The opening three-year-old handicap on the card looks a competitive affair that is sure to throw up a Britannia Handicap contender or two, with a clutch of these wholly unexposed/improving types likely to have a fair bit more improvement in them yet - previous winners include Redford, Roman Republic, Sea Lord and Chef.
The selection is a son of Street Cry who is a half brother to 7f 2yo debut winner North East Corner out of a 7f 2yo debut winner who was a full sister to Cheveley Park Stakes winner Magical Romance and closely related to English/Irish/Yorkshire Oaks heroine Alexandrova, 1m 2yo winner/Derby third Masterofthehorse, dual 12f 3yo winner Clearwater Bay and 10f Flat/2m hurdle winner Washington Irving out of a half sister to the dam of high-class middle distance performers Lion Sands and Pongee. This well-bred 375,000gns purchase is trained by Sir Michael Stoute and debuted in the 1m Wood Ditton Stakes at Newmarket's Craven meeting in April, going off an unfancied 25/1 chance (owner's second string); one of three from this stable); broke on terms from his wide draw but forfeited ground by switching in behind runners to drop in at the back of the field, still on the bridle three furlongs from home but with nowhere to go until switched well over a furlong out and keeping on stylishly under very considerate handling to pass several rivals late and finish ninth behind Mariner's Cross (beaten 9 lengths). He fully confirmed the promise of that debut run when sent off a well-supported 7/4 favourite for a 1m maiden at Kempton a month ago; raced in behind the leaders on this occasion, pushed along over two furlongs out and taking a little while to hit full flow, doing so approaching the final furlong and staying on well to lead inside the final 100 yards or so to see off Nine Realms by ¾ length. The runner-up has since won (had chased home a subsequent Listed winner on debut), as has the fourth (albeit at long odds on in a poor race), and this colt gave the impression that there would a lot better to come in due course, understandably still not absolutely sure what was required of him when being asked a serious question for the first time. His opening mark of 95 doesn't appear to be overly lenient, but this well-bred son of Street Cry very much appeals as the type to progress through handicaps in double-quick time so ought to prove up to that mark; will undoubtedly want 10f in time, but it would still be something of a disappointment if he couldn't supplement his maiden win here with another victory.
The Marco Botti trained Grey Mirage is a son of Oasis Dream who was sent off the 11/4 market leader ahead of his debut outing in a 1m maiden at Nottingham last October, but he ruined his chances by breaking slowly and then coming wide off the first bend, travelling up nicely to the leaders three furlongs out but was unable to quicken and weakened inside the final furlong to come home in fifth behind Fennell Bay (beaten 4¾ lengths). He was again prominent in the market when returning to the same course and distance for a similar contest a month later, going off a 7/2 chance; raced in midfield until moving closer to the leaders going well passing the three furlong marker, shaken up two furlongs out and proving unable to quicken for pressure inside the final furlong as he came home sixth behind Colima (beaten 11 lengths). He made it third time lucky on his reappearance when landing a 1m maiden at Kempton towards the end of March, for which he was sent off a 10/11 chance; made just about all, travelling well in the lead at the top of the straight and ridden over a furlong out, always in command and drawing clear close home to see off Dartford by 2¼ lengths. He followed up in the Esher Cup at Sandown next time in terrible ground, going off a 6/1 chance beforehand; dictated matters at a steady tempo early, breaking clear by a few lengths at halfway until his lead was reduced approaching the two furlong marker, challenged strongly over a furlong out but finding extra inside the final furlong and drawing clear again at the line to see off Kid Suitor by 4 lengths. It was a good front-running performance from this son of Oasis Dream, showing a willing attitude once challenged over a furlong to win going away in the end, and the fourth and sixth placed horses went on to fight out the finish of another good handicap on their next outing. He has been put up 7lbs for that win, but he is clearly a progressive sort who has already proven his versatility with regards to the ground; clocked a slower time over the same course and distance as Mawasem when winning his maiden at Kempton, but otherwise has to be respected on the strength of his victory in similar company at Sandown last time out as he bids for a hat trick here.
