Weekend Racing Preview of Cheltenham, Doncaster and Navan

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Cheltenham returns with two days of terrific action with The New One (3.00) putting his Champion Hurdle credentials on the line in Saturday’s International Hurdle (G2). Nigel Twiston-Davies’ Neptune Hurdle winner was impressive on return, spanking last year’s Champion Hurdle runner-up Rock on Ruby by ten lengths at Kempton and looking an out-and-out superstar in the making. He re-opposes Zarkander, who beat him in the Aintree Hurdle in April and despite conceding 4lb should be fair better suited by the drop in trip and the return to Cheltenham; where the 5-y-o has a terrific record. The New One is currently the 4/1 joint-favourite (Non Runner Free Bet) with BetVictor for the Champion Hurdle with Nicky Henderson’s Fighting Fifth Hurdle winner My Tent or Yours.

The Stewart Family Thank You Gold Cup looks set to have plenty of horses reappearing from October and November’s respective handicap chases including Paddy Power Gold Cup hero Johns Spirit, who looks set to take his place as do Colour Squadron, Attaglance, Tap Night, Champion Court and the unfortunate faller Easter Meteor. David Pipe Salut Flo (2.25) entered - last seen winning The Byrne Group Plate here at the festival last March. Providing he is fit enough he looks to be the one to beat, with a great record fresh and for a stable bang in form.

The Relkeel Hurdle that rounds off the card has been won by Nicky Henderson’s Oscar Whisky the last two years and he aims to maintain his fine record in the race with Rolling Star, but he was well behind Willie Mullins’ Diakali in the Triumph Hurdle and it is difficult to reason why he can turn the form around here. Diakali (3.35) went on to win G1 Juvenile Hurdles in both Ireland and France and made a pleasing reappearance when third behind Jezki at Fairyhouse. Down in grade he is respected and Ruby Walsh is expected to come over to ride.

Its BetVictor day at Doncaster with the two highlights looking to be the BetVictor Summit Juvenile Hurdle and the BetVictor.com Handicap Chase, the latter looking the pick of the two with the locally trained Night in Milan (3.15) seeking to go one better than last year when losing out by a nostril. The 7-y-o was well backed on his seasonal return and travelled well before failing to stay three and a half miles at Sedgefield. Despite disappointing in the competitive fixed brush handicap hurdle at Haydock (won by David Pipe’s well-backed Gevrey Chambertin) he looks sure to run another bold race, despite a 6lb higher mark then his second here last year.

The BetVictor Summit Juvenile Hurdle was won by Kashmir Peak last year, fending off subsequent Triumph Hurdle third Sametegal and there could be more Cheltenham pointers from the pair of Royal Irish Hussar and Fox Norton. Nicky Henderson’s colt has been very impressive in his three starts to date but with a 7lb penalty preference lay with Nick Williams’ Fox Norton (2.05) who finished just a neck down at Market Rasen and is entitled to progress from the run.

Willie Mullins has TEN entered at the five day stage for the €70,000 Navan Novices’ Hurdle (G1) over two and a half miles on Sunday, in a race that has been used as a pointer towards the Cheltenham Festival. Mullins’ pair of Boston Bob and Pont Alexandre well-backed for the Albert Bartlett in the last two years, on the back of winning this very race and any winner will be respected should they indeed turn up at Prestbury Park

Faugheen looks the pick of Mullins’ entries, 2/2 over hurdles and cut for both the Neptune (8s from 12s) and Albert Bartlett (12s from 16s) after his Noel Meade’s Apache Stronghold (1.05) will have strong claims should he take up his entry, staying on stoutly to beat a stellar field in the Monksfield Novice Hurdle (G2) over course and distance last month and looks the one to side with for Noel Meade and Paul Carberry.

For all your sporting odds go to BetVictor.com

The Yorkshireman - Jack Milner

Follow me on Twitter - @JJMSports

Hennessy Gold Cup Day at Newbury

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Saturday’s Hennessy Gold Cup headlines three fantastic days of jump racing at Newbury as the National Hunt Season gets well and truly in full swing.

The race has a history of favouring second season chasers, the likes of Denman (2007), Diamond Harry (2009) and last year’s winner Bobs Worth all succeeding and despite not being seen for 18 months Invictus has been warm since betting opened, last seen beating last year’s winner Bobs Worth in The Reynoldstown Chase at Ascot. Nicky Henderson’s subsequent Gold Cup winner won from a mark of 160 yet Invictus runs from a mark of 145; does he have over a stone in hand as the figures would suggest?

Jim Culloty’s Lord Windermere and Willie Mullins' Prince De Beauchene (14/1 from 20/1 with BetVictor after Ruby Walsh was confirmed to ride) have both been backed, seeking to give Ireland their first winner of the race in 33 years; their second since Arkle’s famous win in 1965. Lord Windermere is seeking to be the third consecutive horse attempting to do the RSA/Hennessy double after Denman and Bobs Worth; both incidentally going onto win The Gold Cup to complete a memorable treble.

Hennessey Gold Cup Prices from BetVictor
Rocky Creek7/1
Lord Windermere - 7/1
Our Father - 8/1
Highland Lodge - 10/1
Invictus - 10/1
Hadrians Approach - 10/1
Merry King - 12/1
Prince De Beauchene - 14/1
Katenko - 14/1
16/1 Bar
EW ¼ 1-2-3-4

The most interesting runner in the race without question is David Pipe’s runner Our Father, the trainer in red-hot form; Dynaste running a terrific race in defeat when chasing home Cue Card in the Betfair Chase to earn quotes of 7/1 for the Ryanair Chase at Cheltenham and 4/1 for the King George on Boxing Day. The master of Pond House completed a four-timer following Dell Arca’s win in the Greatwood at Cheltenham, completing at four-timer on the day when rounded off by Red Sherlock win in the bumper, in the colours of his late owner David Johnson.

The late David Johnson and his family own a share of Our Father and Timmy Murphy looks set to partner him on Saturday with the key to the 7-y-o being his record fresh. He won a competitive Ascot handicap in December 2011, before doting up at Cheltenham’s Open Meeting to beat Paul Nicholls’ Sire Collognes by 20 lengths; again first time out. A mark of 147 looks to flatter him and providing he handles quicker ground than he’s used to, he look sure to go very close indeed.

The race looks to be a stone lower in class compared to recent times, Cape Tribulation heading the weights from an official mark of 158, Tidal Bay likewise from 170, the latter proving himself a solid Grade 1 animal where Malcolm Jefferson’s 9-y-o looks very poorly handicapped. Loch Ba would be interesting at 33/1 however if an animal rated 133 can win a Hennessy it is a very poor affair.

