Well, time does fly by – Here we are again for the third time in May with another edition of Watty’s Flat Spots.
Last Saturday saw yet again another Haydock Saturday meeting, not to worry though because in a fortnight or so I shall be going on my travels with a trip (providing the trains are running) to the Knavesmire for my first visit of the year to York.
In the meantime, here we have three more spots that should be worth keeping an eye on as the season progresses.
1 – Million Thanks – 3yo Chestnut Colt -Trainer : Kevin Ryan.
In what looked a pretty decent looking 3yo handicap over a mile you could make a case for quite a few and while some just plainly didn’t run to form some others had a bit of hard luck in running.
One who caught the eye was this one from the Kevin Ryan yard, starting out in handicap company off 82 he ran resonably well to be fourth behind a very impressive winner in Jimi Hendrix, he should get his turn soon and might benefit from having some blinkers applied to help him concentrate just that little bit better when getting to the business end of a race.
2 – Rock Eagle – 7yo Chestnut Gelding – Trainer : Ralph Beckett.
Probably an unusual selection on the face of it but do hear me out on this one.
Making his first start in 421 days in what looked a competitive looking handicap over 1m 4f this lad ran nicely up at the front end but as was probably expected he dropped back when headed by some better handicapped horses.
His best form is over much further on the flat and he was placed in some nice all weather contests over 2m and on turf he was fifth in the 2020 Cesarewitch.
My view is that this was a warm up race before being lined up for a crack at either the Ascot Stakes at the Royal Meeting or a trip up to Newcastle for the Northumberland Plate.
3 – Windseeker – 3yo Bay Colt – Trainer : Richard Hannon.
The only runner of the day for this trainer came in the final race of the day, a 7f handicap for 3yo rated 0-85.
Windseeker was third behind first race winner Jimi Hendrix at Salisbury back at the start of the month which gave him every chance to take this race.
He travelled nicely in the race but couldn’t quite quicken up when needed and was only beaten three and a half lengths, my view is that he could be better over a bit further, say over a mile or maybe 9f & he should also benefit a lot more when allowed to dictate the pace as opposed to sitting in behind it.
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10 meetings today across the UK & Ireland… 3 NH cards, 6 flat cards & 1 AW card – Does the racing calendar need to be looked at? Sunday has NO Flat race in the UK & Ireland, so it gives the jockeys & everyone who travels with the horses a break but still 3 NH Cards in UK & 1 in Ireland, Paris Longchamp have 2 Group 1 races….
Jamie has taken the weekend off to concentrate on the Derby/Oaks at Epsom next weekend, which is also the Queen’s Jubilee.
Charlie –Haydock
1.45 Nifty Fifty Achillies Stakes (Listed) Class 1 over 5f
Selection- Dragon Symbol – 4 year old Colt out of Cable Bay and Arcamist. Has had 12 starts winning 4 times, the wins have came at Wolverhampton, Newcastle, Kempton and Hamilton in 2021. Has ran consistently in group company in 2021 and if showing same attitude here should be capable of winning this listed race, biggest threat to the selection comes in the shape of Rassel who has won 7 times from 13 starts.
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4.40Passionate About Sport Handicap Class 4 over 7f 37y
Selection – Vintage Choice – 3 year old Gelding out of Lope De Vega and Effervesce, has had 3 starts winning once and placing 3rd and 2nd in the others. Was 3rd on debut at York on the 20th August last year finishing behind winner Hoo Ya Mal and 2nd placed Dawn Of Liberation. Won on next start at Redcar on the 22nd September when beating Out From Under by a nose with Kings Crusader 3 and 1/4 lengths behind in 3rd. Made seasonal return at Wolverhampton on the 19th April and finished 2nd beaten 1 and 1/4 lengths by Encourageable. Has had a Gelding operation since last run and could go really well here and is taken to get the win, biggest threat to the selection comes in the shape of Notions who has won 2 times from 4 starts.
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Chris –
Haydock
1.10 Sankey Handicap
A competitive 3yo event kicks us off up at Haydock this afternoon, I’m siding with Jimi Hendrix to get the crowd rocking early doors! Off the mark on his 2nd start, This son of New Bay produced a nice comeback on reappearance 4 weeks ago when narrowly beaten by an 85-rated rival. With the cobwebs shaken off, and an extra furlong today, he could make his presence felt off a mark of 83, and is currently available at a fair each-way price with Jim Crowley getting the leg up for the first time.
3.30 John Of Gaunt Stakes (Group 3)
Kinross won this race last year, before following up in the Group 2 Lennox Stakes at Goodwood. He then acquitted himself well in Group 1 races over the latter part of the season. Back here today, over his seemingly preferred distance and in slightly calmer waters, he makes plenty of appeal even though he has not been missed in the betting. He has also won twice before when fresh, so the lack of a recent run does not put me off.