The Saeed Bin Suroor trained Gold City is a son of Pivotal who made a successful start to his career when winning his first two races, making a winning debut in a 6f maiden at Leicester in late July and following that with an all-the-way win in a three-runner novices' contest at Nottingham the following month over the same trip. He then ran two creditable races in defeat at a higher level, running Gerfalcon to a half length when second in a Listed contest at Ripon before finding only Eureka too good for him by the same margin in a conditions contest at the Leger meeting here last September, holding every chance over a furlong out but proving unable to sustain his challenge all the way to the line. His final outing at two saw him contest the valuable Redcar 2yo Trophy, for which he was sent off a 14/1 chance; raced up with the pace from the outset, ridden and losing his position two furlongs out, sticking on at the same pace thereafter as he came home in sixth behind Bogart (beaten 5½ lengths). He was giving weight to almost all of his rivals on that occasion and didn't disgrace himself, but he is now asked to kick off life in handicaps at three from a mark of 98 and doesn't appear to have as much scope for improvement as one or two of his rivals, particularly for this extra distance; likely vulnerable to improvers.
The Richard Hannon trained Mister Music is easily the most exposed member of the field, but the son of Singspiel has shown himself to be a solid performer at this sort of level, following his impressive maiden win (second time out) at Sandown last summer with creditable efforts in defeat behind stablemate and subsequent Group 3 winner Crius in a minor event before finishing fourth behind Fencing in a Listed contest at Newbury next time. He chased home the useful Farhaan in a small field event at Salisbury on his first try at 1m before going one better over a furlong further when seeing off Hint Of Mint in comfortable fashion in a conditions contest at Epsom, though signed off his juvenile campaign with a listless performance in a Listed contest at Pontefract. He ran with credit in defeat when second on his first two outings of the current season, finding Stipulate far too good for him when having the run of the race in the Listed Fielden Stakes at Newmarket, and he went down fighting when second to Goldoni in the Derby Trial at Epsom next time out over 10f. However, he came up well short when stepped back up to Listed level back at Newmarket on 2000 Guineas day, though he had excuses last time when one of a few that were hampered by a faller in a 10f handicap at Epsom last weekend (not persevered with); however, he is more exposed than most in the field and is another who is likely to find one or two improving past him.
The Mark Johnston trained Assizes is a son of Teofilo who is a half brother to useful UK/UAE 8-10f winner Dr Faustus, French 2m-2m 1f winner Marmoom Flower, 6f 2yo AW winner Desert Flora, 1m 2yo AW winner Call To Arms and 2m-2m 3f hurdle winner At Your Request, out of an unraced half sister to very smart 6-10f winner Last Second (later dam of French 2000 Guineas winner Aussie Rules), Doncaster Cup winner Alleluia (later dam of very smart stayer Allegretto) and excellent producers Alouette (dam of dual Champion Stakes winner Alborada) and Jude (dam of Quarter Moon and Yesterday). This smartly bred colt made a winning start to his career in a 1m maiden at Newbury last October; 15/2, held a prominent position from the outset, ridden along and making headway to challenge over a furlong out, leading entering the final furlong and staying on strongly in the final 100 yards to run out a convincing 2¼ length winner from Hallings Comet. He made his reappearance outing in a 1m handicap at Haydock a month ago, for which he was sent off a 7/2 chance; raced at the rear of the field and never proved competitive, slightly hampered over three furlongs out and unable to go the pace thereafter as he came home a soundly held sixth behind Trail Blaze (beaten 17½ lengths). However, he can be expected to improve for that first run back, and his debut win last autumn more than suggested this well-bred sort was above average; could well be that he will need further than this in order to shine, but not to be dismissed out of hand if improving as expected for that comeback run; connections have won this twice in recent times, including with subsequently high-class performer Sea Lord.