Venetia’s horses are in good nick and she has Katenko,(who would want it bottomless) with Adan Coleman opting to ride ahead of Houblon Des Obeaux, who fits the profile of a second season chaser with strong form in novice company. A 10lb hike for beating Merry King at Ascot looks a bit harsh however, and he will now have to toil out three mile handicap chases to come back to a workable mark, or take his chance in higher grade.

Nicky Henderson is another with two intended runners; surprisingly Barry Geraghty has ditched Hadrians Approach to ride Triolo D’Alene, third behind the two mentioned horses at Ascot at the start of the month. Hadrians Approach has been well backed in the week with us at BetVictor and will have the services of Nico De Bonville taking off a useful 5lb.

Highland Lodge chased home Standing Ovation, who went onto win since, which looks a strong form line despite David Pipe’s horse missing out on the four-timer – given a poor ride throughout and didn’t look to suit jumping left-handed. Leighton Aspell rides for the first time and Emma Lavelle’s charge is undoubtedly well handicapped.

The more I look through the race the more I feel it’s there for the taking for Pipe’s OUR FATHER. There will be lots of pace in the race with the likes of Highland Lodge, Theatre Guide and Rocky Creek all likely to be prominent and I would be disappointed if Timmy Murphy isn’t able to sit in the rear and bide his time before creeping into it two out. His record fresh and the stable’s current form make him a cracking each way prospect at the 8/1 mark, Donald McCain’s Super Duty looking the value a the bigger prices, 20/1 with BetVictor and Jason Maguire legged up to ride.

Hennessy Gold Cup – Our Father 3pts EW at 8/1 with BetVictor
Hennessy Gold Cup – Super Duty 1pt EW at 20/1 with BetVictor


The Yorkshireman - Jack Milner

Follow me on Twitter - @JJMSports

BetVictor Haldon Gold Cup Day at Exeter

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It’s BetVictor Haldon Gold Cup day at Exeter and last year’s awesome winner Cue Card (2.50) returns, this racing catapulting him to win The Ascot Chase and Ryanair Chase (Both G1), before chasing home Sprinter Sacre at Aintree, arguably his finest performance in spite of defeat.

He is the 11/8 favourites with the sponsors to successfully defend his crown but looks to have his stiffest challenge to date; conceding upwards of a stone to Somersby, Module, Fago and William’s Wishes; a stellar renewal and then some. That being said it looks hard to oppose the favourite; Colin Tizzard’s stable star will have no problem carrying the weight and the stable have started the season in good nick. With the ground likely to be around the forecasted good-to-soft he should have conditions to suit and use this, once more, as a springboard to a fruitful season.

The 7-y-o remains the 4/1 ante post favourite for The Ryanair Chase at The Cheltenham Festival and BetVictor are Money Back-Free Bet on all ante post markets already, ensuring punters won’t be out of pockets should you back a horse and they don’t for whatever reason turn up.

Haldon Gold Cup aside it’s a terrific card at Exeter and the Tizzard stable will likely have high hopes for Billy No Name (1.50), for the same connections after dotting up in a maiden hurdle at Wincanton. He had previously chased home subsequent Cheltenham scorer Kings Palace and looks set to have higher things on his agenda and will no doubt jump a fence in time to boot.

David Pipe’s Doctor Harper (2.20) was a non-runner at Stratford last week due to the heavy going and instead makes a belated debut over hurdles here; he looks one of the most fascinating runners of the day, last seen finishing down the field in the Champion Bumper at the Cheltenham Festival. Timmy Murphy rides for David Pipe and providing he jumps well enough, he should have far too much class for the field, with much grander things on the horizon.

A horse who was nothing but frustrating last year was Emma Lavelle’s Claret Cloak (3.20) who was left wanting in the search for good ground last year and looks sure to have a strong season ahead of him in the two mile novice chasing division. The 6-y-o made a smooth transition when putting a smart round of jumping in at Towcester and with the stable firing on all cylinders. Paul Nicholls’s had a cracking weekend with Rolling Aces and Tidal Bay’s respective successes and he looks to have the danger with recent Cheltenham scorer Dark Lover.

The Lavelle team can round the card off with a quick-fire treble as she has recent scorer Kind of Easy (3.50) in the three mile handicap chase and the relatively unexposed Fix It Right (4.20) in the three mile handicap hurdle. Kind of Easy was an impressive winner when staying on well to win over two and three quarters at Fontwell, despite jumping errors, and should be able to defy an 11lb rise.

The 5-y-o Fix It Right was, like most of her runners thus far this season; well backed in a three mile handicap hurdle at Chepstow however looked in need of the run, travelling well before tiring in the latter stages. From an unaltered mark of 111 and should have plenty more to offer.

1.50 Billy No Name
2.20 Doctor Harper (Nap)
2.50 Cue Card
3.20 Claret Cloak
3.50 Kind of Easy
4.20 Fix It Right

The Yorkshireman - Jack Milner


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Monday Racing from Plumpton and Kempton

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Proper racing is back, and how. Harry Topper won a dramatic Charlie Hall Chase, earning a quote of 20/1 for The Cheltenham Gold Cup; the 6-y-o looks a proper staying chaser in the making, despite trainer Kim Bailey describing him as a 'big baby' - he should be even better in time. Tidal Bay successfully defended his West Yorkshire Hurdle, getting up late to deny Alan King's Medinas and Paul Nicholls' enigmatic 12-y-o is now 12/1 from 16/1 for The Hennessy at Newbury in three weeks’ time, aiming to go one better than his second place finish last year behind Gold Cup winner Bobs Worth.

Full betting for The Hennessy


Tidal Bay's long term plan looks to be The Grand National; he is 25/1 from 33/1 for Aintree' spectacle as is Gordon Elliot's Roi Du Me (25/1 from 50/1) after a comprehensive dismantling of a strong field in The JNWine Chase at Down Royal. Both look to have stamina in abundance and will be primed from genius connections for the world's most famous steeplechase. BetVictor are already paying FIVE places and are Non Runner-Free Bet on the race.


Monday sees jump racing double handed at Kempton and Plumpton, with the former offering a veritable treat of national hunt racing. Barry Geraghty makes the trip over the Irish Sea to ride for Nicky Henderson and the pair look to have a smart one in the first with Volnay De Thaix (1.05), an expensive import who has smart form from France, in a race the trainer generally does well in; winning last year with Oscar Hoof.


Henderson should be able to make it 2/2 with Captain Cutter (1.35), AP McCoy continuing on his search for 4000 winners when riding for boss JP McManus. The 6-y-o chased home Willie Mullins' impressive winner Turnandgo at the Punchestown festival and has always been held in the highest regard. Started out in a 2m 5f novices hurdle should be the beginning for what looks like, a promising career.


