York, Sandown & the Curragh

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At York yesterday Neil ( @wattyracing) landed a 20/1 winner in the first race, while with the extra places Jamie had Khaadem 4th & Rich also took an extra place with Golden Voice finishing 4th, both Each way on yesterdays blog..

Today we look forward to City of York(Group 2) and the Ebor Handicap at York, the Atalanta F&M Stakes(Group 3) at Sandown & Futurity Stakes(Group 2) at the Curragh

Chris –

Sandown
2.05 Atalanta Stakes

Fonteyn was a Listed winner at York over this trip, beating market leader Grande Dame who lines up against her again today. The daughter of Farhh then ran with great credit in the Nassau Stakes last time out, finishing a close 4th despite not appearing to fully stay the 12f. That’s still amongst the strongest form on offer and back to a mile here and in slighlty calmer waters, Fonteyn can resume her progress and get back to winning ways here.

York
3.00 City Of York Stakes

Kinross was narrowly beaten by Sandrine in the Lennox Stakes over 7f at Goodwood last time out, coming from a difficult position out the back and narrowly failing to get up. She is now 2lb’s better off with that rival and can turn the tables here with more luck in running. Versatile regarding ground and tactics over this trip, this group 2 winner makes plenty of appeal.

Jamie –

Curragh
3:10 – Galileo Irish EBF Futurity Stakes (G2)

Selection: Hans Anderson

Aidan O’Brien goes in search of a remarkable 15th Futurity win with a two pronged attack. Despite Ryan Moore choosing Aesop Fables I am quite drawn to Hans Anderson who is highly regarded by the Ballydoyle team. The son of Frankel improved from his debut second over 6f at Tipperary to score over C+D (7F) at the Curragh last time out. It was the attitude and long surging run that Hans Anderson displayed that impressed me the most. The second home Al Riffa has boosted the form by winning since. With proven course form and the ground on his side I am expecting Hans Anderson to be bang there in the closing stages.

York
3:35 – Ebor Handicap (Heritage)

Selection: Euchen Glen (E/W)

The old boy Euchen Glen returns to York for his third crack at the Ebor and this is perhaps his best chance yet. Jim Goldie’s star is tailor made for this 1m 6f test and loves the competitive nature of big field handicaps, it brings out the best in him. A fine 5th in 2020 Euchen Glen was well fancied last year but found top weight too much and faded into 11th. This year however he is 14lbs lower and judging by his Goodwood third last time out Euchen Glen is coming into peak form for this test and still retains a lot of ability. He is tactically versatile, has a low draw and likes it at York. Plus he appears to be ahead of the handicapper. At 12/1 he is a solid each way bet in my eyes. This has been his big target all season.

Rich –

York
4.10 – Constantine Handicap – Class 2 – 3yo+ – 7f….
Spangled Mac – Starspangledbanner X Intermittent 3yo gelding.
Started his season on May 24th in a 5&1/2f Class 5 Bath Maiden, winning by 2 lengths. He finished 3rd on his next 2 starts at Bath, 5f Class 5 Novice Stakes to Royal Acclaim(June 11th) & on the all weather at Lingfield (June 18th) in a 6f Class 5 Novice Stakes, from an opening mark of 76.
A step up in trip to 7f on the all weather at Kempton, saw the Gedling win a Class 4 Apprentice Handicap, rated 74, by a neck & this led to 4 wins on the bounce.
He won at Yarmouth twice in a pair of 6f Class 4 Handicaps, with a 7f Class 5 Handicap at Haydock sandwiched in the middle, all in the month of July. His last run was at Ascot in the Class 2, 6f Handicap in the Shergar Cup, finishing a 3/4’s of a length 2nd to Adaay in Asia, who has since won the Ebf Fillies’ Handicap at York on Wednesday. Runs from a mark of 97 today – Each Way

4.45 Julia Graves Roses Stakes – Class 1 Listed – 2yo Only – 5f…
Rocket Rodney – Dandy Man X Alushta Gelding.
This is the gelding’s 6th run of his debut campaign, which started on April 16th in a 5f Class 5 Novice Stakes at Nottingham when a 1 & 1/2 length runner up, he ran just 13 days later(April 29th) at Goodwood in a Class 4 5f Novice Stakes, winning by some 4 & 1/4 lengths.
Freshened up with a month off & he returned on June 15th at Royal Ascot in the 5f Listed Windsor Castle Stakes, finishing a neck 2nd to Little Big Bear ( 2 from 2 since inc Group 1 Phoenix Stakes). Next up was the Sandown 5f Listed Dragon Stakes, which the Rocket returned to the winners enclosure with a 2 & 1/2 length victory from Cuban Mistress ( Winner of the St Hughs Listed at Newbury since).
His last start was on July 27th at Goodwood in the 5f Molecomb Stakes, finishing a 1 & 1/2 length 2nd to Trillium. Rocket Rodney is Top Rated 105 & carries top weight of 9s 5Lbs….

