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...

Sweet Solera 2010

The rain has changed the prevailing going and directed one's thoughts towards the Autumn 2 year old contests. The Sweet Solera at Newmarket usually provides an early indicator to the juvenile filly standings and today's renewal looks as if it will be quite informative. Khor Sheed was impressive last time but Clinical (from the always worth watching Sir Mark Prescott yard) and Musharakaat shaped as if they could be improve considerably. The Godolphin filly caught the eye at Ascot but perhaps was flattered by her rail passage. A race for study rather than betting however!!!

The weather has certainly changed in the north of England and it is strange to see it being declared soft at Haydock. It is here where today's fancy runs, namely Magaling (3.25). Running on well to a solid horse (Cappioni) at York recently, after there was decent money looking for value before the off on Betfair, he looks the sort who could do well in this type of contest. From a canny stable, unexposed at trip and with a win on soft, he could be worth a wager.

Today's other racing attraction is the Shergar Cup, which I suppose will be diverting, but in an age of limited resources, one wonders why go to the bother, particularly with punter's attention focussed on the bulging Scoop 6 pot!

best of luck...

Sweet Solera

The Sweet Solera stakes invariably is won by a decent 2yo filly with recent winners including Soviet Song, Maid's Causeway and Rainbow View who all went on to greater glory. At this stage the form book is of little help but Barry Hills has won it 4 times in the past 10 years and on this occasion runs a nice type in Sent From Heaven. She showed a lot of promise on her debut and is worth a look tomorrow with an eye to the future. Allied Powers has progressed nicely all season, running on well last time to Kirklees. He should go close and would benefit greatly from a drop of rain.

Two handicappers who have been supported in this quarter take their chances in lesser races. Sweet Lightning was unlucky at Goodwood and his running style may be suited by Haydock's long run in. Signor Peltro has competed well in the two big 7f handicaps of the summer and if holding his form has a decent chance at Newmarket.

The Shergar Cup offers little from a punting standpoint but should make interesting viewing. These events always seem a little contrived and not sure what purpose they serve.

best of luck...