The William Haggas trained Well Painted is a son of Excellent Art who is a half brother to high-class 5-6f winner (including at Group 3/Listed level) Resplendent Glory, fairly useful 5-6f winners Esuvia and Matuza, out of a dual 6f AW winner who was a half sister to smart 5-6f winner Funny Valentine (Group 2 placed) and fairly useful 8-10f winner Dame Hester. This gelding made his debut outing in a 7f maiden at Newbury's Lockinge meeting last month, for which he was sent off a not unfancied 15/2 chance; raced close to the action from the outset, niggled two furlongs out but getting the hang of things quickly and showing a good turn of foot to lead approaching the final furlong, keeping on well for pressure throughout the final furlong despite drifting right to hold off Riot Of Colour by a neck. It was a good debut performance from this gelded son of Excellent Art, always in touch and quickening nicely to take up the running approaching the final furlong, responding well for pressure and overcoming inexperience once out in front to hold off a fair yardstick. He has been handed an opening mark of 93 for his handicap debut, and that looks no more than fair, but there ought to be a fair amount of improvement to come; main concern has to be the extra furlong he tackles here, his pedigree mainly about speed (smartest sibling and dam both sprinters), but undoubtedly a very useful prospect who commands respect on his first foray into this sphere.
The second division of what are sure to prove a pair of informative two-year-old maidens for the future, and this contest features one or two that went with a degree of promise on debut up against a host of nicely bred newcomers from top stables.
The selection is a son of Kyllachy who is a half brother to smart dual 6f 2yo winner (including on debut) Doctor Brown (runner-up at Group 2 level; later very useful in Hong Kong under the name Hellene Brilliant), useful dual 6f winner Insaaf, useful 5-6f 2yo winner Bright Moll (later dam of useful trio Hezmah, Lochan Mor and Tartiflette), 7f 3yo winner La Fanciulla, 1m 3yo winner Carpentras and 6f 2yo winner Ballyalla, out of a useful 5-6f winner. This nicely bred colt is trained by David Simcock and made £80,000 as a yearling at auction, making plenty of appeal on pedigree as a half brother to a handful of winners including smart juvenile sprinter Doctor Brown and other juvenile scorers including the useful pair Bright Moll and Insaaf. He comes from a stable that has made a good start with its youngsters in 2012, with all of their juvenile runners making the frame on debut and one winning next time out, and this colt's pedigree strongly suggest he will both prove capable of making a significant impact on debut and also handle these rain-softened conditions better than most here. This does look an above average race in which there are some other nicely bred newcomers and also a couple with previous experience, but this colt lacks for absolutely nothing on paper and also has the services of Frankie Dettori; no surprise to see this son of Kyllachy go very well on debut.
The Brian Meehan trained Index Waiter is a son of Exceed And Excel who is the first foal of a maiden full sister to high-class 7f-1m winner (including at Group 2 level)/2000 Guineas runner-up Snow Ridge and a half sister to smart 7f-1m winner (including at Listed level), French 1m 1f winner White King and 1m 1f 3yo AW winner Snowy Peak out of a smart 11f-2m winner (including at Listed level). This nicely bred colt made his debut outing in a 6f maiden at Haydock a couple of weeks ago, sent off a 12/1 chance; raced towards the rear of the field albeit in touch, ridden over two furlongs out but unable to make any significant impression on the leaders before appearing to run green approaching the final furlong, sticking on at just the one pace thereafter as he came home in sixth behind Morawij (beaten 7½ lengths). He can be expected to a lot better with that experience behind him, coming from a stable whose juveniles are renowned for improving significantly for their initial outing, and the form of his debut run has already taken a couple of significant boosts via the fourth and fifth placed horses both winning next time out, for all he was a fair distance behind them in the end; improvement could well see him involved.
The Robert Mills trained Club House is a son of Marju who is the first foal of a maiden half sister to 2m hurdle winner Lady Soughton out of a very useful 6-7f winner (Listed placed) who was a half sister to useful dual 1m winner So Sedulous and 6f 2yo winner Lady Diesis. This colt made his debut outing in a 6f maiden at Goodwood a fortnight ago, for which he was sent off an unfancied 25/1 chance; raced close to the action on the outer, shaken up over two furlongs out and holding every chance approaching the final furlong, unable to quicken and left behind in the closing stages as he came home in fifth behind Mister Marc (beaten 3 lengths). It was a fairly promising effort from this colt, caught wide throughout but travelling well enough for much of the way, unable to make any further impression inside the final furlong having looked a contender approaching the furlong marker, not given too hard a time as the principals asserted. The winner has since finished second at Listed level, and the eighth placed horse finished second back at the same venue next time (fourth disappointed in the same race); entitled to improve a fair bit for that initial outing, but this looks a stronger maiden than the one he contested on debut and could be vulnerable to one of the nicely bred newcomers from a top stable on this occasion.
