This is perhaps the best middle distance handicap for three-year-olds to have been contested so far this season, notwithstanding the King George V Handicap at Royal Ascot, bringing together a handful of upwardly mobile, still unexposed sorts likely destined for bigger and better things sooner rather than later.
The selection is a well-bred son of Selkirk who caught the eye in a major way on his sole juvenile outing in a 1m maiden at Sandown last September, towards the rear and green throughout, appearing to be toiling as the pace lifted over two furlongs from home, but he got his act together in no uncertain terms throughout the final furlong and finishing with a flourish to take fourth behind Open Water. He confirmed the promise he has shown on that occasion when returning to action with a win in a 10f maiden at Windsor back in April (even-money favourite); raced in behind the pace for much of the way, pushed along over two furlongs and soon making headway to challenge between rivals, gaining the upper hand approaching the final furlong and drawing clear thereafter to run out a comfortable 3¾ length winner over main market rival Ace Of Valhalla. He further enhanced his reputation when following that with victory in a traditionally strong 12f handicap at Chester's May meeting, going off a 7/1 chance beforehand; dropped in from his wide draw, he travelled smoothly off the pace until making a fast-forward move on the outer three furlongs from home, shaken up to challenge over a furlong out and soon leading, drawing clear in impressive fashion inside the final furlong to see off Gabrial The Great by 3¼ lengths. He hasn't been seen since that emphatic win (changed hands, been gelded and raised 9lbs in the weights in the interim), but the form of that victory has been boosted significantly by the runner-up winning here off 84 since and the fourth scoring twice in good handicaps off marks of 79 and 87. This now gelded son of Selkirk shaped last time as though potentially a cut above handicaps (entered in the Group 2 Great Voltiguer later this month), and has already shown he can win off the back of a break on his seasonal reappearance; has to give weight away to some equally progressive types, but absolutely no surprise to see this hat trick seeking gelding book himself a place in pattern-class company with victory here.
The Sir Michael Stoute-trained Gospel Choir is a well-bred son of Galileo who shaped with promise on his one run at two in a 1m maiden at Newmarket (July) last August, racing towards the rear of the field and outpaced over three furlongs out, gradually getting his act together and staying on strongly throughout the final furlong to take third behind Harvard N Yale (beaten 2½ lengths). He wasn't seen again until contesting a 10f maiden at Salisbury at the beginning of last month, for which he was sent off the 4/7 market leader; raced in behind the leaders until ridden and outpaced two furlongs out, looking held approaching the final furlong until finally hitting top stride entering the final furlong to come with a strong and sustained run to collar Checkpoint in the final strides, getting up to score by a head. He stepped forward appreciably on that comeback run when landing a decent 12f handicap at Ascot on King George day three weeks ago, for which he was sent off a 4/1 chance; raced in behind the leaders for the most part, pushed along three furlongs out and taking a little while to hit top stride, doing so once switched left well over a furlong out, ridden to lead entering the final furlong and staying on well to see off Sun Central by 1¼ length. This colt has quickly established himself as a smart middle distance performer in the making, and there is every chance that he will stay further still in time given the manner of his two victories to date; form of his win last time held down slightly by the fourth and fifth (exposed, temperamental underachievers that have been beaten again since) and is up a further 6lbs, but he himself shaped as though much the best prospect on the day and ought to go very close to making it a quickfire hat trick here.
The Mark Johnston-trained Sir Graham Wade is a son of Dalakhani who shaped as though an out-and-out stayer on both outings at two, and proved something of a disappointment when only eighth behind Zaina in a 10f maiden at Doncaster on the opening day of the season when 9/4 favourite, but he bounced back from that muted comeback run when landing a 12f maiden at Haydock a month later (7/4), fully appreciating the extra distance and showing a good attitude to get up close home and deny Right To Rule by a neck. He wasn't seen again until contesting a good 12f handicap at Glorious Goodwood at the start of this month, for which he was sent off a 14/1 chance; raced in midfield under a waiting ride, travelling strongly into contention and leading over a furlong from home, staying on well throughout the final furlong to see off Mawaqeet by 1¾ length. He was turned out under a penalty three days ago and duly followed up in a 12f handicap at Pontefract, for which he was sent off the 11/10 market leader; raced in behind the pacesetters and again travelled sweetly throughout, shaken up two furlongs from home and leading entering the final furlong, forging clear to run out a comfortable 4½ length winner from Edmaaj. He is clearly thriving at present and has improved out of all recognition for the step up to this mile and a half distance, bagging a valuable handicap in good style at Glorious Goodwood (albeit a few found trouble in running) before following up under a penalty seven days later in a lesser race against more exposed older horses. He carries a 6lbs penalty for his latest win and obviously comes here at the very top of his game, but he now takes on one or two also on a roll and open to further improvement; this will also be his third run within 10 days and although the yard's horses are famed for taking their racing well, this could prove to be his stiffest task to date all things considered.
