Fillies' And Mares' (2:20)
I've been looking forward to seeing FASHION LINE on a racecourse again since her run in the Lincoln Trial Handicap at Wolverhampton in March. I was there that day and she definitely stood out as a horse to follow. She was racing against far more experienced horses that day but despite being less experienced than her opposition, she ran a great race to finish 4th. Also, bearing in mind she was the widest entering the straight, this only enhances her claims today. The only worry is that the distance may be a little on the short side, although you'd hope Jamie Spencer will hold her up and unleash her up the straight. Big chance.
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| Fashion Line winning at Wolverhampton in January. |
3 Year Olds (2:55)
This race centres around Spring Cup winner Ertijaal. Although he only just scraped home at short odds that day, he's almost certain to improve for the run. If he improves on that win, he should win. However, should he not progress, PASSING STAR could be the horse to claim the spoils. I see no reason why any of the horses Ertijaal beat in the Spring Cup should reverse the form, so Passing Star could be the one. He's won three out of three so far, all of these being on the all-weather. He could be a horse going places, he has a definite place chance.
Mile (4:40)
GREY MIRAGE has won his last two races at the course, the latest being courtesy of a brilliant ride by Ryan Moore. He rides once again and it would be nice for Marco Botti to win on this day, as he has supported these Championships extremely well and has seemingly ran some of his better horses for the flat season over the winter on the all weather, namely Nell Gwyn second Euro Charline. Grey Mirage is in great form and should run a good race.
Also, you cannot ignore runaway Lady Wulfruna Stakes winner CHOOKIE ROYALE. He ran on the same day as Fashion Line at Wolverhampton, meaning I witnessed his demolition job. You couldn't not be impressed with the way he won that day. Ignore his run in the Lincoln last time out, it was too bad to be true. The ground was too soft for him and he'd ran plenty of races on synthetic surfaces beforehand, so maybe he just couldn't adapt to it that day. Back on the All Weather, the highest rated horse in the field has a nice chance.
Middle Distance (5:20)
The best race on the card is the concluding one, although it is also one of the hardest to decipher. Many of the horses who ran in the Winter Derby re-oppose and although the likes of Robin Hoods Bay (1st), Aussie Reigns (3rd), Dick Doughtywylie (4th) and favourite that day Grandeur (a disappointing 8th), I'm choosing to avoid the race altogether.
I've already praised Marco Botti in the blog and I like his representative in this race, SOLAR DEITY. Decent prep runs in Dubai should have him primed for this and providing the travelling hasn't taken anything out of him, he should go close for jockey Adam Kirby, who has really shone over the winter with his top quality riding.
Another horse of interest in the race is MARSHGATE LANE. He won two in a row at the back end of 2013 and if he's primed ready for the race, he should be there or thereabouts. Narrowly beat Solar Deity last time out although he's had a few runs since. Both should give a good account of themselves.
The creators of these All Weather Championships deserve a lot of praise for what they have done. Many perceive the all weather circuit as being pointless and boring but these Championships have really brought the world of all weather racing to life. Many were skeptical of having racing on Good Friday but I think it will turn out to be a great idea. Instead, it would've been raced on a Saturday where it wouldn't have gained the attention it warrants. I hope they get what they deserve, a smashing day's racing.
Enjoy your Good Friday
Happy Punting!
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