BACKING MILLY IS A GIFT

This post is written whilst I'm still high on Taghrooda euphoria. Once she had hit the front, my jaw simply dropped as she extended her margin of victory. It was the performance of a superstar filly and you would be hopeful that there is a lot more to come from this offspring of Sea The Stars, who is really finding his stride as a sire after struggling to find the winners in 2013. It really seems as though, like himself, his progeny put in their best performances when they go beyond 2 years old. Anyway, my main selection today is another filly running at Ascot. She may not be quite in Taghrooda's league, but she's a smart filly in her own right.

MILLY'S GIFT (Ascot 5:20) last two runs have been very solid, a success over Sandown's 5 furlong speed test then over today's course and distance where she finished second behind a potential improver in Discussiontofollow. She appears to be well drawn and the challenge she faces today is far less imposing. Previous winners of this race have all been aged 4 or 5, which is another thing in her favour as she is a four year old. Big chance.

Milly's Gift (leading), winning at Sandown.

In the last two races at Carlisle, VICTORY DANZ (5:00) could be in with a chance. He could be well weighted (he is one pound lower than when he came second behind Miss Lucy Jane, who went on to win next time out) but I think that it's less about his quality and more about potential weaknesses in his opposition. Her Red Devil's rider George Chaloner is 0-24 from rides at Carlisle whilst Archie's Advice, who was behind Her Red Devil last time out, looks no better than Victory Danz but is 9/4, whereas Victory Danz is available at 5's. That price difference makes little sense to me.

In the 5:30 at Carlisle, I'm plumping for a horse who I backed last time out when he won nicely at Ayr. HANALEI BAY has only been raised three pounds for that last win and although the step down in trip looks a little bemusing, he should be capable of putting in another bold showing today.

We are staying up north for the final selections of the day, courtesy of Pontefract. The 3:30 is quite a competitive affair, where you could make a case for several in the field. I've chosen two in this, the first of which is a horse who has been running very solidly lately, SPANISH PLUME. Numerous decent runs on the all weather were followed by a second behind Thecornishcowboy, who was going through a purple patch at the time. Last time out he won at Chester for five pound claimer Kevin Stott and he takes the ride again. The other pick is CROQUEMBOUCHE, who simply looks very well weighted based on his best form, due to him being aided by seven pound claimer Megan Carberry. His last run hinted that there is some ability left in him too.

The 4:40 at Pontefract should see DARK CASTLE run another good race. He may be still weighted a little highly but he ran into a horse who was very nicely weighted at Catterick last time. A repeat display of that should him go close.

And finally Pontefract's concluding race, the 5:40. MEY BLOSSOM may be a 9 year old but she is still putting in admirable performances. Her win two outings ago and her third last time out would be good enough for her to win if she replicated them. Pabusar's strike rate is uninspiring and Pearl Noir's two successes have come off marks of 43 and 47, he goes off 51 today. 

Enjoy your Sunday

Happy Punting!