Rich –
Catterick.. 2.29 -Handicap – Class 5 – 3yo Only – 5f Desert Team – Invincible Spirit X Kilmah 3yo filly Has won 3 times in 2022, twice on the All Weather. Was 4th to Nationwide on seasonal return, with the winner winning twice since & runs at Haydock, 4.05 today, in a 6f Class 5 Novice Stakes on April 6th. Won next time out, on April 23rd in a Wolves 5f Class 5 Novice Stakesby 2 & 3/4 lengths from Thismydream. Her last run was on the Turf at Beverley in a Class 5 handicap over 5f, when finishing a 2 & 1/4 length 3rd to Lullaby Bay on May 2nd, who has won twice since along with 4th, Dandy Dinmont, who has also won… Danger is Vadamiah, who is looking for a 3rd win on the trot
Chester – 3.10 -Handicap – Class 3 – 4yo + – 1m 5f Spirit Mixer – Frankel X Arabian Queen 4yo gelding. Winner of his last 2 starts, when winning on May 19th on the All Weather at Chelmsford in a 1m 5f 66yd Class 4 Handicap by 6 lengths from King Francis, having won on the Turf at Salisbury on May 1st in a 1m 6f 44yd Class 3 Handicap, in a 4 runner race, beating Oman by a neck, 3rd that day Zoffee has since won. He has run 3 times this term, having made his seasonal return at Salisbury on April 20th, in a Class 4 1m 4f 5yd Handicap, when 4th of 6 to Cemhann, who has won since along with Runner Up Grand Scheme…
That’s all for today folks, thanks for popping by & for your support, we really appreciate it.
Part 3 of the series brought to you by Neil Watson AKA @WattyRacing. Neil has been to Haydock & has 3 horses that he thinks will win in the very near future & to add to the tracker…
Hello everybody, I hope you’re all well and good reading the next instalment of Watty’s Flat Spots.
If truth be told I was half expecting to be hitting a flat spot myself as my normal Friday before a Saturday race day at my local involves primarily a quiet evening in perusing the form with a cup of tea and the odd biscuit on the side, however on the Friday before this one I found myself at the Pet Shop Boys gig in Manchester so while the traditional form of preparation was cancelled, I have hopefully still found some future winners for you so… Off we go and let’s see what comes up!
Probably a surprise as regards a horse from this stable as they are more known for their winter exploits but this lad made some late headway on the flat last season with a York win over 2m in July then following up at Haydock over the same trip before coming a very respectable fourth in the Cesarewitch behind Buzz who won a graded hurdle at Ascot.
Goobinator didn’t really do much over hurdles in the winter but ran a very nice fifth in the 2m handicap at Haydock and was running on at the end, he might be Newcastle bound for the Northumberland Plate although the way he stayed on I’d be more than interested to see if Donald McCain has to hire a morning suit from a Chester tailors for the Ascot Stakes at Royal Ascot over 2m4f.
2 – Tollard Royal – 3yo B Gelding – Trainer : George Boughey.
Haydock’s Silver Bowl often throws up it’s fair share of hard luck stories as many, myself included will confess after backing Mighty Ulysees who proved in the end not to be the group horse in a handicap as he was comprehensively walloped by the winner Whoputfiftyinyou.
One horse who caught the eye in the pack came in the form of Tollard Royal, his trainer George Boughey has had a nice season so far and decided like many to see if this one would sink or swim in this ultra competitive 3yo handicap.
On the face of it things didn’t go to plan, he didn’t handle the turn but did stay on fairly well to be nine lengths back in fifth behind the winner, his two career wins have come at Chelmsford as a 2yo and first time out this season at Beverley, I think up in trip and back on a right handed track will see him in a far better light than this.
3 – Caturra – 3yo B Colt – Trainer : Clive Cox.
The Sandy Lane Stakes is always one to keep an eye out as the flat season progresses as it has a very good roll-call of top class winners and future ones too.
No doubt the star of the show was the winner El Caballo who moved his form over to the grass from the synthetic surface with minimum fuss.
For myself looking at the replay I was quite taken with the run from Caturra, now he had some decent form as a juvenile with his best runs being in the Flying Childers at Doncaster which he won and a fifth spot in the Middle Park at Newmarket, he resumed this season at Chantilly last month where he was second over five and a half furlongs.
Personally I don’t think he quite gets 6f just yet despite winning over that trip at two but over five furlongs he may well be better suited so don’t write him off at your peril.