The handicap hurdle on the card looks an absolute cracker, Michael Hourigan sends over The Crafty Butcher from Ireland whilst David Pipe's former Feltham winner Grands Crus reappears, with a fine record around the track including finishing third in The King George last year. The one to side with however is Tom George's God's Own (2.40) who was unfortunate to be brought down when running a stormer on his seasonal beau at Chepstow last month. He looked for all the world the winner that day and despite running from a pound out of the handicap, should be primed to make amends for his unlucky departure in South Wales, with the stable gradually coming into a bit of form.


At Plumpton, Martin Keighley’s Always Bold can go better than his second placed finish last time out when taking the three and a quarter handicap chase, with Tom Siddall in the plate. The 7-y-o chased home Sue Smith’s well backed favourite Benny’s Well at Uttoxeter and was scheduled to run last Sunday, with the ground being a touch on the quick side for him. He will relish the trip and the forecasted soft ground and despite being a touch one-paced, remains on the right side of the handicapper.


The stable can double up in the finale with the mare Bold Tara in the handicap hurdle and Ollie Garner using his 8lb claim. The mare is game as they come and she looked like winning at the track three weeks ago when failing to see out a longer trip and blundering two out. A better round of jumping should see her go closing to getting her head in front, from an unrevised mark and over a better trip, now down to two and a half miles.


One to keep an eye on at Wolverhampton is Tom Dascombe's Ujaygar (4.25) who was well punted (11/4 from 9/1) last time out at Lingfield when chasing home Willie Muir's Black Schnapps and the Dalakhani colt should be able to recoup the fingers burnt on him that day in a weak looking maiden.


1.05 - Volnay De Thaix
1.35 - Captain Cutter
2.40 - God's Own
2.25 - Always Bold
4.05 - Bold Tara

The Yorkshireman - Jack Milner


Follow me on Twitter - @JJMSports

Champions Day at Ascot

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Ascot Champions Day will be without the star of its last two meetings and despite the lack of Frankel, the superstar that chased him home last year can take back his Champions Stakes crown.

French raider Cirrus Des Aigles beat a stellar field two years ago in what looks the strongest form in the race. Perhaps even better was getting to within two lengths of the greatest thoroughbred we’ve ever seen? Take you pick, either way Cirrus Des Aigles wins The Champions Stakes.

Champion Stakes Betting from BetVictor

The QE2 has been a race that has cemented horses as legends; previous winners such as Frankel, Excelebration, Rip Van Winkle, George Washington et al the list goes on. Dawn Approach can seal his path to stud in what looks to be the perfect send off for Jim Bolger’s colt; Bolger describes him as ‘still awesome’ – that’s good enough for me.

The Fillies and Mares race looks a cracker and with soft ground forecast it looks to come down to two who thrive under the conditions; The Lark and Dalkala. The latter was an impressive winner of The Prix de L’Opera on Arc Day, showing a game attitude to get up on the line and she is preferred of the two.

Gold Cup heroine Estimate should ensure its hats off for The Queen on Champions Day, The Gold Cup winner’s record around Ascot s truly exceptional and the ground should be no problem for her whatsoever.

The sprint looks a minefield and those punting should nick a good price on the winner!

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1.45 - Estimate
2.20 - Open, Mass Rally, Maarek and Jack Dexter should love the ground
2.55 - Dalkala
3.30 - Dawn Approach
4.05 - Cirrus Des Aigles

The Yorkshireman - Jack Milner


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Wednesday Racing at Bath, Kempton, Lingfield and Southwell

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Brassick (2.40) has been impressive in novice chases for Charlie Longsdon and it’s interesting that he has switched stables and moved to Evan Williams, under the new ownership of Mr and Mrs William Rucke, purchasing from Paul Murphy last week. He continues in novice company once more and should eventually build up to be a very smart three mile handicap chaser and stepped up in trip once more should continue to improve and should be able to win a race of this fashion in good style.


Our flat racing this afternoon comes from Bath and Lingfield and Ryan Moore looks to be a very significant jockey booking for Bereka (2.20) in the two year old maiden. Given the record he has when riding for the stable the filly deserves a second look; he has three wins and a second from five rides for James Tate, and in a race where he could have presumably ridden for Charlie Hills and Jeremy Noseda the filly warrants respect. The dam has produced smart 2yo’s including Kenny Powers and Hearts of Fire so she is certainly bred to do a job and any market support should be noted.


Moore also rides Radiator (3.20) for boss Sir Michael Stoute and despite the trainer’s poor record with two year olds first time out, this filly was smashed up when running at Goodwood last month. She ran well despite being green in the early stages, staying on towards the finish and will have learnt a lot from the run. The winner has since gone on to win The Prestige Stakes and the ninth and tenth have won on their next starts. The form looks strong and this race looks well within her taking, and she should come into her own further when upped in trip.


Moore then travels to Kempton to ride Fine Art Fair for his old man Gary in the rive furlong nursery at 6.00. He shed his maiden tag at the third attempt at Lingfield before defying an opening mark of 67 in cosy style after being smashed off the boards, lumped into 5/4 seconds before the off. A 5lb rise shouldn’t stop his improvement and as seen with the stable’s sprinters Dutch Masterpiece and Picture Editor both continued to improve through handicapping, this lad could prove to be of a similar ilk. He looks the best bet of the day.


Roger Charlton’s filly Vallila (2.50) chased home Richard Hannon’s smart Musical Comedy last time out at Windsor and can build on that when pitched into handicap company for the first time from a mark of 58. She has progressed on all three starts and Charlton seldom sends his horses to Lingfield; nine runners in the last twelve months producing three winners. Joey Haynes has been snapped up by Karl Burke and he takes the ride, his claim taking off 5lb.


Over at Bath course winner Devon Diva (3.00) can get her season back on track with conditions to suit for John Gallagher and Michael J Murphy. The mare won over a mile here three starts ago and ran well in her follow up before bombing out at Chepstow on soft ground. With a line put through that run she has the most consistent form in the race and back down to a mark of 48 has to be respected. She was second here over course and distance from a 2lb higher mark back in June and given the way she handles the track has an immediate advantage over her rivals.


The Yorkshireman - Jack Milner

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Tuesday Racing at Goodwood, Leicester and Lingfield

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Moyglare Stud Stakes winner Rizeena jumps to the head of the 1000 Guineas market and is now the 8/1 joint-favourite with unlucky in running Tapestry for next year’s classic. Dazzling certainly lived up to her name and indeed pedigree when making an exciting debut to score over a mile at The Curragh. The filly is a full sister to Irish Guineas winner Roderic O’Connor and his sister is 20/1 to follow in his footsteps to classic glory.


