Sweet Solera Stakes 2012

An interesting renewal of the always informative Sweet Solera at Newmarket this afternoon. The market leaders, Certify and Sky Lantern, have solid claims but prefer the chances of Reyaadah who showed plenty of potential when winning a strong maiden on her debut. The subsequent decent showings of those in behind suggest that this 2 year old will be in the mould of her owner's (Hamdan Al Maktoum) fine tradition of producing quality fillies, whilst giving Paul Hanagan the opportunity to show his talent at this level.

On a relatively quiet weekend, an extraorinary field will line up at Deauville on Sunday for the Jacques La Marois. All seeking a Group 1, while obviously avoiding Frankel, it looks impossible to call but definitely one to savour.

enjoy...

Princess Margaret Stakes 2012

Racing like everything today will be overshadowed  by the Olympics. Nevertheless there are three decent cards at Ascot, Newmarket and York. Perhaps the most interesting race is the Princess Margaret Stakes for two year old fillies, which should shed some light on the pecking order before we enter the Autumn. Favourite, Maureen was deemed an unlucky loser last time and Richard Hannon's charge looks the one to beat with Hoyam (a good second  in the Queen Mary) her main rival. However it is noteworthy that David Wachman's filly, Mironica is being travelled again (better ground?) and she may be worth a look in the market.

Elsewhere, Wigmore Hall might prosper back down in grade at York and promising sprinter, Rex Imperator should run well at Newmarket.

enjoy...

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.....

Guineas Weekend 2012

Intriguing renewal of the 2,000 Guineas this afternoon at Newmarket. Plenty of potentially high class colts go to post in what promises to be an informative, but difficult to call contest. Therefore going to focus on how five of the eighteen runners will fare rather than attempting to identify a winner. Here goes:

1) Camelot could well take this en route to the Derby but he is bred for further and represents poor value at current odds (may well be a different story at Epsom however).

2) Power acquitted himself well as a 2 year old but two defeats at Group 1 level suggest he may not be good enough for this and being by Oasis Dancer, could well turn out to be a July Cup candidate.

3) Born to Sea has very strong connections and is priced accordingly. However John Oxx will have him ready for a good run and expect better to come at the Curragh and Royal Ascot.

4) Top Story has only one run (albeit very promising) under his belt. Doubts about the going lessen his chances but he will definitely come on for the experience.

5) Fencing has little chance against Camelot on the book, but his trainer is a master at bringing colts on from these tests and he is one who could progress nicely over the season.

The French contingent are also worth noting particularly with the first three from the Djebel running-Abtaal is probably best of these.

All in all, a race to savour and study. For a bet, will hope to get Born to Sea at 10s or higher, with the summer more in mind than today.

The 1,000 Guineas on Sunday is much more straightforward. Maybe was a top class 2 year old and assuming she has trained on, she will take all the beating in a lop sided contest. One for the watching brief is The Fugue trained by John Gosden.

enjoy....

Fencing Post

As the Flat season tapers off, we have the last serious race, the Group 1 Racing Post Trophy at Doncaster this afternoon. It is reasonable to assume, based on the Middle Park and Dewhurst, that the Irish two year old form is superior to that of their British counterparts. This must have encouraged Jim Bolger to aim the hitherto talented but underachieving Zip Top at today's top prize and a notable double. He will surely improve but the market is very much focused on his compatriot, Camelot. Highly touted since his only racecourse appearance (albeit a winning one), he is being promoted as his connection's (Ballydoyle) latest version of racing's next superstar. We have oft been down this road and on the little evidence available, would prefer to wait and see.

However, one two year old colt has caught our attention this season. John Gosden's nicely bred Fencing, who ran on eyecatchingly in a decent Newmarket maiden and then progressed to win a good listed race at Newbury (well backed on the day). He looks the type to improve again and while his trainer suggests that he will a better three year old, it might be no harm to invest in him at this stage (particularly at 100/30).


good luck.....

On the Double!!

Strange having two of the Group 1 contests for 2 year old colts run on the same card at Newmarket this afternoon. It seems a shortsighted manoeuvre and hopefully won't be too detrimental to the Racing pattern. Nevertheless, we have a pair of intriguing, if not top class contests. The Dewhurst is always one of this corner's favourite races, usually offering an informative glimpse into the future. This season's renewal however lacks a certain quality reflecting perhaps the dearth of a true superstar in this division. Power from the Ballydoyle stable has been consistent throughout the summer and at attractive odds looks the one to beat. Bronterre is the main danger, having showed a nice turn of foot at Goodwood (albeit on good to soft).