So there you go, three hopefully potential future winners spotted for you, let’s see how they fair as the season goes on.
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Native Trail landed the short odds yesterday as Charlie Appleby created racing history by becoming the first trainer to win 3 different guineas with 3 different horses in the same season, a phenomenal achievement & we doth our cap to the team from Godolphin.
Not the best day by a long shot yesterday but we are back again & full of confidence that today will be a better day. Jamie & Rich have the Curragh covered with a look at York, for the Sunday Series…
Jamie –
2:40 – Tattersalls Gold Cup (G1)
Selection: State Of Rest
Joseph O’Brien’s State Of Rest is thriving at the moment and can land this terrific edition of the Tattersalls Gold Cup. Over the past 12 months State Of Rest has visited the USA, Australia and France and won Group 1 races in each of those three countries. Having had a successful first run of the season when winning the Prix Ganay last time out, confidence is high with this horse who just keeps on improving. Good-ish ground will be fine for State Of Rest. Lord North will be a tough nut to crack but on home soil State Of Rest is the value against the favourite at 11/4. The ground is fine for him and the stable is operating at a 19% strike rate. I expect another big run today from this thrice Group 1 winner.
3:45 – Tattersalls Irish 1000 Guineas (G1)
Selection: Agartha (Each way)
There is a lot of Fillies amongst the 14 going to post that you could give a serious chance of winning or going close at least. Whilst I think Tuesday will win this, I can’t ignore the ultra-consistent Agartha. At 12/1 at the time of writing, I think she represents excellent each way value. Agartha is a battle-hardened Filly with 10 races already under her belt! After an excellent juvenile campaign, Agartha has carried on in the same vein of form so far this season with two second place finishes behind History and Homeless Songs, who she faces again today. She wasn’t beaten far at all in both races. There may be more talented Fillies in this race but few will try harder than Agartha. Perhaps the presence of likely Ballydoyle pacemaker Lullaby could help too in giving her a nice tow into the race. She has solid credentials for this classic.
Rich –
Curragh – Good to Yielding 3.10 Lanwades Stud Stakes – Fillies & Mares’ Group 2 – 4yo+ – 1m….
PEARLS GALORE is the 10/11 favourite & for good reason, having finished runner up in a pair of Group 1 races at the tail end of last season. 2nd in the Matron Stakes by a neck to No Speak Alexander at Leopardstown in September & a 2 length runner up spot to Space Blues in the Group 1 Prix De La Opera at Longchamp in October. The 5yo Invincible Spirit Mare had already laned a pair of Group 3 Fillies & Mares’ contests, the Brownstown 7f G3 in July & Fairy Bridge Stakes at Tipperary in August. She made her seasonal return in April in the 1m Heritage Listed Stakes, beating Pretreville by 2 & 1/2 lengths & that form has been boosted with the RU winning the Group 3 Amethyst Stakes earlier this month.. TWILIGHT SPINNER is the 2/1 Second favourite in the market & is a LIVE danger to the Favourite, with the 4yo Twilight Son Filly, who had moved mid season 2021 from the UK to Ireland. The filly, won a pair of 6f races in the UK including the 6f Listed Cecil Frail Stakes ( Fillies & Mares’ ). She started her Irish career in the 6f Renaissance Stakes Group 3 in September, when a 5 length runner up to Art Power. She made her seasonal return in April & finished a 1 & 3/4 length 3rd in the 6f Cork Listed Stakes to Power Under Me, making the step up to 7f last time out in the Group 3 Athasi Stakes ( F&M) beating Cigamia by 3 & 1/4 lengths, with the 2nd winning at Killarney on Tuesday & now steps up in trip again today, on that performance, the new trip will suit & the pair could finish 1 – 2… But One that did catch my eye is DIADORA, who hails from the same yard, Twomey, as the Favourite & has moved to the yard from Markus King & has only had 1 run for the yard to date, when finishing a 1 & 1/4 length 2nd of 6 to Lust, in the 7f Owenstown Stud Listed Stakes on May 15th in a first time visor, which is retained today, available at around 9/1 & is a decent EW option, with the 4yo filly looking to improve. OF THE REST, Emphatic Answer is a C&D winner & has 2 wins & 2 places in her 6 runs over 1m but hasn’t won since a C&D win back in July 2021 PERALS GALORE TWILIGHT SPINNER DIADORA
York – Good to Soft
4.35 – Dash Handicap – Class 4 – 3yo Only – 6f…. Maybe Even Never – Dream Ahead X Kashtan 3yo gelding.
