We finally got on the board with a winner today although like I have said before, these are only guides through my eyes. Love stole the show on Day 2 and reminded us all of her class, her next engagement - The Arc and a clash with the likes of Enable, exciting times ahead.
13:45 Sky Bet Handicap (1m3f, 188y)
Zabeel Champion picked up two 10f Handicaps at Newmarket and produced another decent display when finding only one too good at Goodwood last time. Today's step up in trip would appear a positive and the market vibes have been very positive for Mark Johnston's three year old. Alfaatik is impossible to weigh up on his return from a 456 day absence, I could understand people wanting to blind bet him, just in case the gelding operation has ironed out his previously terrible attitude. Looking through his form would give him every chance off a mark of 94, the fact Gosden has persisted has to be taken as a positive, however, I would rather be a spectator on this occasion, with a view to revisiting should he show anything positive. On To Victory fell over hurdles last time and must prove his wellbeing now back on the flat, he has won off higher marks than this in the past though and makes plenty of each way appeal if in the mood. Both Koeman and Dark Jedi look in the grip of the handicapper though King's Caper could go well at a price.
Selection - On To Victory (E/W 12/1, 4 places)
14:15 Weatherbys Hamilton Lonsdale Cup Stakes (2m,56y)
Upon first glance you could be forgiven for thinking Nayef Road has this at his mercy, his last two efforts behind the brilliant Stradivarius read extremely, he is proven at the trip and a straightforward ride. Trading at 5/2 almost looks too good to be true, perhaps that will prove the case although worryingly, his previous two visits to York have resulted in two very disappointing performances and on that, with a heavy heart, I just couldn't back him. Enbihaar could want quicker ground than she will encounter here, the heavy rain some parts of Yorkshire have been hit with hasn't turned York testing though, and this trip looks likely to be within her compass. Dashing Willoughby has won his last two and wont be overly concerned about the ground, he is closely matched with Nayef Road and is afforded the vote on account of the latters record at the track.
Selection - Dashing Willoughby (Win 7/2)
14:45 Al Basti Equiworld Dubai Gimcrack Stakes (6f)
This looks extremely competitive and a few are closely matched one way or another, frustratingly two horses within my set of rules run against each other although both need to show improvement to play a serious part. Lauded created a most favourable impression when winning on debut at Haydock, I thought he perhaps scored in spite of the ground that day and had hoped he would have encountered quicker ground by now. Most recently seen when just behind the re-opposing Yazaman was a fair effort and if the ground continues to dry, he could well place. Kevin Ryan has trained the winner of this three times in the last decade and is represented by Seven Brothers. Unbeaten in two starts, this poses a significantly tougher test though his attitude strongly suggests there is plenty more to come and his price is appealing. Yazaman is frustrating, his string of seconds is becoming something of a worry although he is entitled to go very close given his form. Minzaal, Mohawk King and Mystery Smiles look fairly exciting types and all three could prove good enough in what looks a fairly hot race.
Selection - Seven Brothers (E/W 14/1, 4 places)
15:15 Coolmore Nunthorpe Stakes (5f)
Battaash lowered the track record, set by Dayjur when silencing his critics in this race last season and recently smashed his own track record at Goodwood. Prior to that he bolted up at Royal Ascot and simply has this at his mercy. Art Power is improving with racing, his performance at the Royal meeting was built upon when trouncing a decent field at Naas. Unbeaten in three turf starts, he looks worthy of his place in this line up and could develop into a genuine Group 1 horse in time. A'Ali is fairly useful in his own right though his form is some way below what it should take to land this.
15:45 British Stallion Studs EBF Convivial Maiden Stakes (7f)
Naval Crown has his sights lowered on the back of finishing third in a Listed race at Ascot and is hard to go against despite being the most experienced. Broomy Law caught the eye at Haydock when running on from an uncompromising position. The winner of that race did little for the form yesterday though he is entitled to improve. Tawleed and Dingle are others who should know more today in an ordinary event for the meeting.
Selection - Broomy Law (E/W 13/2)
16:15 British Stallion Studs EBF Fillies' Handicap (1m2f,56y)
Seeing horses with a string of seconds next to their names would usually be enough to put me off, Waliyak falls perfectly into that category although I do think she has been unlucky. Her effort at Ascot was probably improved upon when finishing second behind the re-opposing Chamade at Goodwood (Given plenty to do) the pull she has in the weights with that rival could be enough to get revenge today although Atzeni will have to be alert. Asiaaf looked all over the winner before tiring late in the day at Sandown and probably bumped into one last time (Winner has won again since) she looks progressive and ought to go well for Crowley. Angel Power and First Kingdom have to prove they want this far whilst Chamade would be dangerous if given an easy lead.
Selection - Waliyak (Win 7/2)
16:50 Sky Bet Mile Stakes (7f,192y)
Visinari looked a very good horse when winning on his debut last season and went close in a Group 2 the time after. Thereafter he proved rather disappointing though it is worth remembering he faced the likes of Pinatubo and Wichita. Given a mark of 105 and carrying top weight, this foray into handicap company represents a fairly serious test though he could prove up to it. Brunch has been steadily progressive and got up right on the jam stick last time, the 6lbs he got for that makes life tougher but he is well drawn and should have this run to suit. Finest Sound hails from a yard firing and he has held his form well since undergoing Wind/Gelding operations, Atzeni presumably had the choice of three in this so his decision to ride is worth noting. Hartswood has a win and a place from two visits to the course, his six pounds penalty doesn't look overly harsh and he will go on any ground.
Selection - Visinari (Win 7/1)
Selection - Brunch (E/W 9/1, 5 places)
Once more, should you take your time to read through, take an opinion or anything else, thanks a lot, genuinely appreciated. I do hope Battaash performs tomorrow, obviously I wouldn't be betting on him but great horses and all that....
Comments