Ebor 2012

After the excellent fare this week, today's card at York looks somewhat lob sided with 3 long distance races featuring. The highlight is the Tote Ebor over 1m 6f. This year's renewal looks even more competitive than usual, with the large purse on offer attracting plenty of interest. Changeable weather and the unpredictability of the draw, add to the confusion and will be looking to a shortlist of Icon Dream, Hurricane Higgins and Sense of Purpose (Mr Weld plying his Galway magic touch at York?) for a run and bit of luck.

Racing headlines however have been dominated by Frankel (not for the first time) following his saunter in the Juddmonte International. Not wishing to carp, but there are better horses on the circuit than those vanquished on the Knavesmire. Nevertheless, freakishly brilliant, what's next for Sir Henry's machine? The Arc? a showdown with Danedream, Nathaniel and Camelot and the opportunity to cement his place on the Pantheon?

Doubtful that he will make it to Paris, but here's hoping...

good luck..

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...

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..

Lockinge Stakes 2012

Looking forward to seeing Frankel return to the track today in the Lockinge at Newbury. Racing's superstar had a satisfactory racetrack gallop on Guineas Day and is fully expected to maintain his unbeaten record. However a few shrewd observers are questioning his chance. Perhaps taking into consideration his recent injury scare or the fact that his seasonal bow on this track last season was less than inspirational. However I doubt his formidable connections would be taking any risks and expect him to overcome his old rival, Excelebration now domiciled at Ballydoyle. Of more interest is what route he will take throughout the summer?

Got to see plenty of York this week and two worthy Epsom candidates emerged. The Fugue impressive in the Muisidora now heads the Oaks market but she will have her work cut out to beat whoever represents Aidan O'Brien. Bonfire did enough to justify his place in the Derby but can't see him thwarting Camelot at this stage.

Nothing stands out for a bet this afternoon so watching brief will continue ....

good luck..

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....

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....

Awaiting the Dawn

York's eagerly anticipated Ebor meeting starts today on the Knavesmire with an oddly shaped Juddmonte International. It looks more like Team Cecil versus Team Ballydoyle but Aidan O'Brien's highly progressive Await the Dawn is of great interest. On an upward career path, he tackles his first Group One this afternoon. Although tackling two doughty campaigners (Midday + Twice Over), his performances to date suggest he is top class and should win this en route to Kentucky.

The Voltigeur also sees an unexposed sort in Sir Michael Stoute's Sea Moon. This late developer needed Ryan Moore's expertise last time but should have improved enough to land the spoils.

enjoy....

Makarma

The Great St. Wilfrid at Ripon today is a race that has been good to us in recent seasons. The key factor is the draw and sitting in a prime berth is Colonel Mak. Supported here last time in the Stewards Cup, his owner subsequently reported to the RUK team that he banged his head in the stalls and lost a few teeth prior to turning in a somewhat understandable mediocre performance. Conesquently, he is still on a winning mark and is definitely worth another go this afternoon.

good luck and looking forward to York.......

Boom or Bust

Today's card looks the best of a week dominated by difficult handicaps (Frankel aside). A few runners worth keeping an eye on, include Harbour Watch, who hopefully can improve further from his eyecatching run at the July meeting and the lightly raced Western Aristocrat, who showed well at Ascot but is up against it on this occasion in a competitve field.

The drop back to 7 furlongs should be very much in Maqaasid's favour and hopefully the ground will dry out a bit by 4.50pm. Have been waiting for her to reappear under favourable conditions and this just might suit.

Green Destiny was the apple of this corner's eye at York. He is attempting to add another marquee handicap to his CV today in the Totesport Mile. Not unduly penalised and with a plum draw, he looks to have every chance. However, he is likely to be very short in the betting and going to go for a bit of value (Betfair 25s) with the possibly unexposed Marcus Tregonning runner, Boom and Bust.

good luck...

Cups Overflowing!!

On a hectic day going to focus on three of summer racing's traditional highlights. First up is the July Cup, feature of the now rescheduled July Meeting at Newmarket. This year's running looks slightly below par, but interested to see Dream Ahead (impressive Middle Park winner) revert back to a shorter trip. He ran well enough at Ascot and the speed he showed at Deauville and on the Rowley Mile suggests he could take all the beating if the going retains some cut. Also will be monitoring Bated Breadth and expect another solid performance on his way to Group 1 glory later in the season. He should thereabouts this afternoon but track and going not in his favour.

