Flat racing is officially back. Aintree is now over, and although was personally financially rewarding, (and here’s hoping the listeners out there had a few bob on too), the headlines that made the newspaper for the seemingly wrong reason. The flat returns in style with Newmarket putting on a stellar card at HQ, with the highlight being the Nell Gwyn Stakes, a Group 3 over seven furlongs, for some of the leading 1000 Guineas fancies. There is also racing at Cheltenham, which has another strong card, with a Grade 2 handicap Chase being the feature.
Firstly looking at Newmarket, it looks potentially a tricky card, with lots of juveniles in action, and it seems impossible to know just how far the two year olds have trained on. This makes the Nell Gwyn Stakes even more a sticky affair from a punting perspective, and Joe Public will have a hard job sticking his or her respective pin in. It was won last year by Paul Hanagan riding for Richard Fahey, and they have Lilys Angel entered, who looks like she could have a fair chance if staying the trip. Godolphin have Minidress and Pimpernel in there, and both should have leading claims. Starscope for John Gosden should come better over further, as should Nayarra for Mick Channon. That leaves RUSSELIANA for Sir Michael Stoute and Ryan Moore. The well bred daughter of Medicean won her maiden well before finishing second to the promising Gamilati in the Cherry Hinton Stakes. That bare piece of form looks good, and the step up in trip should bring more from her.
The Fielden Stakes (Listed) is another strong renewal, with horses from the Cecil, Hannon, Gosden, Hills and Godolphin stables, and the three main breeding operations; Juddmonte, Coolmore and Darley having strong fancies. Perennial for the Hills team finished last season second in a Group 3. Similarly the Hannon pair of Mister Music and Producer ran well in group company. The horse open to the most improvement however is JUNGLE BEAT for John Gosden and William Buick. An exceptionally well bred son of Galileo, her Newbury maiden win is rock solid. Five of the seven winners in behind went on to shed their maiden tag, including Farhaan for John Dunlop, who went on to run in the Royal Lodge behind UAE Derby winner Daddy Long Legs. He has a derby entry and could be much better than this level of opposition.
The best bet of the day comes in the form of ZUMBI who is a horse I have kept an eye on since his impressive maiden win at Ascot, getting up late after being absolutely smashed up in the betting. He followed that up with a solid third in the Accomb Stakes at York over seven furlongs. Although surprised he is still running at the same trip, being a son of Dubawi, he was always going to come on better as a three year old. I think this horse will be a group horse in time, and keep an eye on him for the rest of the season.
At Cheltenham, the best bet of the day there looks to be DIVERS who is somewhat of a track specialist with AP McCoy riding for the Ferdy Murphy yard, expect the money to flood in for the eight year old. He travelled well when running at the festival, before not finishing off the race well, but still finishing a respectable fourth. He could be worth taking another chance on given his course form at the track, (1-3-2) and is the one to beat in a tough, competitive handicap chase.
3.35 Newmarket – Zumbi (Nap)
4.10 Newmarket – Russelina
4.45 Newmarket – Jungle Beat (Nb)
3.45 Cheltenham – Divers
The Yorkshireman – Jack Milner
No comments:
Post a Comment