A Tale of Two Derbies

The rain put an end to the Queen's quest for two Derbies this weekend after the well drawn Tactician was taken out yesterday. The Northumberland Plate (aka Pitman's Derby) at Newcastle has improved greatly over the years, providing interesting if not compelling contests. It pays generally to go with a low drawn runner. Overturn who won from an outside berth last year, looks to be well positioned this time but preference is a for a value bet, and going to with stalwart, La Vecchia Scoula.

The Irish Derby on Sunday is at the opposite end of the scale with paddock status of most importance. Carlton House goes for Sir Michael and the Queen, but there must be doubts about his stamina and it should pay to stick with Ballydoyle (Seville probably best of them).

Perhaps the best race at the Curragh is the Pretty Polly Stakes on Saturday, where Midday, Snow Fairy and the younger Misty For Me clash. The O'Brien filly did not get home at Epsom but 10 furlongs here should be ideal.

enjoy....

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...