Supporting the big sprint is the long established Bunbury Cup over 7 furlongs. It's a rather tight handicap this year with 12 pounds separating the twenty runners. As usual, it's possible to give every one a chance but Nasri looks each way value assuming stable is in better form. Course winner Fireback (curious jockey booking) is also worth a look after his stable's prosperous afternoon last Saturday.

Up the A1 at York is the John Smith's Cup (aka Magnet Cup) which is equally competitive. A couple of  relatively unexposed and progressive four year olds head the market and of these, like Green Destiny best. He did not seem to enjoy Ascot (not the first horse), but his Newmarket handicap win early in the season suggested he would have every chance on the Knavesmire. It's worth bearing in mind that, trainer William Haggas was quoted on RUK saying this was his main target before Royal Ascot.


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....

Sprint Saturday

A veritable feast of racing today with the action coming thick and fast at four grade 1 tracks, Goodwood, Haydock, York and the Curragh. Sprinting is definitely the order of the day and while it should be exciting viewing, it also makes for perilous punting. Thus going to sit back and relax with a cross track sporting yankee; Parisian Pyramid (Goodwood 2.15), Sole Power (Haydock 3.00), Arctic (Curragh 3.10) and Waffle (York 3.40).

The Guineas series moves to Ireland with the 2,000 at the Curragh. A rather modest field but still difficult to call. Dubawi Gold is entitled to be favourite but could find one too good in Dunboyne Express. Planning to attend the 1,000 on Sunday, but this stage, reckon Chrysanthemum is good value. She appears a very likely Pricewise candidate, so therefore it may be worthwhile placing a bet today, rather than waiting for reduced odds tomorrow, particularly with the rain on it's way.

Enjoy.....

Trials Time

As it is unlikely, that Frankel will be heading to Epsom, this year's trials take on added significance. It is doubtful that we saw a contender at Chester this week and today's Derby trial at Lingfield looks undistinguished, although interested to see how Marahaba Mayloon runs. We should learn more tomorrow from the Derrinstown at Leopardstown, if Recital settles better, but perhaps the most informative race will be the Dante at York on Thursday. The Oaks picture looks equally opaque albeit, Wonder of Wonders did well on the Roodee.

Despite a busy day, winners look hard to find making it a watching, rather than playing afternoon. The early season notebook brief will be monitoring Bated Breadth (again) + Victoire de Lyphar, Passion for Gold (long absent), Bourne (Haydock), and Berling.

However, a particular focus will be on the Victoria Cup at Ascot, with a view to the forthcoming series of 7 furlong handicaps on the track over the season. Competitive as ever, going to go with two from either side of the draw, Lutine Bell and Zero Money.

Across the ocean, the Kentucky Derby rounds off a full day. Uncle Mo's absence takes the shine of this year's renewal but curious to see how Master of the Hounds runs for Ballydoyle after his unusual prep at Meydan (globalisation indeed).

good luck...

Autumn Fare

After last week's thrills and excitement, today's racing is rather modest fare, albeit quite competitive. As the Flat season draws to a close, I generally prefer to look at 2 year old contests with an eye to the future. This afternoon see three interesting races at Ascot and the Rockingham Stakes at York, where Katla travelling over from Ireland should give an indication to the form levels on either side of the Irish Sea. Easy Ticket looks the likely winner however.

At Ascot, interested to see if Masked Marvel and Sir Michael's Tazahum can progress, while going to go with Invincible Ridge for a bet in the Cornwallis (showed scope for improvement when winning last and ground should suit).

good luck......

3 big ONES for Ballydoyle brigade?

Big day for Ballydoyle after an inauspicious season (by their standards) with leading chances in today's Group 1 races at Leopardstown and Haydock. Heading to Leopardstown myself for the Irish Champion Stakes where Rip Van Winkle following his success at York will be warm order. Based on that gutsy run, very hard to oppose him here, although stablemate Cape Blanco has to be respected, while Famous Name could run well if the imminent rain materialises in time. Lillie Langtry has had a troubled career so far, with it being disappointing to see her run moderately at Newmarket following her success in the Coronation Stakes. That was good form however, and she is of interest at 3/1 in the Matron Stakes.

Over at Haydock, Starspangledbanner goes for the Betfred Sprint. Slightly unlucky at York, he is entitled to be favourite for this but represents poor value. There are a few interesting 3 year olds running including Lady of the Desert, but I am going to have a small each way bet on old friend Genki, who won nicely here on his penultimate start. Good handicappers winning top sprints is not entirely unheard of, don't you know!!

good luck......