Winner of his first 2 starts both over 6f. Debut win at Thirsk on August 13th 2021 in a Class 4 Novice Stakes & a DEAD HEAT at Ripon on August 30th 2021 with Sunday Justice in a Class 5 Novice Stakes, the pair 5 lengths clear of the field. Dropped back to 5 & 1/2f at York on October 8th 2021 in a Class 3 Handicap finishing 10th of 12, with an opening mark of 83. Dropped to 78 on return from a 217 day break, over 5f at this course on May 13th, when finishing a 2 & 1/4 length 2nd to Korker in a Class 3 Handicap. Drops in Class & back to 6f, off a mark of 79 – EACH WAY
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Another Saturday & another blog from the lads here at AOLR with Jamie,Chris and Rich. It’s Irish Guineas weekend & 2000 Guineas red hot favourite, Native Trail heads the market at the Curragh ( 4/11 at time of writing) plus plenty of other action to get our teeth in to…
Chris –
Haydock
3.10 Sandy Lane Stakes
Go Bears Go heads the market here having won the Pavilion Stakes at Ascot last month. This Kodi Bear colt had already shown smart form as a 2yo, being placed in the Phoenix Stakes and the Breeders Cup Juvenile Sprint. He needs another step forward today, but has a touch of class and can land this under optimum conditions on the way to greater prizes this campaign.
Curragh
3.55 Hanlon Concrete Orby Stakes
Wordsworth fluffed his lines when favourite for the Sagaro Stakes last time out, but he wasn’t beaten far behind some smart stayers and looked impressive previously at Gowran Park on reappearance. He was placed in the Irish Derby and Grand Prix de Paris last term over this trip, and should have the measure of todays rivals on all known form. A return to these calmer waters will help and he must go well today.
Haydock Park
Jamie –
the Curragh
2:45 – Weatherby’s Ireland Greenlands Stakes (G2)
Selection: A Case Of You
Nine of Ireland’s top 6f sprinters go to post for this Group 2 prize. Ado McGuinness has his stable star A Case Of You ready for his next test and if he carries on his progression then he will be tough to stop. Last time out A Case Of You was a convincing winner of the Al Quoz Sprint on Dubai World Cup night, which is easily the best form on offer. He is the highest rated horse in this race by 3lbs from Glen Shiel, and and whilst giving 3lbs to the whole field won’t be easy I still fancy my selection to get the job done today. He is the class horse in this race and if he were able to run up to his Meydan or Abbaye form from last year, then he should be bang there in the closing stages. There is no excuses today. Big chance.
Goodwood –
4:00 – European Breeders Fund Fillies Handicap (Class 3) Selection: Speak
There is some promising Fillies in this contest over 12f. I quite fancy the least exposed of them Speak to run a big race today stepping up in trip. The daughter of Sea The Moon has raced three times so far in her career with form figures of 15-4 to show. That debut victory was followed by a fifth behind Champion 2yo Filly Inspiral at Doncaster in a G2, so they obviously think this Filly is quite smart. Speak wasn’t disgraced on her seasonal reappearance at Windsor where she stayed on over 1m 2f to finish a never nearer 4th. The 5th has won next time out so that gives the form a bit more substance. If she improves for the step up in trip today off bottom weight then I think she has excellent place claims at 13/2. Not the worst each way bet I’ve ever seen.
Each way advised.
Rich –
Haydock – Good 2.35 Silver Bowl Handicap – Class 2 – 3yo Only – 1m 37yds Spirit Catcher – New Bay X Lidanski colt 4 runs with 2 wins. Made a winning race course debut back on October 2nd 2021 over 7f in a Class 4 Novice Stakes Division 1 by 4 lengths in a 9 runner field & ran again 21 days later ( October 23rd )at Chelmsford in a nother Class 4 Novice Stakes, finishing 2nd by a neck in a 3 runner race won by Windseeker. Had a break of 175 days before returning at Musselburgh on April 16th in a 1m Class 3 Handicap, with an opening mark of 87, winning by 1/2 a length. Turned out quickly again, under a penalty, when running on April 30th at Newmarketin a Class 3 1m Handicap, finishing a 3 length 3rd to King of Time, in a 6 runner race. The form of the Musselburgh run is good, with 3rd & 4th winning next time out.. EACH WAY
Curragh – Good to Yielding 2.45 Greenlands Stakes – Group 2 – 4yo+ – 6f… Case of You – Hot Streak X Kajera 4yo colt. 2 time Group 1 winner, al Quoz Sprint & Prix de l’Abbaye. Top rated 118 & carries top weigh of 9s 8Lbs. 11 runs since 2021, with 5 wins & 3 places to his name. He is 2 wins from 3 starts in 2022 & was last seen in Meydan on March 26th beating Happy Romance by 1 & 1/4 lengths to win the G1 AL Quoz. Drops in grade & is there to be shot at….
