Irish Guineas 2012

The final brace of Guineas take place at the Curragh this weekend. The fine weather will ensure good ground at least and we should be in for fine fare. The 2,000 today is an intriguing contest albeit lacking a potential super miler. Jim Bolger, as his wont, is attempting to defy normal practice by aiming his Dewhurst victor, Parish Hall at this and the Derby next weekend. There is no Camelot to reckon with today and his Group One form entitles him to be a clear favourite, making the 4/1 currently available an attractive bet. Aidan O'Brien has a very strong hand of 3 year old colts this season but none of his representatives convince and with question marks over the Oxx pair, Parish Hall gets the nod.

On Sunday, Homecoming Queen seeks to reprise her stunning Newmarket win. That however, along with her winning form was on soft ground which leads one to surmise that she may be vulnerable. She does not have a lot to contend with from a moderate line up but Yellow Rosebud showed enough at Leopardstown to suggest she may up to the task in a race where her trainer (Dermot Weld) has had plenty of recent success.

enjoy.....

Lockinge Stakes 2012

Looking forward to seeing Frankel return to the track today in the Lockinge at Newbury. Racing's superstar had a satisfactory racetrack gallop on Guineas Day and is fully expected to maintain his unbeaten record. However a few shrewd observers are questioning his chance. Perhaps taking into consideration his recent injury scare or the fact that his seasonal bow on this track last season was less than inspirational. However I doubt his formidable connections would be taking any risks and expect him to overcome his old rival, Excelebration now domiciled at Ballydoyle. Of more interest is what route he will take throughout the summer?

Got to see plenty of York this week and two worthy Epsom candidates emerged. The Fugue impressive in the Muisidora now heads the Oaks market but she will have her work cut out to beat whoever represents Aidan O'Brien. Bonfire did enough to justify his place in the Derby but can't see him thwarting Camelot at this stage.

Nothing stands out for a bet this afternoon so watching brief will continue ....

good luck..

Sprint Saturday

A veritable feast of racing today with the action coming thick and fast at four grade 1 tracks, Goodwood, Haydock, York and the Curragh. Sprinting is definitely the order of the day and while it should be exciting viewing, it also makes for perilous punting. Thus going to sit back and relax with a cross track sporting yankee; Parisian Pyramid (Goodwood 2.15), Sole Power (Haydock 3.00), Arctic (Curragh 3.10) and Waffle (York 3.40).

The Guineas series moves to Ireland with the 2,000 at the Curragh. A rather modest field but still difficult to call. Dubawi Gold is entitled to be favourite but could find one too good in Dunboyne Express. Planning to attend the 1,000 on Sunday, but this stage, reckon Chrysanthemum is good value. She appears a very likely Pricewise candidate, so therefore it may be worthwhile placing a bet today, rather than waiting for reduced odds tomorrow, particularly with the rain on it's way.

Enjoy.....

Irish 1,000 Guineas

Heading to the Curragh this afternoon and with the sun making a rare appearance on the Dublin skyline, looking forward to a good day. Again is a worthy favourite for the feature and if you ignore her last run (valid reasons; Longchamp,draw), she looks the likely winner with Murtagh aboard, having already proven her ability by winning on track at group 1 level and on going at Leopardstown. Her main opponents travel from the UK and however commendable their form is, it does not look up to this level. One slight doubt is that David Wachman also runs 2 other fillies with decent outside chances. It may also be worthwhile having a saver on Dance Pass, with an eye to the future. She has made gentle progress, catching the eye at Leopardstown and landing a maiden at Naas. As a Sadlers Wells offspring she should be better over further but the heavy conditions may bring her stamina into play.

The Tattersalls looks a intriguing race with 4 in with a chance. It is worth giving Thewayyouare another chance as he appears to be embarking on the Duke of Maramlade/Dylan Thomas path (i.e. Ballydoyle's top 4yo) and Alaivin (very impressive last time) looks the one to beat in the Gallinule.

enjoy and best of luck.....

Guineas Review

The 2,ooo with the first six in the market providing the first six home ran like a strong race and should provide decent form lines. Was delighted that I had saver bet on Sea the Stars who looked superb and with MJ, rolling back the years, was a very competent winner. However would be surprised if he turns up at Epsom as I doubt he would see out the trip and the stable have a very likely candidate in Mourayan. Sea the Stars should be well worth following and looks like he will excel over 10f. Primary fancy, Mastercraftsman ran disappointingly and allowing for Ballydoyle's slow start is probably worth another chance but will be hard to place with Group 1 penalties. On the other hand Rip van Winkle caught the eye and looks very much the sort for Epsom if progressing further. Delegator also ran well but was undone by ground (still see him as sprinter!).

Rainbow View was very disappointing, running way below expectations. Trainer felt it was the going but fillies can be inexplicable sometimes!! We will have to wait another day so see if she has trained on. The winner looks a nice sort but would like to see her run again before rushing to judgement. Heart shaped caught eye again!!

cheers...