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...

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...

King George 2012

Fascinating renewal of the King George today at Ascot. The market is finding it difficult to separate the leading three protagonists, which hopefully signals a tremendous contest. Nathaniel beat St. Nicholas Abbey in last year's race and with both horses improving since, it is highly likely that they will be in the mix. The ground will be highly influential with softer going favouring John Gosden's Eclipse winner. Nevertheless find it very hard to split them!! Sea Moon, whilst equally fancied, has to improve on the book to be involved and one is very interested to see if he can lift master trainer, Sir Michael Stoute, out of the doldrums. No better man to progress a talented four year old and while current odds look unattractive, it would be no surprise if he is the one to prevail. A tricast!? The impressive international contingent containing four Group 1 winners adds great depth to the race and should not be overlooked, for there within may lie the value. A race to savour!

No less riveting a contest, is the Irish Oaks on Sunday. At this stage, ground conditions favour Great  Heavens, but it would unwise to dismiss top class fillies, Princess Highway and Was.



enjoy...

July Cup 2012

The July Cup at Newmarket is the main feature of a busy day, which also includes some of the summer's more important handicaps and an intriguing Grand Prix De Paris at Longchamp. Followed Bated Breath over the cliff last season and it would be great to see him finally land a well merited Group 1. However with the conditions against him, I think I will wait until Haydock to go again. Indeed it looks likely that he will be missing and if so, the race will be a much poorer affair. On the prevailing going, Fire Lily might be worth an each way bet. David Wachman's filly has been very consistent racing against the best of her class and while seven furlongs may be her optimum trip, that won't be a drawback this afternoon. She will like the ground, and her age and gender weight allowance ought to give her a fighting chance.

best of luck...