There are a handful of interesting newcomers aside from the selection, the first of them being the Richard Hannon trained Pearl Acclaim, a son of Acclamation who is a half brother to 1m 3yo winner Our Phylli Vera out of an unraced half sister to smart 7-10f winner (including at Listed level) With Interest, French 1m winner Incoming, French/US 9-10f winner Eyes Wide Open and 1m 2yo winner Minimal out of a twice Group 1 placed 6f 2yo Group 3 winner who was a half sister to top-class US middle distance performer With Anticipation. This colt's sales price rose from 35,000gns as a foal to 165,000gns as a yearling, and his pedigree strongly suggests he will prove up to making an impact at two at around this trip, his dam unraced but a half sister to a high-class 7-10f winner and out of a Group 3 winner over 6f who was later runner-up in a pair of Group 1 contests including the Prix Morny. His sire is also an influence for speed/precocity, and he comes from a stable chock full of juvenile talent and who have really struck form with their juveniles in recent weeks, sending out several winning newcomers; looks the part on paper, and surprising if this son of Acclamation couldn't make a significant impact on debut.
Stablemate Havana Gold is a son of Teofilo who is a half brother to prolific 5f winner Rocker out of a high-class multiple 5-6f winner (including twice at Group 3 level) who was a half sister to high-class 7f-1m winner (including at Listed level)/Lockinge runner-up Majors Cast and triple 1m winner Swiftly Done. This colt sold for 80,000gns as a yearling at auction and make some appeal on pedigree, being a half brother to prolific sprint winner Rocker and also the fairly promising twice-raced maiden Skirmish, out of a dual Group 3 winning sprinter who was a half sister to Lockinge runner-up Majors Cast. However, the dam hasn't produced anything approaching her own ability from a handful of foals to date, and this colt has been passed over by Richard Hughes in favour of Pearl Acclaim; likely best watched for now, though the betting beforehand is sure to shed some more light on what is quite expected of this colt on debut.
The John Gosden trained Ferjaan is a son of Oasis Dream who is the first foal of a twice-raced maiden half sister to Lingfield Oaks Trial winner Dyna Waltz and 1m 3yo winner Utterance out of French 1000 Guineas winner Valentine Waltz, herself a half sister to top-class US 7f-1m 2yo winner Sense Of Style. This colt is the first foal of a mare who showed definite signs of promise in a pair of summer maidens for connections at two, and she was a half sister to the yard's Lingfield Oaks Trial winner Dyna Waltz and the daughter of their Nell Gwyn/French 1000 Guineas winner Valentine Waltz, so it is a family that his handler knows very well indeed. The yard as a whole have struck form in a big way in recent weeks, and their first juvenile runner of 2012 made an impressive winning debut over this course and distance on Friday; appeals as the type to make an impact at this sort of distance, and absolutely no surprise to see this well-related son of Oasis Dream in the thick of things on his debut outing here.
The Mark Johnston trained Sennockian Star is a son of Rock Of Gibraltar who is a half brother to 10-12f winner Figaro and modest 10f 3yo winner King's Chorister, out of a very smart multiple 8-10f winner (including the Group 1 Pretty Polly Stakes) who was a half sister to 1m 2yo debut winner Hymnsheet and 7f 2yo winner Choirgirl out of a half sister to high-class 7-13f winner (including at Group 2/3 level) Sacrament and to the dam of useful pair Anne Of Kiev and Big Robert. This colt sold for 36,000gns as a yearling and makes some appeal on pedigree being the son of Group 1 winning mare Chorist, though it is fair to say that her broodmare career hasn't really hit the same heights as her racing career did, her two winners so far successful at a fairly modest level. His pedigree suggests that he will want a bit further than this sooner rather than later, but he comes from a respected northern yard that has struck with a trio of newcomers already this term; still probably best watched over this trip on debut, unless the market beforehand indicates a big run is expected from this son of Rock Of Gibraltar.