That’s all for today folks, thanks for popping by & for your continued support, we really appreciate it
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Lockinge Day at Newbury with Baaeed, the odds on favourite, who is looking to make 7 wins from 7 starts. Newmarket hold a decent card as do Thirsk & Doncaster. A couple of NH cards too along with a AW card (busy day)
Just Charlie & Rich as Chris & Jamie are away for the weekend, so it’s almost like going back in time!
Charlie –
Bangor-On-Dee
5.07 National Hunt Flat Race over 2m 145y
Selection – Lady D’Arbanville – 4 year old filly out of Authorized and Miracle Maid. Half-sister to Katchit and Miracle Seeker and also half sibling to Prince Erik. Has a nice pedigree and could win at the first time of asking for Nicky Henderson with Jock Sam Twiston-Davies taking the reins.
Rich –
Newbury ( Good ) – 2.45 London Gold Cup – Class 2 – Handicap – 3yo Only – 1m 2f… Red Vineyard – Slade Power X Artisia 3yo Colt 3 career starts with 2 wins. Started his career over 7 & 1/2f at Ffos Las in a Class 5 Maiden, winning by 3/4’s of a length last September. Was stepped into Group company on his 2nd start in the Group 3 7f Horris Hill Stakes at Newbury in October 2021, finishing 7th of 7 runners. He has grown well over the winter & he has been stepped up in trip to 1m 2f & made his return on April 22nd in a Class 3 Handicap at Sandown. The colt won the race by 3/4’s of a length from AL Qareem, who won yesterday at York & 3rd, Bolthole, who won on Thursday. Solid form.
Newmarket – Good to Firm ( Good in Places ) 3.00 Handicap – Class 2 – 4yo+ – 7f… Wizard D’Amour – Dutch Art X Holistic 4yo gelding. Ultra consistent gelding, who has run 12 times, winning Twice & placing 9 times. He has run 4 times so far in 2022, winning once & placing in his other 3 starts. His win came at Catterick in a Class 4 7f Handicap on April 20th by 1 & 3/4’s of a length from Reputation, which was his 3rd start of the season, from a mark of 80 (3rd time lucky from that mark ) & ran again 9 days later on April 29th at Newmarket, when stepping up into Class 2 company, finishing a 1 length runner up to Shine So Bright, a former Group 2 winning 3yo & ran from a mark of 98. Shine So Bright re-opposes today, from a mark of 102 ( Claimer takes 7Lb off his 9s 9Lb weight) & was almost a stone less when the pair met last month, with Wizard carrying a 5Lb penalty from the win at Catterick. Today Wizard runs from 87 & carries 8s 8Lb, with a more favourable draw. His Trainer, Karl Burke is currently running at a Strike Rate of 24% for the last 14 days….
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Hello and welcome to the second episode of Flat Spots with Watty!
Last Saturday just gone saw myself head down to my local course Haydock Park for an eight race mixed meeting of flat, hurdle and a bumper race.
Feature races were the Grade 2 Swinton Hurdle, which is now traditionally the first big race of the new jumps season but with the emphasis being on the flat, it’s the flat races that I shall be concentrating on.
1 – Go Beyond – 3yo Bay Filly – Trainer : Adrian Wintle.
This filly was totally unfancied in the opening 1m4f handicap for 3yo over 1m4f rated 0-70 and ran here on her seasonal debut in her first run in a handicap off 62.
Before the race there was a jockey change as Hollie Doyle took the mount after her original mount was a non runner.
In the race itself she was held up then after turning for home she was switched to the outside and began to pick her rivals off one by one to be a two and a half length second behind an in form Tim Easterby winner.
Whether she can follow it up is another thing but she should be winning before to long and might better over a bit further.
Haydock Park
2 – Random Harvest – 4yo Bay Filly – Trainer : Ed Walker.
A very lightly raced four year old this filly by War Front was having her first try at 7f in a typically wide open Haydock handicap and was very nearly the winner before getting chinned on the line by Mr Trick.
Rated 79 she should more than likely get hiked up by the handicapper but she is definitely worth keeping onside especially if sticking to this trip which looked to suit her.
I can see her racing fairly sporadically but when she does turn out ignore her at your peril!
For many the most visually impressive winner of flat events came in the Listed Spring Trophy over 7f and here we saw a very nice winner, who should come on plenty for it.
Aldaary took a while to hit top stride after landing a handicap at Ascot over 7f and eventually regained the winning thread back at the royal course in October with another 7f handicap win before bagging the valuable Balmoral Handicap on Champions Day.
