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...

Super Sprint Shortlist

The uneven nature of the flat racing programme is very much in evidence today with little to entice, particularly when compared to last Saturday's abundant menu. However the Weatherby Super Sprint at Newbury is always interesting and this is where today's attention is focused. 25 Two year olds handicapped to the their sales price over a straight five certainly makes a puzzle, but it's worth noting that this race throws up many a decent horse and long priced winners. Best to start with the Hannon stable who generally feature. Eureka and Redact with Hughes and Moore in the saddle have to be respected but appear to be priced accordingly. Kevin Ryan's juveniles have shown good form so far this season, but none of his four entrants attract. Richard Fahey's contingent look somewhat exposed so going to look elsewhere for inspiration.

The Brian Meehan/July factor leads us to Mention (nice profile being a winner already and notable jockey booking) while off bottom weight, Sweet Chilli (capable trainer) should also be thereabouts. Orders From Rome (unexposed) from the other side of the draw completes the shortlist.

While Saturday disappoints, heading to the Curragh on Sunday for the Irish Oaks, where the main protagonists from Epsom re oppose. Further thoughts on what should be a strong contest anon.

good luck....

Super Milers

Royal Ascot starts powerfully today with the clash in the Queen Anne Stakes (Gr.1) of the super milers, Goldikova and Canford Cliffs. While one ought to be mindful of the conditions due to the recent rain, Ascot generally handles precipitation well and an exciting clash is expected. Goldikova has a superb record but the vote goes to Canford on the basis of his younger legs.

Day One's undoubted attraction is 2,000 Guineas winner, Frankel, in the St James Palace Stakes (Gr.1). Can he improve on that mind blowing run? One expects so, as he handled the track well when winning the Royal Lodge last season. There a few interesting other runners, but he can't be seriously opposed.

The third Group 1 of the afternoon is the Kings Stand over 5f. The international dimension makes it very difficult to assess but one of this corner's favourites, Astrophysical Jet, should have a squeak and if there is further rainfall, long shot Arctic might be worth a small interest.

The day rounds off with a pair of very competitive 2 year old contests. The Hannon and O'Brien yards are usually to the fore in this sphere, but Jeremy Noseda has a nice sort in Roman Soldier (Coventry). The Windsor Castle is best watched.

enjoy and good 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...

Easter Crossover

Turf disciplines match up today at Sandown with the now traditional mixed meeting. The UK National Hunt season concludes with the warm weather ensuring quick going and consequently rather weakish fields. The feature, the Bet 365 Gold Cup, looks wide open and I am happy to stick with Poker de Sivola (unlucky last week) who may benefit from the almost certain fast pace (plethora of front runners). Of the remainder, Aimigayle looks favoured by the going. The other jump contests do not overly appeal but keen to see Tatatiano (surprisingly odd against) on his return from injury.

The summer ground ought to be welcomed by the flat fraternity but the fields also appear quite limited, albeit hopefully informative. Nevertheless, I am looking forward to the reappearance of Dick Turpin, one of Richard Hannon's star milers from last season, particularly with the progressive Cityscape providing a stern test. Afsare entered many notebooks last term and he returns in an interesting contest, taking on a Ballydoyle inmate Viscount Nelson (Eclipse sighter??). The draw is always crucial in handicaps at Sandown and track specialist Dunno (drawn low) is worth a small bet in a tight race.

On this side of the Irish Sea, Inxile continues his tour at Cork and tomorrow sees the start of the Easter Festival at Fairyhouse including the Irish Grand National (further thoughts on Mon) and a cracking renewal of the Power's Gold Cup. However, the ground in my front garden is rock hard (20 mins from track) and it might pay to tread cautiously.

good luck...

Totesport Mile (Goodwood)

Despite intense scrutiny, I am at loss with today's Totesport mile at Goowood. The customary starting point is with the draw where a high one is mandatory (except last year) and this is where the market leaders stand. Both Sea Lord (won good race last time) and Oasis Dream have strong credentials but offer little value in such a competitive race. Invisible Man and Marajaa have also claims but none of them convince. I always to like  to have a punt in this, so despite draw bias, going to have a sentimental bet on Vitznau (Hannon and Hughes) at long odds. He has a good rating, finished 6th in 08 and plenty of experience and hopefully will give us a run for our money.

good luck..enjoy

Super Sprint

Despite the obvious difficulties picking the winner, 25 precocious 2 year olds flying down the Newbury straight always makes the Super Sprint a thrilling and exciting race. The season's leading trainer and traditionally the master of 2yo sales races, Richard Hannon runs six in attempt to land this for the eight time in 17 runnings. He is joined in the mob handed department by two hot trainers in Ricahrd Fahey and Kevin Ryan, making matters harder to assess than normal. The stats direct one to a filly off a low weight with a draw on the flank - Dress Up fits that bill and I will include her in shortlist of 3 with Ballista (impressive first time out) and Jaahiz who I was impressed with last Saturday (Kieron Fallon on board at his minimum weight and off course comes from the Hannon yard).

The Irish Oaks at the Curragh on Sunday looks equally competitive with the leading protagonists from Epsom re opposing. It is notable that Rosanara is making the trip from France. Her level of form appears markedly superior to the others and she could be value on the day, particularly with any further rain.

good luck..and enjoy...

Super Sprint

The Weatherbys Super Sprint usually signals the beginning in earnest of the 2yo season. Today's running is as usual highly competitive with Richard Hannon mob handed. The rain makes it even harder to predict but going to have faith in up and coming trainer Tom Dascombe's Above Limits. This yard concentrates successfully on 2 year olds, Above Limits has nice a profile and should run well albeit from a poor draw.

The rain has scuppered rest of card from a punting perspective but it might be worthwhile to keep an eye on Prince Siegfried who if he has not been "godolphined" might benefit from the conditions.

good luck....