In the Middle Park, French raider Family One, through a line with Dabirism represents the best two year old form (Morny and Lagadere) but Bapak Chinta showed a lot of speed at Ascot and could be more at home on the fast going. He missed an intended run in the Nunthorpe but from a stable in form (Kevin Ryan), he should go well at a decent price.
 

enjoy....

Changing Times

The first tangible signs of Racing's changing face is apparent today with the reconstruction of the important Newmarket and Ascot meetings. Although their championship credentials have been somewhat negated by "Arc" day, the 2 year old races have proved to be very influential over the years. With that in mind, it seems a bit odd to be running the two Group 1 Fillies this weekend, followed two weeks hence by the two major colt's races. As to what effect it may have, time will tell.

Nevertheless, we  have an interesting card at Newmarket with the Cheveley Park and Sun Chariot Stakes. The favourites have strong claims in both these contests, but on good to firm, Irish raiders Lightning Pearl and Alanza are worth a look and may gave Johnny Murtagh a memorable afternoon.

The feature however is the long standing dish, the Cambridgeshire, a perenniel puzzle which I have failed to solve despite many efforts. This season's nominations are Circumvent (Group 3 winner, track form and in good form recently) with top French pilot Christophe Lemaire on board. Friday's consolation version suggests he is on right side of the draw. From the other side, Desert Romance could go well at a price.

good luck.....

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....

Cups Overflowing!!

On a hectic day going to focus on three of summer racing's traditional highlights. First up is the July Cup, feature of the now rescheduled July Meeting at Newmarket. This year's running looks slightly below par, but interested to see Dream Ahead (impressive Middle Park winner) revert back to a shorter trip. He ran well enough at Ascot and the speed he showed at Deauville and on the Rowley Mile suggests he could take all the beating if the going retains some cut. Also will be monitoring Bated Breadth and expect another solid performance on his way to Group 1 glory later in the season. He should thereabouts this afternoon but track and going not in his favour.

Supporting the big sprint is the long established Bunbury Cup over 7 furlongs. It's a rather tight handicap this year with 12 pounds separating the twenty runners. As usual, it's possible to give every one a chance but Nasri looks each way value assuming stable is in better form. Course winner Fireback (curious jockey booking) is also worth a look after his stable's prosperous afternoon last Saturday.

Up the A1 at York is the John Smith's Cup (aka Magnet Cup) which is equally competitive. A couple of  relatively unexposed and progressive four year olds head the market and of these, like Green Destiny best. He did not seem to enjoy Ascot (not the first horse), but his Newmarket handicap win early in the season suggested he would have every chance on the Knavesmire. It's worth bearing in mind that, trainer William Haggas was quoted on RUK saying this was his main target before Royal Ascot.


good luck and enjoy.....

July Weather Warning!!

The July meeting starts at Newmarket today. Always interesting and informative, as it's when the 2 year old season moves up a gear. However, uncertainty regarding the going, due to possible heavy rain makes punting perilous and one is minded to watch and enjoy. Hopefully the rain will desist until the Falmouth (Friday) is run as Maqaasid looks to have a good chance on good to firm. Nevertheless, plenty to observe, including Roman Soldier, Frederick Engels, Mijhaar, Burwazz, Fury, and Shumoos in the Cherry Hinton.

good luck and looking forward to Cups on Sat. (July, Bunbury + Magnet)

Rain stops Play???

Since her gallant place showing in the 1,000 Guineas, Maqaasid has been this corner's nap for Royal Ascot 2011. This is premised on the fact that she would enjoy good (quick) going, her trainer's (John Gosden) penchant for gradual improvement and the Newmarket run demonstrating she would just about stay the mile. The Royal meeting is notable for repeat winners (like Cheltenham!!) and her winning run in last year's Queen Mary suggests she is the most talented filly in the race, as all three Guineas winners are absent.