On what was a sixth win from ten starts here at Haydock, this was his first win around a bend so he could return for the John O’Gaunt Stakes in a couple of weeks time before heading back to Ascot for the Royal meeting.
7f looks to be his best distance.
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A week on from the Guineas at Newmarket & a week before the Lockinge at Newbury, it is Derby trials at Lingfield, while Ascot has a competitive card & Haydock are holding a Mixed code card…
Plenty of racing around for sure with a few NH cards too, what did we find? Did anything catch our eye? Or is it all substance & little quality?… Let’s find out!
Charlie –
Ascot 2.20Carey Group Buckhounds Stakes (Listed)
Selection – Al Aasy – 5 year old Gelding out of Sea The Stars and Kitcara. Has had 11 starts winning 4 times, the wins have came at Newmarket X 2 and Newbury X 2. First Victory at Newmarket came on the 18th June 2020 when beating Cigoli by 10 lengths over 1m 4f. Won again on next visit to Newmarket on the 9th July when beating Dawn Rising by 1 and 3/4 lengths over 1m 5f. Went to Newbury on the 18th April 2021 and won, beating Without a fight by 4 and 1/2 lengths over 1m 4f. Won again on the 15th May 2021 when beating Thunderous by 4 lengths over 1m 4f. Was 8th on most recent start at Ascot on the 16th October over a shorter trip of 1m 1f 212y. Steps back up to 1m 3f 211y for todays race and could gain another win, biggest threat to the selection comes in the shape of Third Realm who has 2 wins from 7 starts.
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Chris –
Haydock
2.25 Pertemps Long Distance Handicap Hurdle
A very competitive renewal of this handicap, and Honest Vic makes most appeal to me. After a brief spell chasing, Honest Vic finished a fine 5th in the Pertemps final at the Cheltenham Festival, kicking for home a fair way out at the top of the hill, before stumbling over the final flight. Off the same mark today, and with a more patient ride, he must be able to make his presence felt here. Shop around for best each-way terms.
Lingfield
3.15 Oaks Trial Fillies Stakes
Emily Dickinson got off the mark at the 3rd time of asking a fortnight ago, staying on strongly to the line over 10f at Naas. The extra distance today should play to her strengths on that evidence and is out of Irish Oaks winner, Chicquita. With the Aidan O’Brien and Ryan Moore combination going strongly this week, and the yard operating at an impressive 36% strike rate, she should take all the beating this afternoon.
I have got two each way fancies for this 2m contest. First of all from looking at the betting at the time of writing this I am somewhat surprised to see Miss Heritage, a Grade 2 winner last time out sitting at 16/1. She won that race, the Yorkshire Rose Mares Hurdle by an impressive 15 lengths. The form has been boosted by the fourth Anna Bunina (who she faces again today) winning the Scottish Champion Hurdle at Ayr. If that Doncaster success didn’t flatter her then she must be worth an each way play, she is as fresh as a daisy too. I must also give a mention to N’Golo, a former Willie Mullins trainee. He ran much better at this course back in March and if he can rediscover his old form then he could be a player today. The ground could well favour Miss Heritage more if it dries out nicely and back towards good going.
Ascot – 3:30 – British EBF Fillies Handicap Selection: Strawberri
Roger Varian’s Strawberri has been a very consistent sort during her six-race career to date with two wins and three places to her name. For a 4yo she is still lightly raced and there could be more to come from this daughter of Gleneagles. This Class 2 Handicap will be the toughest test Strawberri has faced but the weights (8-7) give her an excellent chance. I am hoping that the forecast rain late on Friday night comes down on Ascot as Strawberri likes to have a nice bit of cut in the ground. I think she is the type to have improved again over the winter and if she is fit enough for today’s test then we will get a good run for our money. At an each way angle I like Auria, who ran respectably behind Saffron Beach last summer. This is a fair drop down in class for her today…
Rich –
Ascot – 2.55 Novice Stakes – Class 3 – 2yo Only – 5f… Nobel Style – Kingman X Eartha Kitt Colt Having cost 525,000 Guineas as a yearling, the colt is expected to go well on his race course debut. His Dam, was a 2yo 6f winner. Trainer C. Appleby has a 25%SR with 2yo’s in his career…
4.05 Victoria Cup – Handicap – Class 2 – 4yo+ – 7f.. Darkness – Siyouni X Kerila 4yo gelding. Moved to England from France after July 2021 from France, where he was a 1m Listed winner at Lyon in September 2020. He won 3 times from his 6 starts in his debut season & was considered good enough to run in the Group 1 Prix Critirium International at Saint-Cloud. Spent 2021 running over 1m 1f in Group 3 & Listed company before moving to the UK. He has run twice this term, when finishing 17th in the 1m Lincoln Handicap at Doncaster on March 26th & last time out on April 6th at Nottingham, over 1m 75yds, when finishing 4th to Seasett in a Class 3 Handicap, with 3rd winning next time out. The gelding finished a 2 & 1/4 length 3rd on his last start on April 23rd at Haydock over 1m & runs from the same mark of 92 today & drops back in trip to 7f, where in France, he won 2 of 4 races at this distance – Each Way