The Michael Bell-trained Gabrial The Great is a son of Montjeu who stepped forward from his debut fifth last autumn to land a 10f maiden at Newcastle in April on absolutely terrible ground, getting the job done in the end as he pulled 8 lengths clear of his nearest challenger but having to work a lot harder than the margin of victory suggested, also showing potential signs of temperament (carried head high). He shaped really well in defeat next time when finding only the re-opposing Rosslyn Castle too good for him in a 12f handicap at Chester's May meeting, travelling well under a hold up ride and making striking progress into a challenging position from the three furlong marker, keeping on well but proving unable to match the impressive winner inside the final furlong. He endured a terrible passage when sent off the 7/2 market leader for the King George V Handicap at Royal Ascot next time, never able to get into a challenging position as he came home 11th of 18 behind Fennell Bay, not helping matters by racing keenly under restraint but finishing off well once in the clear (one of a few hard luck stories). He made amends last time when landing a five-runner course and distance handicap here a month ago, for which he was sent off the 5/6 market leader; raced at the rear of the field under a waiting ride, travelling strongly into contention from over three furlongs out and joining issue still on the bit approaching the final furlong, ridden to lead at the furlong marker and kept on well despite drifting left to score by 1¾ length. It was a smooth performance from this son of Montjeu, atoning for his defeat at Ascot the time before and looking every inch the smart colt connections believe him to be; has been raised 9lbs for that and takes on a better class of opposition now, while he also meets old conqueror Rosslyn Castle on 3lbs worse terms than when beaten a little more than 3 lengths by him at Chester back in May.
The William Haggas-trained Stencive is a son of Dansili who shaped with considerable promise when a close third behind Waterclock on his debut outing at Newbury last backend (front three well clear), and he shaped encouraging once again when set a stiff test on his comeback run in the 10f Listed Newmarket Stakes at headquarters on 2000 Guineas day, finishing fourth behind Noble Mission having been unable to quicken with the front three after travelling nicely for much of the way. He surprisingly met with defeat when returned to maiden company at Ripon next time out, leading for a good deal of the race but unable to hold off Amaze inside the final furlong; went one better next time when landing a 12f maiden at Newmarket a couple of weeks ago, racing in midfield (keen) and making smooth progress challenge over two furlongs out, ridden to lead approaching the final furlong and staying on well to see off Dr Yes by 2 lengths. It wasn't an overly strong contest for the track (runner-up and fourth both beaten in a modest 1m 5f maiden at Lingfield on Friday), but this colt had shown useful form on his comeback run before disappointing next time at a short priced; makes his handicap debut off a mark of 88 and ought to prove competitive off that if his fourth at Listed level is taken literally, also very much unexposed coming into this, but doesn't face an easy task taking on four rivals coming here off the back of smart victories at this level.
The Saeed Bin Suroor-trained Anjaz who is a beautifully bred daughter of Street Cry (dam a Fillies' Mile winning half sister to Nathaniel) who looked a smart prospect when making a winning debut in a 1m fillies' maiden at Kempton last August, short for room when looking to make progress over three furlongs out but stayed on on strongly once shaken up to lead entering the final furlong, ridden out to see off the fast-finishing Albamara by 2¾ lengths. Her only other outing to date came in a 1m nursery at Doncaster's St Leger meeting the following month, sent off the 7/2 joint-favourite; raced towards the rear of the field on this occasion, making smooth progress on the outer from over two furlongs out and led approaching the final furlong, staying on well throughout the final furlong to see off Burano to score by half a length at the line (good form). She made a belated return to action in a 10f fillies' handicap at York a fortnight ago, for which she was sent off a well-supported 11/4 joint-favourite; proved keen in behind the leaders early, ridden well over three furlongs out and appearing to hold some sort of chance passing the two furlong pole, fading for pressure inside the final furlong to come home in sixth behind Maven (beaten 10½ lengths). She bared all the hallmarks of one coming back from a sizeable absence, keen early on and then proving unable to see things out at the business end of matters; entitled to strip fitter for that comeback run and bred to excel at three over this distance, but this looks a very tough race in which to build on that effort and could find a few of these too good on this occasion.
