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....

In anticipation

On a busy day, attention is focussed solely on one runner in the Betfred Sprint Cup at Haydock. Namely, Bated Breath, whose progress this season, we have been monitoring closely. Earmarked for this race since an impressive win as a three year old at this course last season, we have been waiting patiently for him to reach his ultimate target. Today should see him getting his ideal conditions; track, trip and going. Whilst under the tutelage of very capable trainer Roger Charlton, he has steadily developed into a top class sprinter (notably, fine efforts in the Golden Jubilee and the July Cup). His experience of early pace in the Nunthopre should have him finely tuned and I expect him to prevail this afternoon, unless the forecasted heavy rain arrives sooner than predicted.

good luck...

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....

Will the Rose Blossom for Yorkshire?

A cracking renewal of the Coolmore Nunthorpe over the minimum trip today at York. Two former winners (Borderlescott + Kingsgate Native), this season's top two (Starbangledbanner + Equiano) and last season's  leading light, Fleeting Spirit represent the top echelon of sprinters. Add wildcard two year old, Stone of Folca into the mix and we have an extremely hot race. The draw appears to favour the Ballydoyle contender Starbangledabanner who excelled at Ascot and Newmarket. Coolmore have delayed his stallion posting down under to go for this and on form, he will take all the beating. Equiano is best over five furlongs but the same logic can be applied to Fleeting Spirit, who allowing for her previous poor draws, looks the value bet (currently trading at 8s).

However, eschewing logic and  racing cliches, I am going to go with outsider Rose Blossom, a filly who has shown plenty of ability, particularly on this track, and may get an easy lead while the main protagonists cover each other's moves. A small each wager is recommended on this likable, if inconsistent filly, who might give her local trainer (Richard Fahey) a long overdue Group 1.

enjoy...

Nunthorpe

Amour Propre has long been in my notebook for the Nunthorpe at York and see no reason to desert him now despite skinny price. He showed great speed as a 2yo in the Cornwallis at Ascot and confirmed potential when an impressive winner of the Palace House in May. Never got going in the Kings Stand and it is fairly apparent that Henry Candy has kept his powder dry for this. Aside from Radiohead, he is probably the least exposed and should have more to come with heavy rain the only caveat. Also like Tax Free who under the tutelage of the sprintmeister has to have a chance but may be just short of Group 1 class.

good luck....