Bullet Sprint Stakes 2012

Beverley is not normally at the centre of Saturday racing's attention but on quiet day, the Yorkshire track's highlight, the Bullet Sprint is perhaps the most interesting race of the afternoon. In an open contest, like the chances of Brian Smart's 3 year old, Free Zone who caught the eye on two occasions in hot sprints at Sandown. Already a course and distance winner, he should be well prepared by his shrewd trainer and despite an unfavourable draw, could be thereabouts.

Good luck.... 

Coral Eclipse 2012

Following So You Think's injury, today's Coral Eclipse at Sandown looks quite open. Nathaniel is the best horse, but this appears to be a pipe opener for targets over further later in the season. Thirsk Hunt Cup winner Farhh, subsequently a tad unlucky at Ascot, is likely to go off favourite but needs to improve. Others worth considering are veteran Twice Over and Italian multiple winner, Crackerjack King (beat track/meeting winner Afsare last time). However, with an eye to the future an each way bet on lightly raced, Cogito (course winner and hampered last time in hot race) might be at least, informative!

good luck...

Mud larking

The seemingly incessant rain leads to rather dull fare this afternoon. Interested to see how progressive sprinter Pearl Secret goes on the reported soft going in the usually informative Scurry Stakes at Sandown. His class should tell but not a betting proposition on the prevailing conditions. Plenty of his fellow three year old speedsters line up in a six furlong handicap at York. Quite a few notebook entrants here, but on the going, Kevin Ryan's Dam Beautiful may be worth an each way wager.

good luck..

Punchestown Gold Cup 2012

The National Hunt season culminates this afternoon on both sides of the Irish Sea. A disappointing punting experience for this corner, hopefully today will bring a bit of luck. Punchestown has been discommoded by the unseasonable weather but it does bring the main event, the Punchestown Gold cup, to our screens on a Saturday afternoon. Quel Esprit is entitled to go off favourite and expect him to maintain his stable's predominance. However, it is interesting to note that Magnaminity, is the sole representative from Gigginstown's batallion of staying chasers and at the prices he might be worth a small wager.

Over at Sandown the main feature is the Bet 365 Gold Cup. Always like to have a bet in this race but struggling to find one in this year's uninspiring field. Le Beau Bai , if the ground does dry out too much, looks the safest option.


enjoy...

Scottish Grand National 2012

Typical open and competitive Scottish Grand National this year at Ayr. Cases can be made for those at the head of the market including distance specialist, Portrait King. However going to go with notebook horse, Any Currency. A decent level form over extreme trips at Sandown and Cheltenahm (2011), fairly treated at the weights, expect his stamina to give him a sporting chance this afternoon and he is worth an each way wager at value odds (25s or bigger).

good luck...

Frosted Off

Little racing this weekend due to the late arrival of winter weather. However with Cheltenham in mind, it is  perhaps better to lose this Saturday, rather than next weekend's important events at Newbury and Leopardstown (sure Sandown will understand). Nevertheless, it's doubtful that we would have seen anything as thrilling as the Hurricane's return on Sunday last. A sublime and uplifting run which cements his place in the Hall of Fame. Hopefully he will get to the Cotswolds in one piece and treat us to an encore!

Temperatures are due to rise on this side of the Irish Sea and expect Punchestown to go ahead on Sunday. Highlight is the match up between Big Zeb and Sizing Europe. Both were beaten by Golden Silver in this last season, but they should get another good prep for the Queen Mother. Otherwise, Caolaneoin may be worth keeping an eye on in the novice hurdle.

good luck..

Europe's Creek

but doubt if Sizing will need a paddle!! Always spectacular, the Tingle Creek chase over 2 miles at Sandown today sees Champion Chaser, Sizing Europe attempting to add this prestigious prize to his collection. He should be in good nick and very much looking forward to a particular favourite of this corner, tackling the railway fences. The opposition appears moderate enough and while rookie Kauto Stone should attract interest, it is difficult to see him beating Henry de Bromhead's star at level weights.

On a watching rather than punting day, it may be worthwhile keeping an eye on Tetlami, Al Ferof, Keys, Cinders and Ashes, Star Neuville, Simenon, and most definitely Sir Des Champs at Fairyhouse.