The Marco Botti trained Sekumkum is a son of Invincible Spirit who is a half brother to dual 5f 2yo AW winner Piranha out of a 13f 3yo winner who was a full sister to King Edward VII Stakes winner Subtle Power and dual 12f 3yo winner Make Haste, closely related to useful dual 7f 2yo winner Liberation and a half sister to smart Irish/UAE 8-9f winner Mutahadee (Group 1 placed) and useful 1m 3yo winner Arhaaff (Listed placed) out of a half sister to Prix Saint Alary winner Muncie and smart stayer Mersey. This colt fetched £48,000 at auction last year and is bred to be quite useful, though his pedigree is something of a mixture given his sire is a speed influence and his dam, though unraced herself was a Sadler's Wells sister to a pair of middle distance winners including the high-class Subtle Power. He has clearly taken more after his sire to be seen out as early as this over six furlongs, and he comes from a stable that continues to thrive with every passing year under the guidance of the excellent Marco Botti; yard capable of readying one to strike at the first time of asking, and the booking of Mickael Barzalona is a further positive. _________________ Dark Horses 2013 - Flat
I'm off to Chester races tomorrow and I've done a lot of studying over the 7 races. One that caught my eye was sonko who was the nearest of all when ballesteros blistered home in a class 2 race. Dropping in class with no bearings on handicap and looks to like the soft ground.
My other choice is ashkalra in the lucky last. Back on softer ground, slowly dropping through the handicap ratings and very much in with a chance in my opinion..17/2 looks a big price
A 12-runner handicap at HQ is normally a competitive affair but the market in this race suggests that the John Gosden trained Trade Commisioner all but has it sewn up. I, however, think some of the 'outsiders' are some what over-priced and there is likely to be more than enough each-way value to go around.
Trade Commisioner is a smartly-bred 4yo, by multiple 1m2½f - 1m4f Group 1 winning super-sire Montjeu, and the first-foal of a 9 length Group 1 Sun Chariot winner at 1m as a 3yo who was later sold for 3,000,000gns. John Gosden's gelding was unraced as both a 2yo and a 3yo but he looks the type to quickly make up for lost time, building on his promising 3rd over 7f on Kempton's AW by running out a good winner of a 1m2f Sandown maiden, giving 14lbs in weight for age allowances to the rest of the field. His opening mark of 86 appears rather lenient and he could make a mockery of it in time but he was recently withdrawn from a race due to soft ground and the downpour the country has suffered all day is most certainly against him, his time will come but I have a feeling it won't be today.
Reachforthebucks, trained in Newmarket by Jane Chapple-Hyam, was progressive on the AW last season when with Michael Wigham seeing his handicap mark rise from an initial 50 to a mark of 80. He joined Rae Guest for 2 runs but could only manage 9th on each start before heading to HQ where he again started to look progressive when returned to the AW - he ran well on his return to turf and held his form well over different trips but this 1m2f looks his best. He may not have reached his peak mark just yet but he is another who soft ground is a concern for, he has place prospects if handling it.
Top weight Troopingthecolour finished 1st or 2nd on all of his first 8 starts on the flat and was far from disgraced when 5th in a 1m2f 0-100 Ascot handicap behind High Twelve before running a gallant 4th in another 0-100 handicap this time at York over 1m4f behind Crackentorp. In 2 runs this season he has finished 2nd both times, flattered to finish just 3 lengths behind 105 rated Dawn Twister off level-weights but his 2nd effort back in handicap company was solid, he failed to finish with his usual kick though and it may be that the handicap may just have caught up with him now. A return to softer ground will suit him more than most and he is likely to run his race again and at 15/2 could prove value each-way but for win purposes it is probably best to look elsewhere.