That’s everything for you today folks, thanks for popping by & for your continued support, we really appreciate it
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Another BIG blog for you today, with the 1000 Guineas at Newmarket & plenty of other racing to look at, not least in France, where at Longchamp it is Prix Ganay (Group1) Day. As like yesterday, we are delighted that @AOBFS (Aka Paul) has joined us on the blog, like he did on the Podcast. We would like to thank Paul for his time along with Laurent (Sky Sports Racing) French racing guru, for their time & insight on Monday, when recording the Podcast
Here is how we all fared yesterday – Charlie – 2000 Guineas Winner & 4th Chris – 6th, 8th & 3rd Jamie – 2000 Guineas Winner, 7th & 19th Paul (AOBFS) – 10th Rich – 9th, 5th & 8th
Back to today & like yesterday, the lads have free reign to pick from ANYWHERE they like, so let’s see what we have today –
Charlie –
Newmarket
3.00 Dahlia Stakes (Group 2)
Selection – Ebaiyra– 5 year old Mare out of Distorted Humor and Ebiyza. Has had 13 career starts winning 4 times, the wins have came at Chantilly on the 10th June 2020 when beating American apples by 2 and 1/2 lengths in a Group 3 over 1m 4f. Won again on the 23rd August 2020 at Deauville when beating Spirit of Appin by 3/4 of a length in a Group 2 over 1m 4f 110y. Next win came on the 2nd May 2021 at Longchamp when beating Raabihah by a neck in another Group 3 over 1m 2f. Most recent win came at Saint Cloud on the 26th May 2021 when beating Raabihah again by 1 and 1/2 lengths this time around in a Group 2 over 1m 2f 110y. Takes a drop in trip today and if handling that should have too much class for this field, with biggest threat coming in the shape of Ville De Grace who won last 2 starts of last Autumn.
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3.40 Quipco 1000 Guineas (Group1)
Selection – Tenebrism – 3 year old Filly out of Caravaggio and Immortal Verse. Has had just the 2 career starts and won both, beginning with a 3 and 3/4 length victory over Gaire Os Ard at Naas on the 28th March last year. Won again on the 25th September at Newmarket when beating Flotus by 1 length. Had a bit of a set back but if fully recovered from that should win this race, biggest threat to the selection comes in the shape of Malavath who has won 3 times from last 5 starts.
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4.15Class 3 Handicap
Selection – Desert Angel – 3 year old Colt out of Dark Angel and Slieve Mish. Has had 10 career starts winning twice. The wins have came at Doncaster on the 11th September 2021 when beating La Pulga by a neck. Won again on the 23rd September 2021 when beating Bastogne by 1 and 1/4 lengths. Was 3rd on most recent start at Musselburgh on the 16th April when behind Spirit Catcher and Dirtyoldtown. If showing same attitude as last race when making up ground late on could go in again here today, biggest danger to the selection comes in the shape of Sanitiser who has 3 wins from last 5 starts.
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Chris –
Newmarket
2.25 Pretty Polly Stakes
Crenelle went into my notebook when landing a maiden at the Craven meeting last month, just getting up in the final furlong. The extra 2f’s today looks like it should really suit her based on that display and the Kingman filly rightly arrives back here with excellent claims in this small field. The yard have won this race 6 times, and could add to that impressive record this afternoon.
3.40 Qipco 1000 Guineas Stakes
Tenebrism is a perfect 2/2 so far, having won her maiden last March she then suffered a couple of setbacks before landing the Cheveley Park Stakes after a near 6 month layoff next time out. She steps up to a mile here, and whilst she is by speedster Caravaggio, there is plenty of reasons to hope she will stay on the dams side. She could well be the class horse of what looks a very good renewal.
At an each-way price, Cachet makes appeal, boasting some fairly solid juvenile form at the top level when placed in the Rockfell and Fillies Mile, she landed the Nell Gwyn here 3 weeks ago.
George Baker’s charge Cemhaan won going away at Nottingham last week and should be bang in the mix if coming on for his first outing of 2022. He steps up two levels to class two company today but I must say this doesn’t look the strongest Heritage Handicap I’ve ever seen. Having previously won over this 1m 6f trip at Salisbury last season and winning form on fast ground, there is a lot going for Cemhaan and his supporters. He carries the joint bottom weight of 8st 7lbs too, which gives him a chance to make his presence felt at this higher level. The market suggests there is confidence behind this fella and if he runs up to form then I can’t see him being far away in the closing stages at least.
