We will kickstart with the Newmarket, where the feature race is the Sun Chariot Stakes (3:30). I wrote last week about Andre Fabre's impeccable record with fillies on the Rowley Mile when promoting High Celebrity's chances in the Cheveley Park and although she could only manage third, Fabre's record there still stands. He sends three over for this; one of whom is current favourite Fintry, who is likely to be cherry-ripe for this following her solid victory in the Group 3 Atalanta Stakes at Sandown. However, this is a big step up for the Godolphin owned filly and I think she is worth taking on with Fabre's two other representatives, MISS FRANCE and ESOTERIQUE. Both of these fillies have won on the Rowley Mile this year, which proves that they will be able to deal with the undulations of this unique course. 1000 Guineas winner Miss France last ran in the Prix Rothschild, where she came second behind Esoterique, so their recent form is no worry either. The latter has also ran again since, finishing a not too distant fourth behind three useful colts in the Moulin. Their run in the Rothschild brings Integral into the mix, as she finished a disappointing third at odds on that day. This clearly did not show this year's Falmouth Stakes winner to her full ability and she is sure to put in a better performance this time around although 3/1 could be a little short in this field. Last year's winner Sky Lantern has looked a shadow of her former self this season and would have to up her game if she is to feature here but you would not rule it out. Kiyoshi bounced back to form at Doncaster last time out but she will have to step up on that and the same goes for Hamdan Al Maktoum's Etaab, who narrowly won at hot handicap over course and distance only 8 days ago.
 |
| Esoterique (left) and Miss France (right). |
There are also some Tattersalls Millions races at Newmarket today, where as the race name suggests, there is plenty of money on offer. In the 2:20, SECRET BRIEF warrants respect as he goes for his second win in a race under the Tattersalls Millions banner. He showed he was extremely game that day and once he hit the front, he was not for passing. A repeat performance will see him go close. OUTLAW COUNTRY is another interesting contender based on his cosy success at the second time of asking at Leicester. He could be anything in truth but the booking of Pat Smullen as a jockey suggests that he's thought quite highly of by the boys in blue.
The Oh So Sharp Stakes (2:55) was won last year by Miss France but I would be surprised if this year's renewal threw up another 1000 Guineas winner. Yodelling looked a smart filly based on her debut win but it is unknown if she will progress from that run as some Godolphin horses have a tendency to leave their ability in their first run. To me, 5/2 is short enough about her. Local Time has her first run on turf (he three runs so far have all be on a synthetic surface.) so that is an unknown regarding her. Shagah has run to a respectable level so far but is looking a little exposed now and she has only won an average maiden. A horse who could surprise a little is MAJESTIC MANNER. She was very green on debut but followed that up with a nice victory in what was quite a decent Lingfield maiden. If she can step up on that run, she could make her presence felt in this contest. Of the rest, Taaqah could run well but her trainer James Tate's record at the course (0-25) would be enough to put me off her.
The maiden (4:05) is a race that looks full of decent two year olds, as it does every year. The one's with experience dominate the betting and rightly so. Aloft and Archery Peak both ran solid maidens and both looked like they would be winning races soon. However, I'm going to look for one at a bigger price so the selection is RARE RHYTHM. He's the third shortest in the market (at the time of writing) which suggests that he may possess some ability.
Over at Ascot, STEPS would have a great chance in the opener (2:05) if the forecasted rain came but should still run well even if it stayed dry. Listed races seem to be his level so should easily be capable of holding his own. Andrea Atzeni on board is a big plus too. Muthmir could have been running in the Abbaye on Arc day which evidently shows what his connections think of him. He could potentially trounce the opposition but is not a price I would be interested in. Justice Day seems more at home over six furlongs whilst Ladies Are Forever should not be ignored although she too may ideally want six furlongs and would not want the heavens to open.
Another sprint, this time over six furlongs with the Bengough Stakes, is at 3:15. This Group 3 contest looks wide open, with last years winner Tropics heading the market. He's not the most consistent sort however so I'd rather look elsewhere. After quite some time off the track following a failed period at stud, RECKLESS ABANDON seems to be coming back to something like his two year old best, finishing behind the smart filly Mecca's Angel last time out. Kevin Manning looks a positive booking and I'm hopeful that he could go very close here. Another fascinating contender is SIGNS OF BLESSING, who could quite easily have run in Sunday's Abbaye having had close form with Rangali, Catcall and Stepper Point. This implies that his connections must think he has a big chance here. Any rain would do this French raider the world of good. Others with chances include Intibaah, who will need rain but would have to defy a 147 day absence and Ayr Gold Cup winner Louis The Pious, who seemed to have everything fall right for him that day; he may not be so lucky on Saturday. He will want the rain to avoid the Berkshire venue.
The Challenge Cup (3:50) is as competitive as ever, with many having chances. I have managed to whittle the field down to three. HEAVEN'S GUEST, a consistent performer who'd like cut in the ground, MORACHE MUSIC, who needs cut but is a force to be reckoned with if he gets it and SIRIUS PROSPECT, a smart sprinter who could make his presence felt. Blaine will want it firm and the trip is an unknown (although he should cope fine), Prince's Trust recorded a facile victory last time out but this is a different kettle of fish and Almargo is another who will want the rain to stay away.
In short, Ascot's card features very competitive races where the weather will play a pivotal role in the day's goings on.
Redcar host their annual highlight, the 2 Year Old Trophy, on Saturday. Limato is a slightly surprising entry as his form is head and shoulders above the rest although there are bits of value to be found as a result of this. MATTMU has not run a bad race thus far, REALTRA likewise and SEA WOLF could be overpriced if it rains a little.
In the 3:45, it could be siding with horses who have form on softer ground so TAWHID and PENITENT are chosen. Muteela has not ran on ground softer than good to soft, Patentar was well beaten when he ran on it. Cape Factor will welcome the rain but may not be good enough.
Finally, the Redcar maiden at 4:20 should be won by either the once raced Purple Rock or Makfi's brother Muhtadim. But I'm going to oppose the pair with LONE STAR BOY, who is bred to be very speedy being by Starspangledbanner and out of a mare by Compton Place.
Enjoy your Saturday
Happy Punting!
No comments:
Post a Comment