A big thanks to the lads for their hard work this week & to you all for popping by & taking the time to read our blogs, it really is appreciated..
Gamble Responsibly.

All the Best – The AOLR Team

Nunthorpe Day at York

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Nunthorpe Day at the Knavesmire along with the Group 2 Lonsdale & Gimcrack Stakes on a 7 race card.
Yesterday we saw Swingalong win the Lowther Stakes at 25/1, the Yorkshire Oaks went to Favourite, Alpinista & the Listed F&M race was won by Haskoy….

Neil joins the team today, along with Rich & the in-form Jamie…

Jamie –

3:00 – Al Basti Equiworld Dubai Gimcrack Stakes (G2)
Selection: Royal Scotsman 

Royal Scotsman didn’t let me down at Goodwood last month and I see no reason to jump ship today. The son of Gleneagles brings in the best form to the Gimcrack courtesy of his Richmond win and Coventry third at Royal Ascot, which has worked out particularly well. At Goodwood, Royal Scotsman was doing his best work in the final 100yds which bodes well for this 6F test at York. It won’t be easy under the 3lb penalty but everything is set for a bold bid on suitable ground. At an each way price I think Chateau could go well. He wasn’t far behind Little Big Bear in the Windsor Castle at the royal meeting and that form doesn’t look bad at all right now. 


3:35 – Coolmore Nunthorpe Stakes (G1) 
Selection: Khaadem

I’m going to put up another Jim & Fitri Hay owned horse here as Khaadem tackles the Nunthorpe. My selection has put together a nice campaign to date. After a couple of decent performances in Dubai Khaadem has really come into his own this past 4 months on British soil. Winning both the Palace House at Newmarket and the King George Stakes at Goodwood last time out, which is a strong piece of form. I think there is more to come from him and with Ryan Moore in the saddle again, a big run is on the cards over his preferred 5F trip. He’s drawn in the centre which is a handy place to be this week at York. 

Neil –

1.50 York, 1m4f Handicap, 3yo+

An afternoon which features some of York’s famous races like the Nunthorpe and the Gimcrack begins with a typical headscratcher of a handicap as nineteen horses will face the starter.

For myself I often like to keep an eye on any lightly raced horses at this time of year as many others become a bit exposed and wait for the handicapper to relent and drop them a few lbs and i do like to try and source value for ew punters and I think I’ve found one in the John Butler trained Farhan for Neil Callan.

Just two runs this year have yielded a fourth and fifth placed finish but he does seem to come to form in the second half of the season with some decent runner up spots finally turning to a win when he landed the November Handicap on the final day of term last year

His trainer has followed the same path as last year when he had two runs in the spring, he didn’t see the track at all through June and July and now comes back for a late summer and autumn campaign hoping to repeat the same again, I think he’ll be in the shakeup of this race.

3.35 York, 5f Nunthorpe Stakes,  Group 1, 2yo+

One of the feature Group 1 races of the meeting is a pretty wide open renewal with a mix of regular performers at the top level, developing sprinters and a promising two year old bidding to join the small list of juveniles who have taken the Nunthorpe.

It can often pay to look at previous experience in races like this and while Royal Aclaim is a very short priced favourite i think he can be opposed in this instance.

A horse who I think is very overpriced is the Roger Varian trained Dragon Symbol who ran in the race last year and was only beaten a length and three quarters behind winner Winter Power.

Last seasons winner has really struggled this year and you wouldn’t necessarily rule out a revival from Tim Easterby especially as he’ll be wanting to make sure the prize stays in Yorkshire again but Dragon Symbol has acquitted himself very well, just touched off in a Listed race at Haydock back in May he had a confidence boosting win at Hamilton last month and while he has run a couple of poor races too they were both over 6f but he is a 5f horse and if fully wound up he should be able to go two places better this time around. 

