The Dewhurst Stakes (4:00) initially revolved around two horses, Aidan O'Brien's Gleneagles and the current favourite Estidhkaar. However, Gleneagles was withdrawn at the 48 hour declaration stage after his demotion to third in the Jean-Luc Lagadere on Arc day (despite crossing the line first). Estidhkaar is clearly the classy horse in the race, showing contempt for almost every horse he's faced this season. However, a horse that interests me a lot is SMUGGLERS COVE. His form so far does not initially hit you as a Dewhurst winner, as he's only won a Listed race at Dundalk. But it was the manner in which won (by 7 lengths) that puts him firmly into the reckoning here. He races as though the soft ground would not be a problem and Aidan O'Brien could have sent plenty of other horses here today so it could be significant that he sends over this son of Fastnet Rock only seven days after his runaway all-weather success. A horse that has served me well this season is SECRET BRIEF so it would be foolish not to back him again. He owes me nothing and if he could get an easy lead he could push for a podium finish.
 |
| Smugglers Cove |
The Middle Park (2:55) would appear to be all about the unbeaten Ivawood and providing he's up to form, he should win this. However, I'm opposing him with KOOL KOMPANY, who will love the ground and could be dangerous if he gets an easy lead and CAPPELLA SANSEVERO, who will also love the ground and warrants some respect with man of the moment Andrea Atzeni in the saddle.
The other Group 1 today is the Fillies Mile (3:25). Again, it should be a case of the favourite taking all the beaten as Lucida looked a smart prospect when she won the Rockfel last time out. But there are some other decent looking fillies in the field, namely Marsh Hawk and AGNES STEWART. Preference is for the latter, who won very nicely at Doncaster in her last run. Her form has stacked up very well so far, it will be a cracking little race for sure.
I'll go through the rest in racecard order.
1:50- Seven furlongs is clearly CONJURING's bag. She ran very well last time out over C&D and for some unknown reason she has been dropped two pounds for it. Admittedly the ground could be a worry but if she handles it, 16/1 could look very big. Fidelma Moon and Mystic Jade could be the biggest dangers.
2:25- A lot of the runners in the Cornwallis ran against each other in the Listed Rosebery Stakes at Ayr. There was not much between them that day, perhaps Fendale (who was 5th that day) may prove to be the best of them but I think he wants 6 furlongs and firmer ground. But I'm going to avoid all the horses in that race, instead taking a relative gamble on the Swedish raider VOLATILE. He completely destroyed his maiden field on his only run to date and although it is not known what he beat, he could not have done it much better. He could be anything in truth but is worth taking a chance on in my opinion.
4:35- Soft ground specialists BRETON ROCK and AL THAKHIRA have to be respected here and are both worthy of giving French raider Thawaany a run for her money.
5:10- Air Pilot could not have won much easier last time out but this is a different kettle of fish to what was quite an ordinary handicap in comparison last time out. MUTAKAYYEF comes back after a short break and has been very unlucky not to have won more of his races. This son of Sea The Stars could prove too classy if everything falls into place today.
And a few for Cheltenham.
2:05- I saw BYRON BLUE win at Worcester two starts ago and although it was an average race, he won at a canter and could surprise a few here it taking the course's unique tests.
3:15- RETURN SPRING loves it around Prestbury Park whilst HENRYVILLE has been running very well of late. Competitive handicap hurdle this is.
5:35- POETIC VERSE should give very talented claimer Dean Pratt a very good spin. He's nicely weighted and warrants respect for shrewd trainer John Quinn. Mountain King rates the biggest danger.
Enjoy your Friday
Happy Punting!
No comments:
Post a Comment