Goodwood on a Tuesday afternoon is a nice treat and good prize money is duly rewarded with a strong turn-out of runners. The highlight of the card (and the day’s racing) looks to be the conditions race at 3.30 with six going to post. Richard Hughes rides Intermath for David Evans as Paul Hanagan rides for Sheikh Hamdan on Wahaab, who was far from disgraced when down the field in The Coventry Stakes at Royal Ascot. The one who looks to be improving the most looks to be Mark Johnston’s Lyn Valley, an impressive when staying on to win a Newmarket maiden last month. The colt had shown promise at a similar level and his form looks rock solid; both subsequent runners in behind winning next time out. He should be even better over the seven furlongs trip.


Mark Johnston and Joe Fanning can make it a quick-fire double with Crowdamania in the very next race at 4.05. The colt has run to a similar standard in all five starts, running behind the likes of Green Door, Reroute and Mappa Mundi without getting any rub of the green. He tries six furlongs on good ground for only the second time, his first run saw him well backed to finish fourth at Ascot, beaten two lengths to a now 90 rated horse. If things were to click for this Shamardal colt he could look very well handicapped from a mark of 77.


The stayer’s race looks a cracker and it could be a treble for connections with the ever so tough Broxbourne (4.40) who was the gamest of game winners when winning last time out at York. She nutted stable-mate Party Line showing a tremendous attitude and from a 5lb higher mark should remain competitive. Mawaqeet was second to her at York and should give the filly a race of it from being a 1lb off at the weights, whilst Mutual Regard is respected for the Sir Mark Prescott stable.


Although disappointing at York the form of J Wonder’s Newmarket win continues to impress, Dancealot, Midnite Angel and Excel’s Beauty all placing in pattern company and as such it could be worth taking another chance on William Haggas’ Princess Rose (2.30) over at Leicester. She didn’t handle the undulations of Chester last time out but before that had progressed nicely in stronger company. The handicapper has given her a chance from a 2lb lower mark and back down to six furlongs has to be a player.


Twilight racing a Lingfield where Royal Bajan (5.15) should be able to complete the hat-trick for James Given and defy a 9lb rise for wins at Ayr and then Brighton. The five year old has Freddie Tylicki in the saddle and given the fact he has defied a poor draw on both previous efforts, being drawn last of eight hopefully shouldn’t hinder the gelding.


Ralph Beckett’s filly Prospera (7.20) lost nothing in defeat when fourth last time out at Salisbury and back on the all-weather should be difficult to beat in Lingfield’s lucky last. Since returning in April she has progressed steadily and improved with every run, winning at both Doncaster and Kempton. The form of her win on Town Moor looks the pick of the race, with the second that day winning both of her next two starts.



The Yorkshireman - Jack Milner

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Tuesday Racing at Brighton, Yarmouth and Leicester

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Tuesday sees former champion jockey (and for my money the best jockey in the world) Ryan Moore taking in the views and scenery of Great Yarmouth, with four rides for four different trainers. Moore spent his weekend between Arlington and Deauville in Group One races and whilst there is nothing on the card of that calibre, he just loves riding winners. He is by all accounts stable jockey for Sir Michael Stoute and his main reason for going to Yarmouth is to ride Meddling (2.30) in the six furlongs maiden handicap. The filly drops down to six for the first time and given how tamely she has folded over seven furlongs the switch looks likely to suit. Although she disappointed last time out when only fourth the form of both her Salisbury runs looks strong and immediately strikes as having the potential to be much better than a 66 rated filly.


Moore hangs around to ride the infamous George Baker, trained by his namesake and whilst he is sure to be popular I like the look of Azrael (4.30) with Davey Probert in the saddle. His form around the idiosyncratic course is exceptional and the five year old has won twice over the course and distance this year. With the ground likely to be rattling quick as per the norm here, he should have conditions perfect to suit. Muftarres and Jonnie Skull finished first and second in a similar contest last week and re-oppose once more, with the former under a penalty.


Brighton rivals Yarmouth with being such a quirky course that traditionally has ground quicker than Usain Bolt, conditions which should help Sir Mark Prescott’s American bred filly Alzavola (3.45) in the ten furlong handicap. She succeeded on her handicap debut over the same trip at Bath after being set up in maidens in the tried and tested Sir Mark way. She was well backed when running under a penalty at Bath on her last run before failing to stay the trip when tried at a mile and a half for the first time. A return to a mile and a quarter should suit and the stable continue to churn out winners.


Evening racing comes from Leicester and the opening fillies’ maiden looks a good chance for Shilla (5.00) to get off the mark at the second attempt. First season sire Kodiac is enjoying plenty of success and Henry Candy’s filly showed plenty of promise when chasing home Richard Hannon’s 80 rated juvenile Autumn Sunrise at Windsor. The form in behind her looks strong and her main danger looks to be Mick Channon’s colt Kanz, who has to concede 4lb.


Handicap debutante Saffire Song (5.30) has plenty of scope for improvement after showing glimpses of promise whilst never being competitive in much stronger company. The Firebreak filly has achieved her opening mark of 60 through running in strong Newmarket maidens and despite never threatening she could have some wiggle room with her rating. The Alan Bailey string are in good nick, with two winners and two seconds from his last five runners and talented claimer Robert Tart takes off a useful 5lb.


Luca Cumani thrives with his handicappers and his string are in superb order going into York’s Ebor Festival, an omen that will hopefully assist the chances of Don Padeja (6.30) in the mile and a half handicap. The Dansili colt was an eye-catching staying on third when behind a Sir Mark Prescott at Lingfield in a race where Davey Probert’s made a complete hash of it. The winner has gone on to complete a hat-trick and with Andrea Atzeni now in the saddle the three year old promises to have a strong career ahead.


2.30 Yar – Meddling (Nap)
3.45 Bri – Alzavola
4.30 Yar – Azrael
5.00 Lei – Shilla
5.30 Lei - Saffire Song
6.30 Lei – Don Padeja (Nb)


The Yorkshireman - Jack Milner

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Monday Racing at Windsor, Ayr and Thirsk

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Ryan Moore is always a significant jockey booking for Jeremy Noseda and the fact he has been jocked up on his Ravens Pass filly in Windsor’s first is a good sign for Merletta (5.40). Owned and bred by Cheveley Park Stud, she was well backed on debut to finish a good sixth at Doncaste and the form looks strong. She will have learnt a lot for the run, given a tentative hands and heels ride by William Buick to stay on in the latter stages.


The exact same connections should be able to make it a double with Regal Silk (7.40) in the ten furlong fillies’ handicap. She was a ready winner of a maiden over course and distance by five lengths, yet sees her mark increase by a solitary pound. She looks a filly going place and this looks the best bet of the day for me.