Unfortunately, the one possible fly in the ointment has materialised; Rain. She did not relish it in the Cheveley Park and my enthusiasm is somewhat tempered after seeing how the track rode yesterday (soft side of good). She will probably cope with good, but any sign of "soft" in the official going report probably means we will have to wait for another day (Falmouth?). Hopefully the sun will blast and we will get to have a go!! If not, will make do with a saver at appropriate odds (just in case..).

However, the rain should benefit another of this corner's favoured fillies, Theyskens Theory. She won on soft last season and returned in good style recently. She is probably just short of top class, but that may be good enough this afternoon.

What to do?, best to wait until near the off and splitting stakes..!!!

good luck...

Misty to stay?

An intriguing rather than a captivating Oaks at Epsom today. The big guns are out in force with Godolphin's Blue Bunting likely to go off favourite following a somewhat fortuitous 1000 Guineas victory, but she is poor value for a horse that may not enjoy the undulations. The superbly bred Wonder of Wonders impressed last time at Chester, but she may not improve again sufficiently. Ballydoyle's second string, three time Group One winner Misty For Me, is the undoubted class horse in the field but there are justified doubts concerning her ability to get home. The much touted, Havant, failed to convince at Newmarket and her expert connections are factored into the price considering she may prefer it softer.

All in all, it looks a difficult race to call and I am going to tentatively side with Misty For Me, whose speed may overcome stamina difficulties, in what may well be a tactical affair. Best of the outsiders could be Beatrice Aurore, who should be suited by track and going.

enjoy and best of luck...

Sparse Saturday

After last weekend's feast, today's offering looks pretty meagre. Possible bets are thin on the ground and one is minded to wait for Epsom. Nevertheless, it's always hard to resist and will put Naqshabban up as today's Nap and interested in Majestic Myles for value in the Coral Sprint at Newmarket.

The week past, however has seen two of the big guns in action. I had the pleasure of See You Think winning at the Curragh and it is easily understood how the Australians are peeved at his transfer to the northern hemisphere. Last season's Arc and Derby hero Workforce made a winning return at Sandown, where he showed, that he too will be a serious player. Looking forward to seeing them match up!!

best of luck.....

Splitting the Hannon Duo

After a busy week, today's action appears rather limited excepting the Group 1 Lockinge Stakes at Newbury. This definitely looks to be between Richard Hannon's star milers Canford Cliffs and Dick Turpin. The latter has the benefit of a run but it is very hard to oppose Canford following his spectacular trio of successes last season and one looks forward to seeing him up against Frankel later in the summer. Elsewhere on the card Dominant should go well, while in the sprint handicap, Novellen Lad is worth a look on good to firm with Kieron Fallon on board. Across the shires at Newmarket, it's worth noting that Johnny Murtagh travels over for one ride, Regal Park in the Eddie Stobart Stakes (2.50).

The Classic circus moves to Longchamp on Sunday. One personal golden rule (often broken alas) is to avoid having a bet here as the draw and track conformation regularly lead to hard luck stories. However, I will be rooting for Wootton Bassett in the 2,000 to give Richard Fahey a well earned win at this level and give Maqaasid a sporting chance in the fillies version.

good luck...

Frankel; Freak of Nature

Racing scribes were in diffculty articulating Frankel's spellbinding victory. I have never seen anything like it in watching over 30 years of Newmarket's Classic mile and one wonders what's next!!. Will he stay at Epsom? Time will tell, but seeing as he broke all the rules yesterday, it must be worth pursuing!

Today 1000 Guineas, however looks a much more open affair. The varying strands of form are difficult to assess but going to plump for Ballydoyle's, Misty for Me. Twice a Group One winner last term she looks as she if will be better over further, but her form is as good as any on offer in a tight race.If not successful this afternoon, she ought to be worth following through the season.

Another filly, worth watching is Roger Charlton's, Primevere in the Pretty Polly. Nicely bred and showed ability on her only outing winning in a fast time.

good luck...

Frankel; Fast or Furious?

Today's 2,000 Guineas at Newmarket sees another in a long line of hotpots putting their reputation on the line. There can be no doubting Frankel's credentials but following an interesting article in the Guardian this week, one might be tempted to question his temperament. Gallop watchers described him as a ball of fire and there must be a possibility of him boiling over and not performing.

