YOU CAN NEVER GET E-NAF OF THE HEET

Day Two of the both Newmarket's Craven and Cheltenham's April meetings take place today, with the racing looking just as good as it did yesterday. I was at Cheltenham yesterday where along with the beautiful sunshine, there looked to be some decent types on show. Long House Hall looks a very progressive type for Dan Skelton whilst the winner of the first Might Bite, despite giving his backers a fright after the final flight, appears to have a bright future, probably over fences given his size. Anay Turge narrowly captured the feature and we saw AP McCoy and Richard Johnson battle it out up the straight for possibly the last time at Cheltenham, with the latter prevailing aboard Cloud Creeper. A wonderful day but now we look to today...

Newmarket's feature is the Group 3 Craven Stakes (4:05), where MOHEET and NAFAQA are the selections. Moheet sauntered home in a Salisbury maiden and is well thought of by a trainer who has won the last three renewals of this. Richard Hannon also runs Kool Kompany but both the ground and trip throw up worries about his chances. Nafaqa beat White Lake (who re-opposes today) in a Listed Doncaster race before being narrowly beaten by Racing Post Trophy winner Elm Park. That form gives him a big chance here. War Envoy is becoming a frustrating sort and his ability has to be questioned here. Aces, who was behind Aidan O'Brien's runner in the Champagne Stakes, has plenty to find, as does Hail The Hero.

Moheet

Nafaqa (blue and white striped cap)

There's another Group 3, courtesy of the Abernant Stakes (3:30). Music Master is a worthy favourite but no price, so ASTAIRE, who ran his most promising race in some time behind Naadirr at Doncaster last time out and ANGELIC LORD, who ran well after a break behind Lexington Times on his most recent performance are selected. His age allowance will help him out plenty as well.


Recent Lincoln second MONDIALISTE has a big chance in the Group 3 Earl of Sefton (4:40). All his runs prior to that were in France, so to run such a belter in a race of that calibre on British debut could well be testament to his ability. GLORY AWAITS ran a good race behind Tullius last time out; a replication will see him in the thick of things here.

Another Tattersalls Millions race on this card can go the way of ROCKY RIDER (2:55). Plenty of these may need the run; Andrew Balding's representative won't. He ran a month ago at Chelmsford, where he put Godolphin's previously unbeaten Monein well and truly to the sword. I suspect that to be a quality performance so a big run is expected here.

The Wood Ditton (2:20) often proves to be a maiden with loads of beautifully bred types. The John Gosden pair of FALLEN FOR A STAR and MARKSTEIN should go well. The former is a half brother to Fallen Idol and Fallen For You (sense a theme). Hamdan Al Maktoum's apparent second string ALMOHTASEB's looks well bred- an Oasis Dream colt out of Albany winner and 1000 Guineas runner up Cuis Ghaire.

And in the fillies' maidens, SENSE OF FUN is chosen in the 1:45 and GOLDEN LAUGHTER in the 5:10. She's a half sister to Belle D'Or and 2000 Guineas winner Footstepsinthesand.


Over at Cheltenham, SIRE COLLONGES is taken to build on his decent cross-country run at the Festival. The ground should be in his favour for the 3:50. 

The 4:25 is a race of the blinkers. It could provide AP McCoy with his last ever Cheltenham winner on his last ever Cheltenham ride with MILAN BOUND. He won under a classic AP ride at Doncaster last time out but a six pound rise seems fair enough. First time blinkers should eke out some improvement; this horse would be a befitting last winner for the Champ. ROLLING MAUL has become a different animal with blinkers on, with two wins from two at Warwick and here. He could run well for the in-form Bowen team. Western Jo also has first time blinkers; he finished behind Milan Bound in that Doncaster race and also has claims.


Hope you continue to enjoy your day and continue to make the most of the sun.

Happy Punting!