The combination could make it a treble with Hi Filwah (6.10) five furlong maiden and he is colt who ran well in spite of a poor draw last time out at Wolverhampton. He has form tied in with the likes of Cape of Hope and Floating Along sees the 70 rated colt set a clear standard despite William Haggas’ Sky Garden being respected.


Mark Johnston’s handicap debutante Mu’ajiza (3.30) looks to have been given a reasonable opening mark of 74 and should be able to capitalise running against her older rivals. The Pivotal filly progressed on all three starts in maidens and the run at Ascot in particularly impressive when chasing home a Godolphin filly with lofty entries.


Stablemate Desert Revolution (5.00) was out-paced to finish sixth in a competitive Goodwood handicap over a mile but up in trip on better ground should see him to much better effect. Although bred to be speedy he has shown plenty to suggest that he wants to be running over further when staying on to finish second over nine furlongs on debut and similarly when winning his maiden over a mile.


Little Jimmy Odsox (4.00) has ran with plenty of credit all summer and finally got his head in front for the first time since last September when making all over six furlong at Redcar. He has been in good heart and the form of his second at Wolverhampton two starts continues to strengthen with winner The Great Gabrial winning at Lingfield on Friday. Providing Duran Fentiman can get across from stall ten the five year old should be able to defy a 4lb rise.


Silvestre De Sousa has ridden Wolverhampton better than most this year and although he has admittedly been given smart types for his bosses at Godolphin but there are very few better at judging the fractions. He’s notched 13 winners from 41 rides in 2013, which have come at a 32% SR. That should aid the chances of Keith Dalgleish’s Black Treacle (2.15) in the five furlong claimer. Drawn in stall six I expect De Sousa to be handy and he should be able to attempt to make all on the gelding who has progressed in all three starts.


You won’t find Mikael Barzalona going to Thirsk too often so that in itself should indicate the chances of Wickhambrook (6.30) in the five furlong maiden. The colt was well backed when second to stable-mate Chord Chart at Wolverhampton over six furlongs and was headed late on so the drop back in trip shouldn’t be a problem and he looks the obvious one to beat.


Brian Ellison has a terrific record getting a horse ready for a coup after a lengthy absence and Ty Gwr (5.20) will be hard to beat in the mile and a half handicap. The four year old hasn’t been seen since being claimed from David Simcock 270 days ago and is very well handicapped from a mark of 70.


The Yorkshireman – Jack Milner

Follow me on Twitter - @JJMSports

Saturday Racing at Ayr, Haydock, Ascot and Redcar

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Saturday is Shergar Cup Day at Ascot and whilst it is ultimately a team competition there will still be some value around, winners to be had and profit to be made. There’s also the return of Telescope at Haydock and solid cards at Redcar and Newmarket.


All eyes will be on the returning Telescope at Haydock for the Rose of Lancaster Stakes and given the colt was once favourite for The Derby, he will likely to be very warm in the market. He should be able to get the job done here en route to higher honours and it will be up to Noble Mission and David Livingston to battle for minor honours.


The Mark Johnston stable continue to churn out winners and a stereotypical tough and versatile improver is Sennockian Star (2.20) who is seeking his sixth win of the season. His incredible run has seen him rise to a mark of 97 but is clearly thriving and his win at Ascot last time out was his best run to date. The second is a good yard-stick and the third won a competitive Goodwood handicap; with his weight for age allowance he looks difficult to beat.


Over at Ascot Judge ‘n Jury continues to trickle down the handicap and it is surely just a matter of time before the old boy gets his head in front. He was well backed last time out at Ascot when finishing fifth of eighteen in competitive handicap. He has been dropped another 1lb to his lowest mark in over a year and has this dual course and distance winner can build on his already terrific record around the track.


The mile and a half handicap for older horses looks the strongest race on the card and Mark Johnston runs two of his eleven strong string. David Simcock’s Haylaman and Andrew Balding’s Communicator heads the weights however both are well exposed and instead Ed Walker’s Willie Wag Tail looks the pick. The four year old was well backed at Goodwood and York last year in mile and a half handicaps, with the form of his York run working out particularly well. He looked in dire fitness on both starts and that has seen his mark down another 3lb.


Jo’Burg (3.10) runs in the mile handicap at Redcar and is still running with tremendous enthusiasm even at the grand old age of nine. He showed at York that a mile is clearly his trip when chasing home two very well handicapped horses in stable-mate Frog Hollow Sir Michael Stoute’s Altharoos with the pair drawing well clear. The handicapper has dropped him another 1lb to a mark of 84 and given his record around the track (50% Strike Rate over C&D on good ground) he should be able to capitalise.


The final race on Redcar’s card sees a tricky mile and three quarter handicap and Ted Easterby’s locally trained Attansky (5.30) could be worth taking a chance on. He’s shown glimpses of promise in staying handicaps but is yet to have a crack at this trip and the way he travelled over two miles at Thirsk last time out indicated the trip could suit. The three year old has had only eleven career starts and is still relatively unexposed compared to his rivals.


We put up Gowanharry (8.05) when the filly ran two weeks ago at Ayr and she was unlucky to get collared late on and lose by a short head. She runs again over the minimum trip and from a 3lb higher mark and remains competitive. The daughter of Choisir will go on any ground and again has the services of the hottest apprentice in racing; Connor Beasley.



The Yorkshireman – Jack Milner

Follow me on Twitter - @JJMSports

Wednesday Racing at Newcastle, Pontefract, Yarmouth and Kempton

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The going it Newcastle looks to be turning softer by the day and that should play into the strengths of those capable of handling of testing ground, look no further than Harvey’s Hope. Keith Reveley’s dual purpose seven year old goes in the mile and six and a half furlong handicap at 2.40 and is a dual winner on good to soft including a competitive handicap hurdle at Doncaster in January. He was well punted before finishing second last seen at Redcar in April and should be able to defy a 3lb higher mark.


A horse who looks bred to appreciate a bit of give in the ground is Michael Dods’ son of Choisir Cracking Choice. He has been toiling this year in competitive sprints and the handicapper has finally relented revising his mark to a career low of 58. Despite never getting his head in front in fourteen starts he has five seconds and three thirds to his name and this consistent and likeable gelding will be further assisted by the 5lb claim of talented apprentice Connor Beasley.


There’s also racing at Pontefract and a sprint handicapper in the north making his debut at the track is Come on Dave for (4.00) the Dandy Nicholls yard. He normally plies his trade at the likes of Catterick, Redcar and Musselburgh but irrespective of the track he is undoubtedly a much better horse with cut in the ground. His last two wins have come in soft conditions at Redcar and Catterick and running on unsuitable ground this season has seen his mark fall 5lb, he looks well handicapped should he indeed put his best foot forward.