The market however, appears to suffer no doubts about his chance, but many similar types have previously succumbed to the pressure. Under the care of the legendary and masterful Henry Cecil, I think he will prevail but not without a struggle. He is up against three Group 1 winners of which, Pathfork looks best suited to the conditions and it is Mrs Harrington's charge who may provide him with the sternest test. From a betting perspective, I have already backed Pathfork, but at this stage, Saamid (if forgiving him his Dewhurst flop) looks the best value.

Otherwise on a good card, one of last season's friends, Astrophysical Jet returns and looking forward to following her throughout the season. Finally, perhaps the most informative race of the day will be the Ganay at Longchamp where Cape Blanco, Sarafina and Planteur do battle.

enjoy....

Racing Post Trophy 2010

Despite receiving  less attention than last week's Dewhurst, today's Racing Post Trophy at Doncaster is no less intriguing and should put further perspective on this season's excellent crop of 2 year old colts.

Casamento is a worthy favourite but two hard races close together may have taken the edge of him. Dunboyne Express, who runs for his very astute trainer (particularly with 2yos) has to have a chance but offers little value. The Irish challenge is augmented by the Ballydoyle pair but neither stand out and the stable does not appear to have a star in this sphere (yet!!).

The home team is headed by the promising Native Khan who swerved Newmarket but may find the going against him today. Titus Mills, carrying the famous Sangster colours showed plenty of tenacity and race winning ability last time. He perhaps is more forward than the remainder and offers best value at the prices.  There are a few likely outsiders also, but expect one of the market leaders to prevail in an open contest.

good luck...

Dewhurst Decider

The Dewhurst Stakes at Newmarket today looks likely to be the best race of the flat season with 3 potential superstars taking each other on. Frankel so far has looked outstanding but has yet to meet a horse of any calibre. Nevertheless, he looked frighteningly good when coming round the bend at Ascot to bolt clear in the Royal Lodge. The manner of Dream Ahead's victory in the Middle Park was almost freakish but the conditions may have accentuated the winning distance. Despite already winning two group 1s, he will go off second favourite with doubts about ground and distance bringing out the best in him. The third protagonist, Saamid is coming into the race slightly under the radar, due to the hype over Frankel. Godolphin obviously rate him highly following a promising performance at Doncaster and he is the one who may be most comfortable over 7 furlongs. Hopefully, we will have a cracking contest and the beginning of stellar careers. While a bet is not really necessary, it will be difficult to desist if Saamid drifts to 7s or bigger.

The remainder of Champions Day is equally intriguing with a high class and competitive card. However, with winners looking hard to find, particularly at this stage of the season, I am opting for a relaxing afternoon with a sporting yankee and a speculative wager on Alwaary in the Champion Stakes

Yankee: Saamid, Vision D'Etat, Deauville Flyer + Rumoush.

good luck and enjoy....

Cambridgeshire Puzzle

I had planned to devote my punting energies to Longchamp on Sunday this weekend, but despite my best intentions, finding it difficult to resist a  look at one of flat racing's most competitive handicaps, the Cambridgeshire at Newmarket today. One could give the majority of runners a chance but going to put my faith in a shortlist of three; Taqleed, Proponent and Speed Dating. All three should handle the conditions and give us a run for our money. The 2 year old sales races should be informative and will be interested to see how Seta fares on on the soft going in the Sun Chariot.

good luck and Arc thoughts to follow.....

All eyes on Ascot

All eyes on Ascot today for two Group Ones and a major straight course handicap. Canford Cliffs' absence is very disappointing however and definitely weakens the feature race (Queen Elizabeth 11 Mile) . We are left with two main protagonists, Mafki, who seemingly will benefit from the easier conditions, albeit his previous track outing was poor and Rip van Winkle (last year's winner) who was apparently inconvenienced by similar going last time. Neither inspire and  with this race having a history of producing surprise results, I am going to opt for Beethoven who with Ryan Moore back on board, may offer better value than the market leaders (last season's Dewhurst still resonates!!).

Perhaps of greater interest are the two year old contests. Frankel looks very promising and should further enhance his credentials in the Royal Lodge. White Moonstone has impressed greatly so far at both Newmarket and Doncaster and looks hard to oppose but should get a good race from Theysken's Theory and Together (who will put the form in context) in the Fillies Mile.

The Totesport Challenge 7f furlong handicap is the main punting event. As usual, it is extremely competitive and going to look for value from the shortlist; Imperial Guest, Kyllachy Star and Mia's Boy.

good luck...