Rich –

5.20 – Mile Handicap – Class 2 – 3yo Only – 7f 192yds…
Golden Voice – Havana Gold X Granola Gelding.
Has won 3 of his 5 starts this term, including on season return at Newcastle on the all weather back in April. He was runner up by a head over C&D on handicap in a class 3 debut in May, from an opening mark of 79. He has since won a pair of class 3 7f handicaps at Sandown in June & July, which took his handicap mark to 95.
His last run was at Redcar in a 7f Class 2 Handicap finishing a 1/2 length runner up on August 6th. Runs from 96 today – Each Way

Thanks for popping by & for your support, we really appreciate it.
Gamble Responsibly

Good Luck – The AOLR Team

The View From The Knavesmire

Hello & welcome to Arseonlineracing. The 100% Independent racing website & podcast with absolutely NO affiliate links….

It’s day 2 of the Ebor Festival from York with 3 Fillies’ & Mares’ races on the card – The Listed F&M Sir Henry Cecil Galtres Stakes, Group 2 Lowther Stakes & the F&M Group 1 Yorkshire Oaks along with the Class 2 Heritage Handicap..

Yesterday started with a cracking 5 & 1/2f sprint won by Bergerac followed by the Group 3 Acombe Stakes where the 7/2f Chalden took the spoils. The Group 2 Great Voltiguer was landed by Deauville Legend, who reversed the form with Secret State & in the BIG Group 1 Juddmonte Stakes it was Baaeed, who stepped up from 1m to 1m 2f & make it 10 wins from 10 career starts…..
Who will be in the Winners Enclosure today?

As like yesterday the 3 wise (Or maybe not) men are here to guide you through the 7 race card…

Chris –

4.10 Galtres Stakes

Mimikyu has been brought along steadily by the top team of John and Thady Gosden. The daughter of Dubawi has won her last 2 starts over 11.5f and over todays trip of 12f. Her latest win at Newmarket in June was comprehensive, easing down for a 6 length success. She doesn’t have much to find on ratings and a big run is expected here on the way to potentially bigger things.

5.20 EBF Fillies Handicap

Queen Aminatu was an unlucky loser 11 days ago at Haydock over a mile and gets to run off the same mark this afternoon. The drop back to 7f should pose no issues and has already won twice over the trip this year. She’s not been missed in the betting but appears to still be ahead of the handicapper and can claim a nice prize here.

Jamie –

1:50 – Lowther Stakes (G2)

Selection: Kerindia (E/W)

A field of 14 2yo Fillies get the chance to shine in this top 6F contest. With Dramatised being such a hot favourite I am on the outlook for some each way value. Kerindia has a nice looking profile coming into this race and gets my vote at double figure odds. Michael Bell’s Filly stepped forward very well from her debut success at Nottingham to finish a close third behind The Antarctic in a Deauville Group 3 last time out. It was a cracking run and if she has progressed again from that race then I can see her outrunning her odds of 20/1 and hopefully sneak into a place. There is a lot more to come from Kerindia who is less exposed than most in here.

3:35 – Darley Yorkshire Oaks (G1)

Selection: Alpinista

It’s another top renewal of this prestigious race for the Fillies & Mares. Alpinista has been a tremendous horse for the Sir Mark Prescott yard and holds excellent claims today of adding to her Group 1 tally. After a trio of top level victories in Germany last year, Alpinista made her seasonal reappearance in the Grand Prix de Saint Cloud at the start of July. She showed no signs of rustiness by edging clear late on for a length and a quarter win. That should have brought her on nicely for today’s assignment. Alpinista was second to Love in this race two years ago but she is a much better horse now. The ground is suitable and to be honest she looks rock solid. It’s the 3yo brigade who have it all to prove.

Rich –

2.25 Harry Beeby Premier Yearling Stakes – Class 2 – 2yo Only – 6f..
King’s Crown – Starspangledbanner X Textured 2yo Gelding.
Made his debut in early April when a 4 & 1/2 length 2nd to Fix you in a Thirsk 5f Class 4 Maiden, 3rd at Ripon in a Class 5 Novice Stakes over 5f in late April & ran twice in May. 11that this course over 5f in this class of Noviuce Stakes, finishing 2 & 1/2 lengths behind the winner before breaking his maiden at Thirsk on May 31st in a Class 5 6f Maiden by 3/4’s of a length from Indiana Bee. His last 2 runs have been in Group 2 company over 6f, when 9lengths behind winner, Bradsell in the 6f Coventry at Royal Ascot & 6 lengths behind winner, Persian Force in the 6f July Stakes at Newmarket on July 7th. Runs from handicap mark of 88 – Each Way

That’s everything for you today folks, thanks for popping by we really appreciate it.
Gamble Responsibly

Good Luck – The AOLR Team

We’re Back for York

Hello & welcome to Arseonlineracing. The 100% Independent racing website & podcast with absolutely NO affiliate links….