Yarmouth looks to be missing the bulk of the rain for the time being and Bright Glow should appreciate the quick underfoot conditions after winning last week on Lingfield’s turf track, with the going officially firm. The filly is raised 4lb for that but looks to have plenty in hand given her progression since sent handicapping at Kempton on her return. The David Lanigan and Ted Durcan partnership continues to thrive with unexposed three year old handicappers, with thirteen 3-y-o winners at a 20% strike rate so far this season.


A trainer who thrives with similar types is Sir Mark Prescott especially with unexposed three year olds in handicap and in 2013 has had 17 winners from 45 runners at a 38% strike rate. A horse that has let down the team down twice thus far this season is Khotan who should be able to come good at the third attempt after being given a break. He runs in the mile and three quarter handicap at 8.20 and there is frankly no hotter stable with eleven winners from their last twenty one runners.


The third and final selection at Yarmouth is also an unexposed sort from shrewd connections that saw dramatic improvement now handicapping and that is Welsh Moonlight. The filly ran a good second over course and distance behind Green Monkey, and she franked the form by winning at Doncaster on Saturday. George Baker replaces Saleem Golam in the saddle and everything looks in her favour to get off the mark at the fifth attempt.


Kempton Park should remain unaffected by any torrential forecasts and a horse who thrives on the all-weather is Shavanksy who runs in the mile handicap at 6.00. From four starts at the track he has a win and two seconds and is down to a mark of 83, his lowest since May 2012. He carries with him the burden of top weight but the trainer’s son Pat Millman takes off 5lb for this dual course and distance winner and he looks primed to get on the score sheet for the first time this year.


The Yorkshireman – Jack Milner

Follow me on Twitter - @JJMSports

Tuesday Racing at Catterick, Kempton and Ffos Las

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Catterick have an afternoon flat card Tuesday and the 0-60 handicap at 3.15 looks absolutely taylor-made for Gottcher who carries top weight but looks well drawn in stall three. Keith Dalgleish and Joe Fanning have teamed up to have nineteen winners thus far in 2013 and Gottcher ran well on his first start to finish third on his first run for 340 days at Musselburgh two weeks ago and from 1lb lower mark and will be very hard to beat.


In the other sprint handicap at 4.45 the race looks set to go to Dandy Nicholls who has both Tajneed and Majestic Manannan with preference for the latter. Tajneed generally does his winning in lower company and although he has stable jockey Adrian Nicholls on board, Majestic Manannan has a win and a second from his last three starts and remains in good heart.


There is more evening racing at Kempton and Dukes Delight (6.30) should be able to return the money lost on a failed gamble last time out at Lingfield. The gelding was backed like defeat was out of the question on handicap debut and was punted into a 6/4 favourite for the David Lanigan and Ted Durcan combination. He was beaten by a head and a short head, staying on strongly over a mile and a quarter and upped to a mile and a half, he should be able to collect from an unrevised mark.


Jeremy Noseda’s Ocean Sunset (7.00) was a huge eye-catcher on debut at Wolverhampton last month and the colt can build up that initial run when showing greenness throughout. The colt should have no problem with the trip over a mile and three furlongs and the race looks to lack a lot of depth. I’m Fraam Govan is bred for much further whilst Le Grande Cheval, Rancho Montoya and First Warning come from stables that are severely out of form. Noseda has booked Ryan Moore in a move that can be deemed a massive positive.


The longshot of the day comes in the six furlong handicap at 8.30 where Equitania can hopefully take advantage of a tumbling mark. Apprentice Tim Clark takes off a useful 7lb and the filly is at her lowest mark since winning a similar event at Lingfield last year. She was a course and distance winner here off a 4lb higher mark and should get a nice toe into the race drawn in stall four with Roger Varian’s Agerzam will likely to occupy front-running duties. Badr Al Badoor will be a warm favourite courtesy of her last time out course and distance win whilst Ferjaan and Rebel Magic are from in form stables.


Before riding at Kempton Park Champion Jockey Richard Hughes is at Ffos Los for a strong book of rides, not least Soryah for Luca Cumani in the 4.30 over a mile and a half. The filly should suit the step up in trip after winning readily at Epsom on handicap debut but has punished by the handicapper and is up 9lb for her efforts. David Simcock horses are in good nick and as such it could be worth taking her on with Princess Caetani. She has been running well this season despite getting her head in front and in a much weaker race than she has come across thus far, she can upset the apple cart and turn over Cumani filly.


In the penultimate race at 5.00 it would be no surprise to see Tony Carroll’s Tammuz put in a much improved effort now sent handicapping. She’s rated 60 for three average efforts in maidens but stepped up to a mile after her first run of the season should see her come on dramatically. Harbour Captain is seeking the hat-trick and is dangerous should she be able to get a soft lead.




The Yorkshireman – Jack Milner

Follow me on Twitter - @JJMSports

Monday's Racing at Ripon, Windsor and Wolverhampton

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Monday means Windsor and the headline grabbing pair of Richard Hughes and Richard Hannon both have live chances and will be aiming to build upon their sumptuous performances at Glorious Goodwood. There is also racing elsewhere at Ripon, Carlisle and Wolverhampton.


The Mark Johnston stable remain in good form with two winners at Glorious Goodwood and the stable have Pacquita in the fillies maiden at 2.15. She looks the part on paper being out of a Grade 1 winner in South America and by the fantastic sire Dubawi. Despite Kevin Ryan’s Sukari Gold it looks like a fairly ordinary maiden and the yard have sent out twenty 2-y-o winner this season already.


Dame Nellie Melba goes for the same connections in the mile and a quarter handicap at 3.15 and she was put up when running at Beverley last month. She ran well in defeat that day but made up for it when beating David Lanigan’s Progenitor at Leicester on her next start. Although up 5lb for that win, her 8lb weight for age pull makes her still very appealing. She will take all the beating and is my best bet of the day.


At Windsor, Hoku (6.30) has proven an expensive filly to follow but she has her excuses and providing she is able to get the rub of the green she can shed her maiden tag at the sixth attempt. She goes over six furlongs again after previously chasing home John Gosden’s well bred filly Dorothy B at Nottingham. We can ignore her run at Lingfield due to her falling out of the stalls and rated 83, she sets a very good standard.


The sprint handicap at 7.00 looks to revolve around recent winners O’ Gorman, School Fees and Bajan Bear, which could leave the Robert Cowell trained Arctic Lynx going under the radar at a tasty price. He was four lengths behind subsequent winner and subsequent Stewards Cup favourite Tropics over course and distance and has run well in all four starts since. He followed a win at Kempton with a second at Yarmouth and a 1lb for those efforts leaves the six year old well handicapped.