This two-year-olds fillies' maiden is confined to newcomers these days (first run as such a race in 2008) - previous winners including Pure Illusion, Snoqualmie Girl, Tabassum and Minidress - and this year's renewal features a whole host of well-bred debutants from leading stables, albeit hardly any of the 13 runners hold Group-race entries.
The selection is a daughter of Dansili who is the first foal of a useful dual 10f 3yo winner (including on debut) who was a half sister to high-class 10-11f 3yo winner (including at Group 2 level) Ice Blue and useful 8-10f winner Shortest Day out of a Group 3-placed 1m 2yo debut winner who was a half sister to very smart 10-13f winner (including the Group 1 Dubai Sheema Classic) Polish Summer, very smart French/US middle distance performer Meteor Storm, high-class triple 15f winner (including at Group 3 level) Host Nation and smart triple 10f winner (including at Listed level) Morning Eclipse out of a full sister to the top-class 13f-2m French/US winner Raintrap, top-class 1m-2m winner Sunshack and to the dam of high-class middle distance performer Doctor Fremantle. This smartly bred filly is trained by John Gosden and hails from one of an excellent Juddmonte family, her dam a dual winner over 10f at three and a half sister to a pair of winners including 10f Group 2 Prix Greffulhe winner Ice Blue, out of a half sister to middle distance Group 1 winners Meteor Storm and Polish Summer, further family of Raintrap, Sunshack etc. She is clearly bred to be above average and also comes from a family that has enjoyed plenty of success, which obviously bodes well for her chances here; as does the fact her stable's newcomers have started to hit the target on a more frequent basis in recent days, sending out a trio of winning newcomers in the past 48 hours. The yard introduced Morning Charm to make a winning debut in this a couple of years ago, and it looks significant that Robert Havlin rides this filly rather than two other nicely bred types from the stable; no surprise to see this daughter of Dansili make a winning start to her career here and continue the yard's good run of form with its younger brigade.
Stablemate Stresa is a daughter of Pivotal who is a half sister to fairly useful triple 12f winner The Bells O Peover, dual 6f 2yo winner Mezmaar and 2m 2f-2m 3f hurdle winner King's Parade, out of a smart dual 7f 2yo winner (including at Listed level) for this stable who was a half sister to the top-class sprinter (also a winner at Group 3 level over 7f) Tante Rose, 6f 2yo debut winner Rosies Posy and 7f 3yo winner Future Flight out of a high-class 5-7f winner who placed in the Irish 1000 Guineas. This nicely bred filly clearly makes a significant amount of appeal on pedigree as a half sister to useful middle distance handicapper The Bells O Peover and last year's useful dual 6f 2yo winner (including on debut) Mezmaar, out of a 7f 2yo Listed winner who was also successful on debut and a half sister to Haydock Sprint Cup heroine Tante Rose and a 6f 2yo debut winner. She is bred to very much make an impact at two at around this distance, and the fact she is brought to a race the yard has been successful in previous also bodes well; however, she does appear to be the stable second string on jockey bookings with Saleem Golam aboard, and his record for this yard in recent times (1-30 in recent seasons; 0-13 on 2yos) is hardly encouraging; still makes a huge amount of appeal on pedigree however, and market sure to guide the way beforehand.
The third member of the Gosden team is the Marc Halford-ridden Solace, a daughter of Langfuhr who is the second foal of a smart 7f-1m 2yo winner (including at Group 3 level)/Nassau Stakes fourth who was a full sister to smart 7-14f winner (including at Listed level) Souvenance and a half sister to smart 7-9f winner (including at Listed level) Sourire, smart 7-10f winner (including at Listed level) Soft Morning and triple 10f winner Aestival out of a half sister to smart 5-6f 2yo winner (including at Group 3 level) Starlit Sands, useful dual 1m 3yo winner South Atlantic and useful 8-12f winner Shernando. This filly is another that cannot fail to take the eye on pedigree, her dam a 1m 2yo Group 3 winner who was placed at a higher level and related to a trio of Listed winners and herself the daughter of a half sister to smart speedster Starlit Sands. Like her two stablemates, her pedigree points to making an impact at two at around this distance and comes from a yard whose youngsters are starting to slip into top gear; however, jockey bookings point to her perhaps being the least fancied of the trio fielded by the stable here, and could well be best watched for the time being unless the market strongly suggests otherwise.
