdale).

Finally, although not punting material due to prohibitive odds, Ballydoyle's Await the Dawn merits close scrutiny - will land a prize this summer!!!

Best of luck and many thanks to those who took the time to look in during the week!!

cheers....

Great St. Wilfrid 2010

Sprint Handicaps, despite my best intentions seem to be occupying more of my time than usual this year. It's probably a reflection on a rather lack lustre flat season (hopefully things will change at York this week), although the competitiveness of this sector always attracts a curious eye. Today's Great St Wilfrid at Ripon is the latest in the summer series. Everything points in the direction of Tajneed who was successful in 2008 (with this corner's support). Track form, solid recent run, going suitability, similar rating to 2008, being sprint meister Dandy Nicholls only runner and last but not least a high draw, combine to make him favourite and while currently available at 4/1, one would expect him to shorten. All this makes him difficult to oppose but these races are hard to win as market leader and for that reason I am going to look elsewhere. As mentioned the draw is crucial and with the impending rain, I am going to plump for Damika (drawn 15 + form with cut in the ground) who ran a nice race last week at Haydock.

Perhaps the most interesting runner of the day is Bated Breadth at Newmarket (3.20). Running off 105 in a handicap, he should confirm his potential before moving on to a higher grade (Sprint Cup???)

And for the purists don't forget Goldi versus Paco at Deauville (Sunday)!!

good luck....

Ayr Gold Cup

This year's Ayr Gold Cup is as competitive as ever, with a cursory glance at the field giving almost 20 runners a decent chance. However the consolation race on Friday suggests a low draw will prevail (although it is never wise to stick rigidly to this point of view). Ante post favourite Redford's chance is negated by projected good going and draw but nicely weighted. Genki has shown superior form in this sphere all season but although stats are against him, should not be dismissed and could drift to a nice price. Evens and Odds, who heads Dandy Nicholl's contingent should go well but looks poor value. Signor Peltro has been supported in this quarter all season and looks to have more positives than negatives on his side this time. With trainer Henry Candy back in form, a change of jockey to a more forceful pilot, a favourable draw, and the ability to see out 7 furlongs (which is always a plus in this race), I am persuaded to give him another chance and hopefully loyalty will be rewarded. A left field wager is always worthwhile in these big handicaps and Madam Trop Vite (speedy winner of Flying Childers in 2008) may be worth a look at long odds.

good luck.....