African Oil was well backed to win last time out at Bath and can follow up for Charlie Hills in the 7.30. He ran with credit in his first two starts of the season but ran far too free. His gelding operation showed him to be far more settled and his new style of running should ironically give the three year old a new lease of life.


The afternoon card at Wolverhampton sees Bang Tidy return to the scene of his last win here in December and it is interesting that he is stepped up to a mile on his eighth start at the track. He is down the mark from his last win and his form reads rather well with a win and a second to his name. National Hunt jockey Aidan Coleman continues to ride for the yard having his first winner on the flat last month.


The maiden at 5.00 looks to have some very smartly bred fillies including Sugarcraft, Sagresse, Duchess of Seville and Quantify but the stand-out entry is Conserve for Lady Jane Cecil and Tom Queally. She cost 80,000 guineas at the sales and made an eye-catching debut last year when running in a Leicester maiden behind the likes of Lady Nouf and Secret Gesture. The stable are in good form and have an astonishing 33% Strike rate with their 3-y-o’s this season – the filly should go close.


The Yorkshireman – Jack Milner

Follow me on Twitter - @JJMSports

Glorious Goodwood - Friday; Day Four

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In transit back from England so no article today, so obviously there was a few winners in there. Sod's law.


Glorious Goodwood kicks off on Friday with the Group Three Glorious Stakes (1.55) over a mile and a half and although it looks something of a competitive affair it comes down to Masterstroke and Aiken. Masterstroke makes his debut for the Godolphin stable after finishing third behind Solemia and Orfevre in The Arc De Triomphe last year and he looks to be using this as a stepping stone to a busy second half to the season. With Aiken a Non Runner, Masterstroke is an obvious if yet unfashionable selection.


The thoroughbred Stakes (2.30) will see Montiridge be all the rage with Garswood franking the form of his narrow defeat in The Jersey Stakes at Royal Ascot. He beat Ashdan in a listed contest at Newmarket and warrants maximum respect for the all-conquering team of Hannon and Hughes. That being said Kevin Ryan’s Glory Awaits has the best form in behind Toronado and Dawn Approach. His second in The 2000 Guineas was deemed a fluke but he ran to a similar level in The St James’ Palace Stakes at Royal Ascot and down in class should be the one to beat.


The Betfred Mile (3.05) is one of the most competitive handicaps of the season and a race that Mark Johnston has a terrific record in, Fulbright winning for the yard last year. Johnston runs three and the filly Galician looks the strongest of those and has stable jockey Joe Fanning rides. Wentworth, Cape Peron and Stirring Ballad have been the three talking horses for similar contests but have yet to deliver. Haafaguinea has snuck in at the bottom of the weights for Clive Cox and Adam Kirby and there was a lot to like about his seasonal debut at Sandown in April. He won in nice fashion that day and here is another example of the weight for age being crucial with the 3yo’s in receipt of 8lb.


The King George Stakes (3.40) was won last year by wonder-mare Ortensia and Tickled Pink showed she has the potential to emulate her when beating Kingsgate Native at Sandown in resilient fashion. I’m far more interested in Smoothtalkirascal however who has been a revelation since joining David O’Meara and was a narrow second in The Dash at Epsom. He has continued an upward progression since his first start for the yard in April and is yet to finish out of the first three. Should he continue on the same route he looks set to be in the frame again.


The nursery at 4.15 looks open and full of northern raiders with two for Mark Johnston , Kevin Ryan and Richard Fahey. Richard Hannon has three with Richard Hughes siding with Speed The Plough but the one I fancy is Grecian who ran well in defeat at Ascot last time out building on his maiden win at Kempton. The Dark Angel colt looks to be going the right way for a stable that have a 23% strike rate with their 2yo’s so far this season.


Pavlosk never went a yard in the Coronation Stakes at Royal Ascot but the filly showed in her previous two starts at Newbury and York that she has a lot of class. The drop down to seven furlongs for the fillies’ Group Three at 4.50 should be to her benefit as should any forecast rain. Winning Express looks to be the danger who was behind Sky Lantern and Just The Judge in the Guineas at Newmarket and is respected.


Goodwood 1.55 - Masterstroke
Goodwood 2.30 - Glory Awaits
Goodwood 3.05 - Haafaguineas
Goodwood 3.40 - Smoothtalkinrascal
Goodwood 4.15 - Grecian
Goodwood 5.25 - Pavlosk


The Yorkshireman – Jack Milner

Follow me on Twitter - @JJMSports

Glorious Goodwood - Wednesday; Day Two

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Wednesday of Glorious Goodwood promises to be a day for the history books at Dawn Approach takes on Toronado for the third time this season in The Sussex Stakes (3.05) and Jim Bolger's son of New Approach currently leads 2-0. Given the dominance that the Richard Hannon and Richard Hughes stable have had at the meeting in recent years there is optimism from the stable that Toronado can exact revenge. That being said Dawn Approach has every quality going in a top class racehorse and providing he handles the undulating surface of the course he should seal the hat-trick for Jim Bolger and Kevin Manning thus cementing his already legendary status amongst the greats.


Mark Johnston has a cracking record at the festival with 10% of all winners here since 2004 so it would be folly to ignore his two runners in the 1.55. He runs Broxbourne under a penalty and the filly could be dangerous and she is the preferred mount of Joe Fanning with Franny Norton on the supposed second string Good Morning Star. Gassin Golf is interesting at the top of the weights but would presumably want a bit more cut and as such the most likely winner looks to be Lieutenant Miller for Nicky Henderson and Tom Queally. He chased home Tiger Cliff and Well Sharp in The Ascot Stakes and the form of the race looks very strong. He had Broxbourne in behind when winning at Doncaster and from a 2lb rise for his Royal Ascot exertions, looks sure to go well again.


The Gordon Stakes at 2.30 usually paves the way at a crack at The St Leger at Doncaster and this mile and a half contest has been won by some very smart sorts in recent years including subsequent King George winners Conduit and Harbinger for Sir Michael Stoute. Godolphin are double-handed with Irish Derby fourth Cap O'Rushes, whilst Excess Knowledge and Elkaayed have little between them based on their efforts behind Remote at Royal Ascot. As such it could be worth taking a chance on Havana Beat. He travelled in stylish fashion to finish an unlucky third last time out behind Feel Like Dancing at Newmarket and despite having ground to make up on official ratings he could be well worth a punt with the colt likely to get a strong pace to run at.