The Mahmood Al Zarooni-trained Valley Of Queens is a daughter of Raven's Pass who is a half sister to 7f 3yo AW winner Frivolous and 12f-2m Flat/2m hurdle winner Gilded Age, out of a smart dual French 10f 3yo winner (including at Group 3 level) who was a half sister to Coronation Stakes winner Kissing Cousin, smart 7-9f winner (including at Group 3 level) Apprehension, useful dual 2m winner Shahi and 7f 2yo debut Flat/2m hurdle winner Significant. This nicely bred filly makes a fair amount of appeal on pedigree, her smart dam's first few foals proving to be nothing more than fairly useful but she herself a half sister to a Coronation Stakes heroine Kissing Cousin and Earl Of Sefton winner Apprehension. She comes from a stable that dominated maidens at this track throughout the summer of 2011, landing this very contest 12 months ago with the smart Minidress; not been quite as potent this time around, but they have still won more than their fair share of juvenile contests and have already saddled two winning newcomers this week; clearly a very interesting newcomer.
The Brian Meehan-trained Downhill Dancer is a daughter of Montjeu who is a half sister to the yard's Racing Post Trophy winner Crowded House, high-class French middle distance performer On Reflection, Listed-placed 6f-1m winner Forest Crown, useful dual 6f winner Riotous Applause, poor 10f winner Harry Lime, 12f 3yo Flat/2m-2m 4f hurdle winner Heron Bay and to the dam of top class 9-10f US winner Ticker Tape (useful 2yo in this country), out of a maiden half sister to several winners in the US (two very useful) who was the daughter of a high-class miler in the US. This smartly bred filly makes obvious appeal on pedigree as a half sister to the yard's 2008 Racing Post Trophy winner Crowded House and a handful of other winners, notably French Listed winner On Reflection and Listed-placed 6f-1m winner Riotous Applause, good US family. She does come from a stable whose youngsters often improve a fari chunk for their initial outing, but her pedigree is such that she still commands a good deal of respect in a newcomers' contest and the above average two-year-olds from this yard are often good enough to make the frame at least; market sure to reveal whether or not she is one of those.
The Ed Dunlop-trained Jabhaat is a US-bred daughter of Hard Spun who is the second foal of an unraced half sister to UK 6f 2yo debut winner/US 6f Group 2 winner Kayrawan, Listed-placed 5-6f 2yo winner Amaniy, fairly useful triple 12f winner Elsaamri, 1m 3yo winner Balaabel (later dam of Rockfel Stakes winner Sayedah) and to the dam of high-class quartet Haatef, Shimah, Ulfah and Walayef. This filly is very much bred to make an impact at two at around this distance, arguably shorter if anything, her dam unraced but herself a half sister to high-class US sprinter Kayrawan (debut winner over 6f at two in this country) and to a handful of other winners including the dam of a quartet of smart performers at around this trip for Kevin Prendergast, most notably Haatef. She comes from a stable that isn't really associated with debut winners, but they do get the odd one going in at the first time of asking and they did sent out the third in this 12 months ago; choice of Paul Hanagan over another of the owner's in the field.
The John Dunlop-trained Alnawiyah is a daughter of Dalakhani who is a full sister to 13f 3yo winner Mubaraza and a half sister to the very useful 7-10f winner Qaraaba, out of a 12f 3yo winner who was closely related to useful triple 10f winner Kaateb and out of 1m 2yo winner who was a half sister to the high-class 6-10f winner (including at Group 3 level at two) Bint Salsabil, daughter of 1000 Guineas/Oaks/Irish Derby heroine Salsabil. This filly looks the part on pedigree as a full sister to 13f 3yo winner Mubaraza (placed over 1m at two) and a half sister to the very useful 10f performer Qarabaa, out of a middle distance winner from an excellent family that has served connections extremely well over the years. However, her pedigree does suggest that she will find this something of a bare minimum, and she hails from a stable that is struggling badly this year (just three winners) and whose youngsters improve for a run in any case; rejected by Paul Hanagan in favour of Jabhaat, and likely there will be other days for this daughter of Dalakhani, almost certainly when met with a stiffer test of stamina (will want middle distances next year).