A keener eye will be focused on Fairyhouse on Sunday where three customarily informative Grade 1s will be run. The Drinmore sees a squad of Michael O'Leary's fleet of novice chasers take their chance. Bog Warrior impressed greatly last time but expect another one of our favourites, First Lieutenant to continue his path to the RSA Chase. The Ryanair chief has another decent recruit (Il Fenemeno) in the Royal Bond but he may have to give way to the exciting Sous les Cieux. It's unlikely that the Hattons Grace will see a potential Champion Hurdler, but Voler la Vedette may finally pick up a Grade One title.

enjoy....

New Departure?

The more things change, the more they stay the same!! Good card, decent prize, one true equine star, top track! Today's much vaunted new meeting at Ascot should herald an upsurge in Flat racing's fortunes and profile. But unsurprisingly the ill timed and cack-handed introduction of the new whip regulations with it's ensuing media coverage has undone all the good work. Cock-up or conspiracy?

Nevertheless we have an interesting card and the return of Frankel to ponder. Henry Cecil's superstar on all known evidence should prevail, but at 3s on looks too short against a decent field, including 3 Group 1 winners.

Ballydoyle's Australian import So You Think has not really lived up to the hype. Have seen him up close in the paddock and he looks a magnificent specimen. However I am not sure his powerful physique is suited to European racing where a ready turn of foot is vital at the top level. He battled in great style at Sandown, ran on well at Longchamp, but failed to find an extra here at the Royal Meeting. Expect him to run well again this afternoon in the relocated Champion Stakes, but reckon he is vulnerable to a late finisher. Obvious candidates include Cirrus Des Aigles and Dubai Prince but reckon the latter's stablemate Casamento (Group 1 winner) under the boy wonder (Mikael Barzalona) has a chance and looks under priced at 33/1.

The card also sees a cracking sprint. The quickish ground looks as if it will undermine the leading contenders and along with Ascot's penchant for sprint surprises, it might well pay to look for an outsider. Both Dafeef and Night Carnation have nice bits of form, are relatively unexposed and at current odds fit the bill.

enjoy

Saturday Ebor

Strange look to the racing calendar this season with the Ebor at York taking place on a Saturday. Possibly it may turn out to be a good idea but feel the race loses some of it's lustre as it had an unique aura when run midweek. However it's still as difficult to call and it is one race that has eluded this corner so far. This year's stab will come from a shortlist comprising Mount Athos (if not too soft), Harlestone Times (improving) and capable mare Cill Rialaig (should stay). Hard to be confident but hopefully we will get a run for our money.

On a day of trappy races, the remainder of our attention will be focused on three 2 year old group races; Solario at Sandown, Futurity at the Curragh and on Sunday, the Prix Morny at Deauville. Always informative, a cross country treble (Talwar, Parish Hall and Sofast) will sharpen the eye.

enjoy....

Showdown @ Sandown

A select field for the Coral Eclipse at Sandown today with two middle distance titans, So You Think and Workforce facing off for the first time this season. It is reasonable to assume that Aidan O'Brien will have the former Aussie superstar in peak condition in a bid to recoup his reputation and losses suffered at Royal Ascot. The trip should suit, but one wonders how he will handle the track's undulations and the stiff uphill finish. Workforce made a winning seasonal return here in fine style, but may not be at his best over ten furlongs. An intriguing match up and very difficult to call, but top jockey, Ryan Moore, could be difference and at the prices, last year's Derby and Arc victor gets a tentative vote. The excellent filly, Snow Fairy adds to the race, but her long absence suggests she will be better next time.

Whilst the Eclipse dominates the day, there are a number of other interesting and competitive contests on the supporting card and at Haydock. Nothing in particular jumps out, but a close eye will be kept on Astrophysical Jet (old friend), Soorah (twice an eyecatcher), Seelo (unexposed?), Sirvino (back to form?) and Secret Witness (value?)

good luck and enjoy....

Aspiring Sprinters

Majestic Myles obliged for us two weeks ago and attempts to back up the victory today in a very competitive 3 year old sprint at York. He has every chance again, but I suspect he may find one better handicapped. Swiss Dream fits that bill and may be the one who will come out on top this afternoon. Another Fahey inmate, Jamesway (unlucky in running at Epsom last week), is also worth considering off a low weight and at longer odds.