After a brief break from racing, the lads are back & raring to go for the remainder of the flat season. We kick off today with the Ebor meeting from York.
Day 1 at the Knavesmire kicks of with the Juddmonte International Stakes(Group 1), Great Voltiger Stakes(Group 2). Acombe Stakes(Group 3) Plus 2 Heritage Handicaps on the 7 race card, the first of which starts at 1.50pm

Charlie is not with us this week due to an ongoing issue with online bookmakers & his motto is – No betting No Blogging, which we all understand but Chris & Jamie join Rich for what could be a fantastic few days…

Chris –

1.50 Symphony Group Heritage Handicap

A typically competitive 5.5f dash to start the Ebor meeting and I’m siding with Sunday Sovereign here. The son of Equiano has been hit and miss throughout his career, but has finished placed twice on his last 2 starts over course and distance off marks of 94 and 95. Back on 94 today, and with William Buick an eye catching booking, he has plenty of pointers to a return to form. At the current double-figure price, he’s my each way selection. Remember to shop around for enhanced places with the 22 runners currently declared.

4.10 Stayers Heritage Handicap

Though relatively lightly raced for a 5yo, Frankenstella has been largely progressive over staying tests. With form figures of 143 around the Knavesmire, she has more than enough potential to run well again this afternoon. Not seen since being placed off this mark in May, fitness may have to be taken on trust, but she remains of obvious each-way interest here, especially if the leaders give her a solid pace to aim at down the long home straight.

Jamie –

3:00 – Great Voltigeur Stakes (G2)

Selection: Aikhil

As the ratings suggest this is a tight looking Voltigeur with just 7lbs separating the six runners. The one I am keen on here is Aikhil. The Galileo Colt  looks like there is still more improvement to come after only six races so far in his career, that could be a key factor today. He has been highly tried in his career including a first up run in the St James Palace. Where he found everything much too quick and finished out the back. Aidan O’Brien stepped him up in trip to 1m 2f for a crack at the International Stakes at the Curragh, Aikhil relished the task and won in good style. With more improvement likely over the 1m 4f trip today I can see Aikhil being right in the mix. This looks a St Leger horse to me but we’ll know a lot more after 3pm…

4:10 – Stayers Handicap (Class 2)

Selection: Alfred Boucher

Having only his second race over the 2m distance Alfred Boucher stands out to me in this competitive looking contest. Ian Williams’ 6yo has put together two nice back to back runs recently, both around the tight turns of Chester. His first Chester run puts him in with a solid chance as he was running on well to finish second to Soapy Stevens, who reaposes again today over the same trip. With York being a more stamina laiden track I am more than hopeful Alfred Boucher can turn the form around as he is still unexposed at this trip. The quick ground is fine and William Buick is an eye catching jockey booking. There is a lot to like.

Rich –

4.45 Fillies’ Handicap – Class 2 – 3yo+ – 5f….
Guilded – Mastercraftsman X Lajaticio 3yo filly
Since finishing 7th on her race course debut at this course over 6f in May 2021, the filly has run 15 times. She has won twice & placed 3 times, breaking her maiden on her 7th start at Beverley in a 5f Class 5 Novice Stakes last September. She has ran in a Group 1, when 3rd to Tenebrism in the Cheveley Park Stakes, 3 Group 3’s & 3 Listed races.
A winner of the Ayr Land O’Bloom Listed 5f Stakes by a head on June 18th this year, with her last start in the Group 3 6f F&M Summer Stakes, when finishing 10th on July 8th.
The Novice win, she was rated 94 & makes her handicap debut from just 97 & a decent draw – Each Way

Thanks for popping by & having a gander, we really appreciate it.
Gamble Responsibly

Good Luck – The AOLR Team

Watty’s Flat Spots – Part 8

Fresh from his trip to Wembley to see the Lionesses win the 2022 Euros, Neil Watson ( Aka @WattyRacing) headed to Haydock Park to catch some racing….

Saturday was Ladies Day at Haydock Park with the Group 3 Rose Of Lancaster Stakes, which this year saw the race being sponsored by a well known Salford bookmaker, the support came in the form of the Listed Dick Hern Stakes with the rest of the afternoon’s races all being handicaps of differing quality.