The Michael Bell-trained Zero Game is a daughter of High Chaparral who is a half sister to fairly useful French dual 1m winner Frozen Ardour out of a 6f 2yo debut winner who was a full sister to smart Grade 1-placed US 1m Listed winner Alyzig and a half sister to a trio of winners out of a smart multiple US 6-7f winner who was a half sister to several winners. This filly sold for the relatively modest sum of 40,000gns as a yearling last year, but she is a half sister to a dual 1m winner in France and out of a 6f 2yo debut winning sister to a Grade 1 runner-up in the US at this distance who was successful at Listed level, from a good US family. The fact she holds a Group 1 Fillies' Mile entry makes her immediately interesting, not least because she is the only member of the field to hold that entry, and her stable started off their smart middle distance filly Set To Music in this two years ago (finished fourth); yard's youngsters often improve for their initial experience, but her Group 1 entry and pedigree both entitled to a good deal of respect and interesting to see whether she finds support in the market beforehand.
The David Simcock-trained Neamour is a daughter of Oasis Dream who is the first foal of a 12f 3yo AW winner who was a half sister to 6-7f winner Biaraafa, multiple 5-7f winner Glencairn Star, 13f 3yo winner Bite Of The Cherry and 7f 2yo winner Pietra Dura (later dam of US 10f Grade 3 winner Turning Top), out of a very smart 6-7f 2yo winner (including the Group 1 Moyglare Stud Stakes) who was a half sister to Fillies' Mile third Hotelgenie Dot Com (later dam of Falmouth Stakes winner Simply Perfect). This filly is another to make her fair share of appeal on pedigree, being the first foal of a middle distance winner who was a half sister to a handful of winners including the dam of smart US performer Turning Top and the daughter of a Moyglare Stud Stakes winning half sister to the smart juvenile Hotelgenie Dot Com. There is more than enough in this filly's pedigree to suggest she will prove up to making her mark at two, her dam a winner over 12f at three but related to several winners over shorter; comes from a stable that doesn't tend to push their youngsters too hard and they often improve for the run as a result, but still interesting to see how this daughter of Oasis Dream goes in the betting beforehand. _________________ Horses To Follow 2013 - Flat
Hunters Light - Comes here looking as though the mark of 110 maybe tough to win off and my main concern today is the ground. Forecast is dry for tomorrow and this will go against Bin Suroor's runner imo.
Jet Away - Sir Cecil has a big player in this improved 5yo, running off 112 is fair and has won off 114. The ground will be fine, enjoys a firm surface with 3 of his 6 wins coming off g/f and has won 50% of his races over this distance....5 from 10.
Ransome Note - Interesting that Moore takes to the saddle on this Hills trained 5yo but I feel that is one of the only positives for this today. I feel that it will struggle to keep with them when push comes to shove. Was behind Jet Away lto and the revised terms should not be enough to see this form reversed.
Self Employed - Big outsider and you can see why, official mark of 75 would be no where near enough to be in this company normally and it would need a miraculous improved run to get anything today.
Gabrial - Well firstly, lets ignore his last run ..... beaten 9L's by an unknown horse called Frankel...! Spencer has the ride again and knows this horse well and could well pull out more imrovement to make his mark. However, I think things may be happening a little too fast and will have to take a supporting role. _________________ Slow and steady wins the race!
3.10 REDCARILLUSTRIOUS PRINCE 10-1 1pt ew (bet365)
ILLUSTRIOUS PRINCE is no world beater but it wont have to be to win this race.It is very well weighted for this tan Plumpton Celebrating His Retirement Handicap (Class 4) over 7f.For example Sound Amigo the second favourite at 5-1 ,beat the selection by just 2 and 1/2 lenghts as recently as 6 days ago,at THIRSK over 6f,and ILLUSTRIUS PRINCE is 4 pounds better off in the weights which over the extra furlong should be enough to see a reversal here.