The selection, LITTLE ROCKY, is a lightly-raced, progressive 4yo colt from the David Simcock yard. He showed smart form in 2 maidens as a 2yo, notably when running 1/5 favourite, and subsequent St Leger 3rd, Sea Moon all the way to the line, pulling well clear of the 3rd. He didn't have to improve to get off the mark on his first start as a 3yo before going off a shortish priced favourite in a 1m Haydock handicap. He couldn't win that or his other 2 starts as a 3yo but his last run of the season, stepped up to 1m2f for the first time, was encouraging - he met plenty of trouble in running before keeping on steadily to finish 7th - 1st, 2nd and 5th all won since as did a couple in behind. He ran another encouraging run on his first run as a 4yo when 3rd to a couple of nice types, he should improve a good deal from that run, he will relish the soft and every yard of the 1m2f on a stiff track. His stable are in good current form and Tom Queally is a good, eye-catching jockey booking.
A strong 1m4f handicap on soft ground with a few confirmed front-runners in Ermyn Lodge, Classic Punch and Qushchi which is sure to make this a true test of stamina.
Spifer looks the best handicapped horse in the race and I wouldn't be surprised if he ran out a 5 length winner, but his attitude is somewhat suspect and he has thrown away a winning opportunity on more than one occasion. He hung badly left over CD when beaten a head by Tanfeeth and again when a short head behind subsequent Listed winner Barbican at Ascot. He didn't appear to be over those problems when again hanging left-handed on his reappearance leaving him with plenty to prove. His wide draw doesn't help his chances either.
Carrying top weight around a tough track like Newmarket on rain-softened ground is never an easy task but the progressive Mark Johnston horse Ithoughtitwasover has posted some list-topping RPR's and he, again, shouldn't be too far away. This is his toughest task to date however, with another 3lb added to his handicap mark after a close up 3rd at Goodwood latest. He had been winning well on good to soft ground at this track and then Hamilton but he didn't handle soft ground at Epsom before that, the track may have been cause for concern too but he ran well enough at another sharp track in Goodwood to suggest the track had less to do with it. He is still on the up, but needs to produce another career best if he is to win here.
The most progressive horse in the race is likely Mulaqen, trained by Marcus Tregoning. He ran out a ready winner on his first start as a 4yo when beating a competitive field in a 1m4f York handicap on good ground. He has been raised 13lb for that victory which could be feasible but the concern is that he may not handle soft ground as well - he sire won the Champions Stakes over 1m2f on soft ground but all his other winning came on quick ground, his dam was unraced but her sire also did all his winnong on a fast surface. Mulaqen won first time up as a 3yo without winning for the remainder of the season so he could be best fresh.
High Jinx has a handicap in him off this mark. Unlike many of these he is likely to be suited by the soft ground having won well on good to soft and travelling like a dream on soft on his reappearance before getting tired due to a lack of race fitness over 1m2f at Doncaster. He should come on for that run and shouldn't be too far away but 5/1 looks short as James Fanshawe is in bad form at present which is the biggest danger to the chances of High Jinx, as is his wide draw.
The Godolphin trained ANATOLIAN was unraced at 2 but was very progressive as a 3yo and there is every reason to think he can continue that good progress now as a 4yo. He won 3 of his 5 starts, including a ready CD win on his final start, last season. That race only had 4 runners but he did it well in a race that wasn't run to suit on ground that he didn't appear to appreciate. There are be plenty of excuses to be made for his seemingly below-par run on his seasonal reappearance as, again, the race wasn't run to suit and his stable runners were all badly in need of the run earlier in the season. He traveled well, up with the pace throughout the race before getting tired and then outpaced when they quickened half a mile from home, he will come on a great deal for that run, he will like the slower ground and strong pace as ideally he wants a stuff test of stamina at 1m4f. He remains just 4lb above his easy CD win with the likely-hood that there is more to come. His stable is now in great form and he should be far away at decent odds.
Joined: 30 Sep 2009
Posts: 1104
Location: Sprint Valley
Posted: Fri Jun 08, 2012 11:00 pm Post subject:
Great write up for a newbie - Welcome to the forum.