Night Carnation (impressive so far) is likely to go off favourite in the Scurry Stakes at Sandown but Henry Candy's, Dinkum Diamond, looks over priced and should give her plenty to think about.

On a rather quietish weekend (Royal Ascot looming), the main Group One action takes place across the pond in New York. Despite his poor draw, Aidan O'Brien's Masterofthehounds must have a squeak in an open looking Belmont Stakes.

enjoy and roll on Tuesday....

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.....

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...

Imperial Warm Up

Only a few days to go and today's Paddy Power Imperial Gold Cup at Sandown (3.00) offers the opportunity to exercise the brain's racing cortex before the impending Festival at Cheltenham. Always a competitive race with the primary focus on those runners eyeing the remunerative double win bonus. The Pipe contingent traditionally command respect but find it difficult to fancy either Ronaldo des Mottes (too much weight) and Arrayan (despite jockey booking). Strong handicappers, Eradicate and Via Gallilei have solid chances but at the prices will plump for Cheshire Prince (fifth last term and course winner on recent run).

good luck and roll on Tuesday....

Man in Form!!!

The season's top trainer, Nicky Henderson sends out a flotilla of horses this afternoon at Sandown and Ffos Las. Included are Champion Hurdler, Binocular and the aspirant, Oscar Whisky (very impressive on New Years Day) who both look to have straightforward tasks. While Barry Geraghty heads to Wales, the stable has two noteworthy runners in the best race of the day (Scilly Isles). The lightly raced Mr Gardner looks very interesting in a hot contest while the mare, Nadiya de la Vega cannot be dismissed either.

For a wager, I am going to go with Philip Hobbs runner, Leading Contender in the handicap chase (Sand. 3.35). Third over similar conditions last time, he got a rather tender ride and he should improve off a low weight and on better ground.

Although there is plenty of decent action today, tomorrow's excellent card at Leopardstown is the undoubted highlight of the racing weekend (further thoughts anon) and this corner is looking forward to it immensely.

good luck...

Tolworth Trial

As a former denizen of Tolworth (not far from Sandown for the curious!), I always take a keener than usual interest in a race that often proves to be informative. Indeed it's hard to believe that over 10 years have passed since Monsignor beat Best Mate and Snowdrop. The last three renewals have gone to a Paul Nicholls's runner and this year he saddles favourite Toubab. Seriously impressive last time, he looks to have solid claims but the form book suggests he may be vulnerable on the testing conditions. With that in mind, Minella Class must come into the reckoning after a comfortable win at Newbury. However, he looks more of a chasing type and if handling the ground the speedier Megastar could be the one. Difficult to assess his run last time due to the fog, but he looked a prospect previously at Ascot. (By the way, why were RUK showing reruns of the fog last week?). The other two runners, Red Merlin and Act of Kalinisi, also merit monitoring as they look like decent handicappers in the making.

There is plenty of action lined up for the weekend, including two of the season's more difficult handicaps. The Welsh Grand National always confounds me and it is no different this time. Synchronised looks an opposable favourite in a moderate field and Alan King's (back in form) Old Benny, off bottom weight is a sporting bet at 25s or bigger. A good winner at Cheltenham a few seasons back, lightly raced since and showed signs of revival last time.

Normally the MCR Hurdle (current moniker) at Leopardstown on Sunday, is equally perplexing but this year's race sees a horse of high potential in Prima Vista. I had the pleasure of seeing him in the flesh last time where he won with loads in hand. On that basis, he is bound to go off at skinny odds in a competitive race. As a rule, I am not one for backing short price favourites in 24 runner Handicap Hurdles (particularly at Leopardstown) but this one demands close attention!

good luck...

Whither Pathfork for the Futurity?

The racing brain is rather weary after an excellent and engrossing week's racing on the Knavesmire and finding it difficult to spot a bet for today. Therefore one is focusing on the 2 year old contests at the Curragh and Sandown with a view to the autumn. Firstly, Meow (regally bred) should enhance her reputation at the Curragh over 5f. She ran well at Royal Ascot and meets a lesser grade today. Her dam Airwave was a particular favourite of this corner and indeed she may go on to emulate her win in the Cheveley Park. The Futurity Stakes for colts has been won in the recent past by two of Jim Bolger's stars, Teofilio and New Approach. The highly regarded Glor na Mara represents the stable this afternoon but so far has not looked as good as that pair. His last run entitles him to go off favourite but like many, I was impressed with Pathfork and favour him to progress further.