Particularlyas ILLUSTRIUS PRINCE is much better of 7f and never runs at 6f as it did 6 days ago so a return to 7f should see it beat SOUND AMIGO here so i think thats enough to see a bet here,favourite may be hard to catch but ILLUSTRIOUS PRINCE should go close on a going day _________________ *SPEED RATINGS WITH MARKET SUPPORT BLOG* SPEED BLOG 2011+447.25pts
**From small stakes,average bet 5pts per day**
Highland Colori, Cape Classic and Captain Ramius all stand out to holding solid claims in this very competitive class two handicap though im willing to side step all three in favor of the Clive Brittain trained Hadaj, a three-year-old colt from the sire Green Desert, out of the dam My Amalie who was the sire of Galileo. He had just the two runs as a two-year-old, winning on debut before running a gallant third of five to Harbour Watch; an unbeaten three-year-old colt trained by Richard Hannon whilst Burwaaz was back in second; now a hundred and nine rated animal. Today's selection as been consistent without actually winning as a three-year-old, attempting different distances and ground conditions. His run over seven furlongs at Yarmouth last time out on soft ground saw him fade out of thing's quickly inside the final furlong after hanging right, something i feel was caused by stamina sapping conditions rather than lack of stamina at the trip. If my initial thoughts are right, then he should be appreciative to today's drier conditions whilst he looks fairly well treated at the weights to run another consistent race. If this selection was solely reliant on trainer track form, then this runner would be the first runner scratched as Clive Brittain as yet to have a three-year-old winner at the track in the past five seasons, either on this course (July) or the other, accumulating to eighty nine loses. Despite trainer form (for which i feel is filtered into the price of Hadaj at 25/1), i feel Hadaj as the ability to run a solid race and hopefully gain me some decent points.
Matches every trend of the winners in the last 4 years of this race.
The horse has come back to form this season with 3 wins including CD two starts back.He had some trouble in the run last time out but still managed to finish within a neck of the winner.That run suggest he is still in form and without any trouble in the run would be very hard to beat.I have taken the price now because i guess the sp would be much lower latter on.The jock is no slouch on the saddle and this might be his best chance to get full points today but i won't be surprised if he gets a few more points on the other card's.
Redcar 5.30 - At the risk of sounding like a broken record I am going to stick with Dean Iarracht in this event. I put this one up last time at Beverley when he was runner up ridden by Miss C Bartley in an apprentice event. This horse is not without his quirks and often loses vital ground at the start of races which doesn't make him standout betting material. However, with a bit more assistance in the saddle from Freddie Tylicki and down to a mark of 53 I'm hoping this Tracey Waggott inmate can get the job done today. Is on a winning mark having taken races off 52, 54 and 54 as well as a win at Redcar off 60 where he returns today. Slight step up in trip may also help negate any ground lost at the start as this horse always seems to be staying on too little too late. Only 3/1 I'm afraid but can't desert this fella now and genuinely think he should be picking up a race like this anytime soon.
Probably underperformed albeit in a red hot race last time out won by a very exciting horse. Today's race is much less competitive and the extra furlong should suit. Form of the horse prior to it's last race is solid enough and I can see a big run coming today. Top trainer and jockey and connections that win big races more often that I have hot dinners.
2.40 Ascot //// RULE BOOK /// .... 11/1....
Was progressing very nicely before coming unstuck in a hot race last time out. Anyone that saw the race will know just how unlucky he was as he was hampered on several occasions and just couldn't find a way through some extreme traffic. Hopefully today with the Italian maestro in the saddle compensation can come quick. Looks a pretty solid Each Way proposition to me anyway.
ASSIZES has had seven races this term and not manage to get his head in front, came very close last time at Goodwood over eleven furlongs on good ground, today he is meeting faster conditions, which could suit, as he won his maiden on this surface, last year, on his only outing.
Michael J M Murphy claims seven pounds which brings his weight down to 8-5 and this is the lowest weight he has ever carried.
He could run a big race with this factor being in his favour.
Of the others today, SIR JOHN HAWKWOOD is ridden by Richard Hughes who is chasing the jockey title and has to campaign with Ryan Moore who, I think is a couple in the lead at present. Hughes is in the saddle for Moore's retainer, he is at Haydock today, where, he might think he has better chances of winners or Sir M Stoute has told him to go there.
This one's last run was here, over eight furlongs on heavy ground and might of not suited these conditions and he could rate the danger.