As is often the case on this particular weekend coming off the back of Glorious Goodwood and being in-between that and the Ebor Festival at York, it did make trying to find horses to follow just that little bit harder but thankfully I have found three for you this week, a couple might be a little bit obvious but like every half decent chef, you can only do what you can with the goods provided so with that let’s take a look at the three to keep an eye on this time.

1 – Anmaat – 4yo Bay Gelding – Trainer : Owen Burrows.

A very popular winner of the Rose Of Lancaster as he won what was certainly one of the most competitive renewals of the race for quite a long time, he travelled well and coming down the nearside he responded when Jim Crowley woke him up.

Regarding future targets he could end up facing off against fellow Shadwell horse Baaeed in the Champion Stakes over 10f, being a gelding he can’t go for the Arc but Owen Burrows will be absolutely made up with the way he has progressed this season as a 4yo.

Anmaat

2 – Delorean – 3yo Bay Gelding – Trainer : Ralph Beckett.

On his handicap debut in the opening 1m handicap for 3yo rated 0-80 this 78 rated horse from the Beckett yard seemed to get the extra furlong although it must be stated for the record he didn’t hit 88mph up the straight, had he done that then he would have given jockey Pat Dobbs an interesting adventure for sure.

Now that he has put his head over the line, he should kick on from this and he is one to keep an eye on providing the handicapper doesn’t overreact too much.

Whitebeam

3 – Whitebeam – 3yo Grey Filly – Trainer : Harry & Roger Charlton.

For myself this was visually a very impressive handicap win by a gorgeous looking grey, who finally went further afield than Newbury where she has ran exclusively so far in her three races this season.

Having been unraced as a 2yo it was fairly obvious why the trainers kept her in training, she handled the turning 7f without fuss and is worth more than her 91 rating, it would be no shock for her to get some black type before too long.

Hopefully these three will continue to improve and find more, next up on the racing front for myself will be the feature flat race of the north west season, the Group 1 Haydock Sprint Cup next month, till then it’s goodbye….

Article & Pictures – Neil Watson

An Arseonlineracing Production – Published August 2022

AOLR Update…..

Hello everyone,

Firstly before I get stuck into this blog, I hope everyone is well, enjoying life & the racing..

Many of you may have noticed that Arseonlineracing have only been posting blog posts on Saturday’s & for the big racing festivals, I would like to try & explain why this is, while trying not too sound like a moany old fart( Actually only in my late 40’s )..

Our last interview was published on February 20th 2022 just before the Cheltenham Festival, while prior to the Festival in March & our last interview, I had been actively emailing Trainers, Jockey agents, Jockeys. media folk as well as sending DM’s via Twitter, having asked for a follow.
I am pro quite active when seeking interviews, ultimately trying to get the right person at the right time of the year ( Spring for Flat & Mid to late Summer for National Hunt ).

Like my in box… Empty!

From November 2021 to the date of our last interview in February, I contacted 12 people, ranging from Media to Jockeys to Trainers to Bloodstock, I had 3 response’s, which resulted in 2 emails making contact to start the process… We published 1 interview!
We can play the odds or statistics card all we want but, you would expect at least 40/50% to respond, which would lead to at least 2 interview’s…

From the date of our last interview, I have sent 7 emails & sent 6 DM’s on Twitter, mainly to Trainer’s, received 2 positive response’s but we still have nothing to publish or any news on anything going forward!
I do this because I love racing, horses & the sport, we love trying to promote the sport via an upcoming jockey, the smaller trainers, retired jockey’s, the people in the racing media, the people behind the big racing festivals, syndicates….
Just look at our website to see our previous interviews, there are quite a few from the big names to the smaller names….

Whilst I understand people are busy & their jobs are very intense at certain times of the year, a simple NO or can you wait or even a response would be appreciated. I also understand that our website name, may not be everyone’s cup of tea ( I prefer Yorkshire BTW ) or the fact that, I like everyone else on social media have opinions about racing ( In general terms)..

A few of our previous interviewees

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I just wanted you guy’s to know that we are trying to bring you more BIG Interview’s with folk from the world of racing, from all around the world & I will keep trying….

As a website, run by fans of the sport, we have no sponsors, have no affiliate links, ONLY promote racing & racing websites from our homepage. We are racing fans!
Thanks for taking the time to read this folks, stay well & be lucky

Rich

AOLR Publication – Published August 2022