As a full sister to G1 Winners Alpha Centauri & Alpine Star Discoveries was always going to have high expectations placed on her. So far, she has delivered even more than her illustratious siblings by winning a Group 1 as a 2yo. I really like the way Discoveries progresses throughout her 2yo campaign. After a pleasing debut when fourth at the Curragh, Discoveries shed her maiden tag next time out when narrowly holding off Tuesday at the same course. Jessica Harrington raised her sights and went for the Debutante Stakes next, unfortunately she got found out by soft ground and was well beaten. However, better ground in the Moyglare seen her improve plenty to take the Group 1 prize from a good yardstick in Agartha. Discoveries seems to be a strong stayer and it is notable that she comes here as the team could have easily went straight to the Irish Guineas or a prep run for that classic. My best bet of the weekend.
Paul (@AOBFS) –
TUESDAY – Galileo x Lillie Langtry Sister to 7 time Group 1 winner Minding & Irish 1000 Guineas winner Empress Josephine. 2 Starts 1 Win beat on debut as a juvenile by a short head by Discoveries over 7 furlongs in a Curragh maiden last June. Discoveries went on to win the Group 1 Moyglare Stud Stakes. Tuesday reappeared in 2022 in Naas maiden at the end of March winning very comfortably. She was expected to go to the Irish Guineas then onto the Oaks but there has been a change in plans. She looks more of an Oaks filly to me but think she will have a big chance in an open Guineas. Aidan gave a nice update on her during the week saying she has come on a ton over the past 3 weeks and they are delighted with her hence the change in plans. I have no doubt Tuesday will become a Group 1 winner in 2022 and at the prices think she is a cracking bet for the 1000 Guineas there will be no doubts over her getting the trip and she will be finishing the race very strongly. I have my doubts over stablemate Tenebrism who I suspect will be more of a sprinting type and there have to be question marks over her stamina and her ability to get the mile. YES Tuesday is merely a maiden winner but she does have Group 1 form in the book. A.P.O’Brien 1,000 Guineas Winners – (7) – Virginia Waters (2005), Homecoming Queen (2012) Minding (2016), Winter (2017), Hermosa (2019), Love (2020), Mother Earth (2021)
Rich –
Longchamp – 3.25 Prix Ganay – Group 1 – 4yo+ – 1m 2f 96yds Skalleti – Kendargent X Skallet 7yo gelding. Seasoned campaigner, who won the Group 1 Prix D’ispahan by a head from Tilsit in 2021, that was his 3rd Group win of that campaign as he landed the Group 3 Prix Exbury & Group 2 Prix D’harcourt in the months before. The step up to 1m 4f in the Prix Foy was his undoing & he is very much a 1m 2f horse. He made his seasonal return in the Prix Exbury 1m 2f Group 3 at Saint-Cloud, finishing a 3/4’s of length 3rd to Pretty Tiger on March 19th before winning last time out on April 10th in the Group 2 Prix D’harcourt 1m 2f by 3/4’s of a length from Sealiway. Skalleti is always sat in & comes late, he faces Pretty Tiger & Mare Australis, who are both DANGERS to him….
Newmarket – 3.40 1000 Guineas (Fillies’ Group 1 ) – 3yo Only – 1m Wild Beauty – Frankel X Tulips She started her career at 5f at Ascot in a Class 4 Maiden, finishing 6th of 8 & was stepped up to 6f when landing a Haydock Class 4 Maiden last May. The filly won on her 3rd start, this time at Newbury over 7f in a Class 4 Novice Stakes. A step up to Class 1 company, took her to the Fillies’ Star Stakes, when finishing a 3 & 1/2 lengths runner up to Inspiral, another 2nd place finish came at this course in the Group 3 Sweet Solera Stakes to Majestic Glory before travelling to Woodbine to run in the 1m Grade 1 Natalma Stakes & returned victorious in September. She wasn’t in the same form when running here in the Group 1 Fillies’ Mile in October, when 5th to Inspiral by 3 & 1/2 lengths. She made her seasonal return at Newbury after 190 days away from the track to land the 7f Group 3 Fred Darling, beating Jumbly by 1/2 a length – EACH WAY
That is everything for you folks, all tied up in a nice little bow & ready for you to unwrap! A big thanks to our guests on the Podcast, to the lads for taking the time to blog this weekend & to you guys, for taking the time to pop by & support us – Thank You.
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