UNEX EL GRECO is of interest as he stayed on well in the closing stages to win over course and distance, the second Prussion failed to give the form a boost when unplaced at Goodwood, with this being trained by Johnston, should know how he stands with his runner here today.
With Mark Johnston yard in tremendous form at present, his team of runners are worth considering and hopefully this one kicks the yard off on the right foot today.
Mark Johnston thinks highly of this horse and when a trainer likes one of his tenants, they are worth the interest and having on your side.
Sir Graham Wade first run of the season was disappointing, as he finished in eighth place and possibly at this time,the Johnston yard was not really performing well, this was in March.
He then had a month off and re-appeared here over today's distance and won by a neck from Right To Rule.
He was put away again until Glorious Goodwood where, he was unfancied and won at 14/1, asserting his authority in the final furlong, in an impressive way.
His trainer, Mark Johnston is not one for keeping his horses in there boxes for long, had him out at Pontefract in a class three handicap over 12 furlongs and duely won by staying on strongly to win by an easy 4 1/2 lengths from Edmaaj.
Today's race is going to be a lot tougher to win but he has the ability to mix it with these and Joe Fanning coming here to ride than go else where, could be a bigger point to a positive ride.
There are several dangers in the field, Gospel Choir, Stoute/Moore combination who have come into form lately and top weighted Rosslyn Castle is not to be under estimated as he is lightly raced and won two races this season already.
Hopefully Johnston would of achieved across the card double today.
HAYDOCK 2.55
RANSOM NOTE
Ransom Note is a horse, I feel has been aimed to high this season and last and struggled to show his true form.
His first run of the season in the Earl of Sefton race at Newmarket a group three race, might of been required and he was beaten over 18 1/2 lengths and came in last of the nine runners. (Did win this race in 2011 and the form of this race was interesting).
His next appearance was in the Lockinge and he had no chance with FRANKEL in the field and he was put in his place, like so many others that seen this ones behind.
Michael Hills has ben in the saddle (most times) and I thought he did not give his mount the best of rides when dropping away at York last time (maybe just me thinking this).
Today top jockey Ryan Moore is in the saddle and I am wondering if he will kick on and make this a true pace or sit handy for a few furlongs and try and steal the race coming into the straight, either way Charlie Hills horse looks to have a live wire of a chance of collecting even though he was behind Jet Away at York
2.05 B Fifty Two, I meant too do this bet E/W but wrote win down by accident silly me anyways the horse has not fired in along time but maybe this faster ground will bring out the improvement as it won early last year on gdfm ground and fm so I would not be sruprised too see a very big run today and hills is due some winners he has not had many lately but that bad run has too end sooner or later hopefully today.
2.25 Assizes, look's a fair favourite and 3/1 is ok price considering it hasent really went up for it's last big run at Goodwood, because the claimer takes the weight off and gdfm will bring even more improvement because won on that ground at Newbury, last year so will be ideal and look's a good bet.
2.40 Prussian, look's too hold the best chance out the Johnston, runners here at the weights and the faster ground will suit this horse and it was not disgraced at Goodwood, it was kept out the back then stayed on well at the finish and the step up in trip should suit today.
3.00 Mississippi and Democrates
Mississippi, ran a awesome race when winning at Kempton a course that favours fast ground horses and the ground doesent seem too have been quick enough for this horse the last twice and I will forgive them runs and expect it too run a huge race today on better ground. My second selection Demecrates, has been running poor lately but won a nice race last year on fast ground and if can get back too that level of form has a really good chance today at a nice price.
3.10 Boris Grigoriev, has not done anything decent since leaving Aiden O'brian but M W Easterby, has been chucking the odd nice price winner in and the horse is on it's favoured fast ground today and would be no surprise if it wins today.
3.50 Galician NAP loves the ground and the distance is perfect , the yard are flying and is on a good mark and I really dont think will get beat today my NAP.
4.10 Savvy Chic, was not a cheap purchase and look's a nice type on paper the trainers horses are going well he has a debut winner last month and this one should run a big race hopefully.
the selection was expected to win on the saturday at galway last week after finishing second earlier in the week in a race that the fourth placed has won since.only got as far as the first on the saturday and out here again a week later,the ground will be perfect and connections are expecting a good run.
5.25 KILBEGGAN
RODRIGEUZ
third last time out at sligo when not beat far behind an improving type,the jockey and trainer combination are always to be feared when they team up,
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