Over at Sandown, the always informative Solario Stakes has an interesting hue. Native Khan leads the market, but Titus Mills battled well last day and might be the sort to enjoy the climb to the winning post. Stentorian (beaten by Zoffany and King Torus on last two runs) can give us a decent yardstick.

A watching multiple will whet the punting thirst; Meow, Pathfork, Titus Mills..

good luck....

Eclipse 2010

The Eclipse Stakes, one of summer racing's traditional highlights, takes place at Sandown today. Despite the small field this year's race looks intriguing and in time hopefully will be informative.

All six protagonists have a chance which makes it difficult to call. Twice Over is entitled to be favourite but is well exposed at this stage and ran poorly on track last year. Dar Re Mi is an excellent filly and returns after her win at Meydan but her best form is over 1m4f and would probably prefer softer going. Zacinto has disappointed us in the past but could prosper stepping up in trip (also acts on track). Mawatheeq was unlucky in the Champion Stakes but since then has suffered an injury. His return at Ascot showed little and perhaps he will improve for the race. The only 3yo is Aidan O'Brien's Viscount Nelson who has already run in 3 classics. His form looks a bit below what's required but notable that he is Ballydoyle's only representative. Sri Pukan is a decent horse with track form, from a good stable but hard to see him winning. In summary not a race for high stakes, but will go for Zacinto at the prices (5/1 currently).

There is a solid supporting card at Sandown with Dunno interesting in the mile handicap and Triple Aspect returning to 5f. Good racing also at Haydock where the absence of rain makes the Lancashire Oaks unfathomable but definitely gives Dangerous Midge a chance in the Old Newton Cup.

good luck....

Lockinge '10

Today's feature is the Group 1 Lockinge Stakes at Newbury. Paco Boy, based on his Sandown run, looks hard to oppose, but recalling his flop in this last season, he looks poor value at 10/11. Zacinto certainly has the potential to win (second to Rip Van Winkle in the QE11) but at the prices would like to suggest Lord Shanakill as a value bet (14/1). A group 1 winner last season, he is now with a top trainer (Henry Cecil), whose horses are currently running very well. It is also worthwhile keeping an eye on the 3yo handicap (London Cup) as this is usually very informative. The top three in the market all look to have considerable potential with Right Step, possibly a better price on the day.

The quick ground during the week at York resulted in lots of exciting racing with Rainbow Peak and Showcasing entering the notebook. I am not sure if the Dante brought any clarity into the Derby picture. The winner looks capable but definitely the stable's second string if Murtagh and O'Brien's comments are to be taken at face value, while Workforce looks as he if will come on a lot, but maybe not in time.

cheers......

Season's End

The NH season culminates today with the Bet 365 Gold Cup at Sandown. It is certainly not the race it was, but nevertheless highly competitive. It is perhaps prudent to avoid the top of the market and seek some value among the veteran campaigners. Tamarinbleu, Alderburn and Lacdoudal all look interesting but going to stick with another, Lothian Falcon, who did not get far at Ayr last week while appearing to travel well. A point of note, is that he has headed the Racing Post's Marketwatch most bets struck list all week without contracting significantly in the market. I had a good day here last season and will be curious to see if Alsadaa and Twist Magic repeat their wins on similar going.

Punchestown has hogged the headlines all week, with high quality and competitive fields. As per last year, star of the show was the Willie Mullins' yard. Hurricane Fly (under a very cool Paul Townend) was the highlight and hopefully he will stay sound and we get to see more of him. It's seems a pity that such good fields compete for excellent prize money at this stage of the season!

The meeting ends today with rather lesser fare, although noteworthy to see that Choc Thornton has remained for one ride, Gilded Age in the 4yo Hurdle while eschewing the fancied Oh Crick at Sandown.

While the curtain draws on one sphere, things are beginning to heat up in another. I am very interested to see how Border Patrol runs in the Sandown Mile, with a view to his tilt at the Lockinge. On this going, he should not be good enough to beat Paco Boy but worth keeping a close eye on.

good luck....