Ginger Ted 7.30 Windsor @ 12/1
Now on a winning mark and with ground conditions to suit I am hoping he can be involved in the finish.
Magic Secret looks an exciting prospect and looks the one to beat but Ginger Ted runs well at this time of year on good/soft,
Had a pipe opener and then ran on unsuitable firm ground. If not today I reckon he is one to keep on side for the next couple of runs.
This is a small but very tricky race with all these runners having raced against each other before. Signifer is the best handicapped of all of them. He was beaten narrowly by the favourite Royal Reyah when these two finished 2nd and 3rd but Signifer is 3lbs better at the weights and hopefully can get one or two necks closer. Interesting also that Sonko is the second favourite. Sonko finished a creditable second in class 2 event last time but that was on soft ground and the one that beat him that day Ballestros has already been beat by horses that finished behind him on this type of ground. So Sonko can also get overturn, though he is yet to beat Signifer, but if the ground gets very soft tomorrow he'll be a player. However, Sonko has to overturn a defeat by Signifier at 1 stone 3lbs worse weight!!!. Signifier also had the worse of draws that day.
Signifier has also beat Powerful Wind 3 out of 4 times. And is 10lbs better for the one time this form was the other way round.
Signifer has been beaten by Rusty Rocket too by about a neck at 6lbs better terms so Signifer has to reverse that form too.
And not to forget Bubbly Ballerina who is not completely out of it on old form. I don't think she was good enough to win the class 2 a couple of outings ago but she was badly hampered last time and the jockey had to pull back so if any old glimpse of ability left she's overpriced here in the context of this race.
Signifer is a bit of a donkey and idles at the finish a bit which cost him a few defeats but having S Hitchcott on board who has 30% strike rate at the track in the last 12 months, having ridden 12 horses and actually finishing in the win/placings for 50% of them so hopefully he knows what to do tomorrow.
If the ground goes too soft though, forget it because I don't think Signifer goes on bad ground.
Selection: Signifer 6/1 _________________ The difference between genius and stupidity is that genius has its limits
2.20 Newmarket TAKEITFROMALADY 8/1, NAP Form over this distance is 2,2,1,1,4 , with a 2nd and 2 1sts over soft to heavy ground, one of the wins a class 3 at Windsor in May. He runs of a similar weight today, only 4lb off that mark. Jim Crowley has also hit some form over the past few days with a 4,1,1,2,6,2,2,1. The horse loves ground with cut in it and has showed some real gutsy performances of late, a small drift could tempt an e/w banker especially with most bookies offering 4 places.
3.30 Newmarket TROOPINGTHECOLOUR 15/2, Ran a cracker lto to come a close 2nd over 1m2f (class 3) at York on good ground 22 days ago, beating the then well backed favourite Sandusky who runs again today. Dettori was onboard Sandusky then, but has favoured Troopingthecolour for todays race, with M.Barzalona taking up the vacant Sandusky seat. He has had good form on soft/heavy ground with a 2,2,2,1,1,5,4,2,2 along with 3 straight wins on the polytrack, 2 at 1m2f. He runs off top weight, only 1lb more than his close 2nd lto in a similar field. Trade Commissioner holds favouritsm at present, who does run off a good mark, but he is yet to race in a decent field and on soft ground.
Welcome Corruptus In Extremis, superb write ups and good luck in the 3.30.
A 26-race maiden who travelled well over 4f shorter than this trip last week. Showed improvement in last two races, placing twice, whilst tackling a longer distance each time.
De Sousa takes the reins for the first time in which is a very positive booking for the yard (trainer also has Media Stars in same race).
She will break her maiden tag sooner rather than later, let's just hope it's today.
Posted: Sat Jun 09, 2012 10:11 am Post subject: saturday racing selections
2.55 newmarket
shropshire is my ew selection he ran a stinker at york albeit with an app jockey so hoping hills can pull it out the bag ground quite testing but apparently its going to get a bit of sunshine so im hoping the ground dries up a little
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