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...

Sweet on Snow Fairy in Yorkshire Oaks

Perhaps the single most visually impressive performance of the season so far was that of Snow Fairy demolishing the field in the Irish Oaks. Prior to that race, I had my doubts but subsequently vowed to keep on the right side. Today at York, she takes on two very able 4 year old fillies in the Yorkshire Oaks, but with her age allowance, scope for improvement, and finishing thrust, she must have every chance. Sariska ran well again at Epsom behind Fame and Glory but she looked a tad uncomfortable on quickish going in this race last year, while Midday (good winner of Nassau) always appears vulnerable to a good closer. Hibayeeb and Meeznah also merit consideration but in hot race, Snow Fairy is the selection, especially with 3/1 available.

The younger fillies run earlier in an interesting Lowther. Very hard to oppose Maqaasid in this, following her win at Royal Ascot, but at prohibitive odds she is best watched.

Finally another filly to watch out for is John Oxx's Zarebiya in the Galtres. This is a race which the stable repeatedly targets and while this year's entrant is very inexperienced and poor value, she is worthwhile monitoring. Furthermore there is a rather curious jockey booking as I cannot recall Jamie Spencer riding in these colours previously!!

good luck...

Shortlist for exciting Ebor

Today's feature, the Tote Ebor Handicap at York is as competitive as ever. Normally when one gives half the field a chance, a bet is best resisted but from a sporting perspective, the Ebor is always exciting and going to pick 2 to watch go round. Firstly however, it is difficult to crab market leaders, Martyr, Fortuni and in particular the gallant Overturn. Dangerous Midge (who brought us a change of luck back in July) deserves some loyalty, but he has the burden of top weight.

With that in mind, I am focusing on the lower end of the handicap and going to go with Bernie the Bolt (impressed at Ascot last time) and Demolition (solid recent form and only Richard Fahey runner). Both might not be suited by the trip for different reasons but at decent odds, should give us a run for our money. It is worth bearing in mind that the Ebor, similar to other high profile handicaps over longer distances, does not always conform to logical analysis. For example a low draw is generally favoured, but only one winner in the past 10 runnings has come from a single figure stall.

Temple Meads, impressive winner of the Super Sprint, moves up in class, taking on a decent field, in what should be an informative Gimcrack Stakes. Although he will go off at prohibitive odds, expect him to triumph.

good luck....

Twice Over possible value in an intriguing International Stakes!

The International Stakes is the feature of Day 1 of the Ebor Meeting at York. The four main challengers all have solid claims but Twice Over currently available in places at 5/1, looks the value bet. He seems sure to be placed and with 9 runners could be a tempting free each way wager. However it is a tight field with Rip Van Winkle heading the market. While long being a fan, I feel Rip's best performances have come on undulating tracks (Sandown, Goodwood and Epsom) and he may not prosper on York's straight. Byword looks to be a similar standard to Twice Over (based on Royal Ascot form) but is nearly half the price. Dick Turpin is the season's most admirable performer but his breeding suggests he won't stay. Cavalryman looks best of outsiders but he will need to improve markedly on recent runs. In a race definitely worth watching, if not playing in, a tentative vote goes to the Henry Cecil charge.

The Voltigeur looks to be between the big 2 (Ballydoyle + Godolphin) and expect Rewidling to prevail whilst establishing St. Leger pecking order.

enjoy.....

Great St. Wilfrid 2010

Sprint Handicaps, despite my best intentions seem to be occupying more of my time than usual this year. It's probably a reflection on a rather lack lustre flat season (hopefully things will change at York this week), although the competitiveness of this sector always attracts a curious eye. Today's Great St Wilfrid at Ripon is the latest in the summer series. Everything points in the direction of Tajneed who was successful in 2008 (with this corner's support). Track form, solid recent run, going suitability, similar rating to 2008, being sprint meister Dandy Nicholls only runner and last but not least a high draw, combine to make him favourite and while currently available at 4/1, one would expect him to shorten. All this makes him difficult to oppose but these races are hard to win as market leader and for that reason I am going to look elsewhere. As mentioned the draw is crucial and with the impending rain, I am going to plump for Damika (drawn 15 + form with cut in the ground) who ran a nice race last week at Haydock.

Perhaps the most interesting runner of the day is Bated Breadth at Newmarket (3.20). Running off 105 in a handicap, he should confirm his potential before moving on to a higher grade (Sprint Cup???)

And for the purists don't forget Goldi versus Paco at Deauville (Sunday)!!

good luck....