Olympic Glory won a bunched finish of the Vintage Stakes (3.40) last year with the form turning out to be rather smart and the Hannon and Hughes tend to aim their smartest juveniles here winning the last three renewals. They look to have something special on their hands with Toormore who beat Ertijaal on debut with the pair pulling seven lengths clear of the field and the second behind held in the highest regard. The fact that he is thrown into a race of such magnitude highlights what regard he is held in at the stable and where he must be in the pecking order of numerous two year olds.


A filly that continues on an upward curve is Ribbons for James Fanshawe and Freddie Tylicki and she runs in the fillies handicap at 4.50. The unbeaten daughter of Manduro made it three from three when winning comfortably at Newmarket and despite a 7lb rise she looks to be in good heart and going the right way. There are a host of well bred fillies in the race with Love Magic and Great Timing looking the most obvious dangers from two in form stables.


The finale will likely see Magic City well supported alongside other recent winners Akaud, Alejandro Nenge Mboko but all are likely to be in single figure prices and a horse that could be taken a chance on is Amanda Perrett's Johnny Castle. He finished third behind My Kingdom last time out in a race where the form is working out rather well and runs from the same mark of 83 despite those in behind coming out and running well. He can run well for a stable that has a 20% Strike Rate here in the last twelve months.

Goodwood 1.55 - Lieutenant Miller
Goodwood 2.30 - Havana Beat
Goodwood 3.05 - Dawn Approach (Nap)
Goodwood 3.40 - Toormore
Goodwood 4.50 - Ribbons
Goodwood 5.25 - Johnny Castle


The Yorkshireman – Jack Milner

Follow me on Twitter - @JJMSports

Glorious Goodwood - Tuesday; Day One

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Monday marks the start of one of the feature weeks in the horse racing calendar on the Sussex Downs, it could only be Glorious Goodwood. A sumptuous selection of quality racing and competitive handicaps throughout the week and Tuesday is no exception with The Lennoz Stakes proving the highlight.


The opening contest looks the most exciting race of the day with the ten furlong handicap at 1.55 bringing a host of potentially group class horses, not least John Gosden's superbly bred colt Nabucco. He carries the burden of a 7lb rise for winning at Newmarket, whilst serial winner Whispering Warrior remains in good heart but is now up 33lb for scoring four times from five starts this season. Labarinto and Viewpoint are respected for powerful stables but it could be worth taking a chance on Amanda Perrett's Blue Surf. He won a similar event over course and distance last year and has run well despite defeat at Ascot and Epsom thus far. The form of his Epsom run has worked out well and he should be now cherry ripe on his third start of the season.


The Molecomb Stakes at 2.30 has a habit of throwing up a surprise and was won last year by Mick Channon's Bungleinthejungle at an unfancied 14/1. The stable run Ambiance this year who is respected after strong runs at Ascot and Sandown but it could be worth taking a chance on Justice Day who could be suited with the undulating track. He travelled well in The Windsor Castle Stakes at Royal Ascot before proving to be on the wrong side of the track. Admittedly Anticipated and Supplicant were ahead that day but under different tactics from Paul Hanagan the colt can turn the form around at double figure prices.


Aljamaaheer will go off a worthy favourite in The Lennox Stakes (3.05) and was desperately unlucky when running here last year showed he needs a lot of luck in running and under the burden of a penalty this quirky colt isn't for me. A horse that has been talked up all season is Garswood of the Richard Fahey yard and seven furlongs on the downs look right up his street. His fourth in The Jersey Stakes came despite a poor ride from Pat Smullen and Ryan Moore in the plate is a very significant jockey booking. The 3yo's receive 7lb from the field and that could be the key to such a competitive renewal.


The mile and thee quarter handicap at 3.40 has five 100+ rated horses and it looks one of the best renewals to date. If the heavens were to open then Mark Johnston's Sir Graham Wade would be very interesting trickling down the weights but preference lay with Saptapadi of the in form Brian Ellison yard. He is slowly coming to boil after a unsuccessful stint down under and ran a very creditable seventh in The John Smiths Cup over an inferior trip. The extra half a mile should bring out further improvement still and from an unaltered mark remains of great interest.


The mile handicap at 4.50 is another competitive handicap where the weight for age could hold the key again for the three year old's and their 7lb pull. Mark Johnston's Desert Revolution will be popular on handicap debut but Country Western has held his form well since winning at Ripon earlier in the year despite a 4lb rise. He has raced a further four times and was only beaten two lengths last time out at Ayr, staying on at the finish after being given too much to do. Providing Steve Drowne can make ground from his draw of fourteen, he could prove to be a big player.

Goodwood 1.55 - Blue Surf
Goodwood 2.30 - Justice Day
Goodwood 3.05 - Garswood (Nap)
Goodwood 3.40 - Saptapadi
Goodwood 4.50 - Country Western


The Yorkshireman – Jack Milner

Follow me on Twitter - @JJMSports

Thursday Racing at Hamilton, Leicester and Doncaster

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Leicester sees the return of Ante Post Derby favourite Telescope for Sir Michael Stoute and Ryan Moore at 3.10. The colt returns in a Conditions Race over a mile and a quarter, which will presumably be much bigger and better things with entries in the Great Voltigeur, Juddmonte International and Irish Champion Stakes.


The only runner on the card that could be of punting interest at Leicester would be the handicap debutant Ghasabah for William Haggas and Paul Hanagan in the seven furlong handicap at 3.40. Both jockey and trainer have been in good form and from an opening mark of 76 this well bred filly can readily take advantage. She was behind the smart pair of Ethel and Plover on debut and duly stepped up next time out at Yarmouth winning her maiden by three lengths. She could potentially be contested pattern races come the back end of the season.


Princess Rose is another William Haggas filly who has shaped with promise in maidens and impressed on her handicap debut at Ascot. She runs in Doncaster’s six furlong nursery at 6.20 and this well-bred daughter of Royal Applause remains on a workable mark and is improving with every run. Recent winners Honey Meadow and Musical Molly could prove dangerous and look the main threats lower down in the weights.


Quick Wit was well beaten at odds on in a four runner Conditions Race and I’m expecting lightning to strike twice in Doncaster’s 7.25. Fulbright was one of my favourite horses last year and signed off last season with a game win in The Challenge Stakes at Newmarket. The colt was placed in competitive group races at Meydan and is having his first run of the British flat season. Providing he his fully wound up the colt could take stable bragging rights and indeed the spoils.


Halfsin is something of a quirky customer these days, refusing to race last time at Kempton but he has good form around Doncaster and is a course and distance winner. He runs in the ten furlong handicap at 8.30 and his mark of 85 represents a two year low. Darren Egan takes off a further 3lb and with two runs already under his belt this season should be fit and raring to go and has a first time hood to keep his mind on the job.


Chris Wall likes his handicap plots and Runninglikethewind looks one of his specialities in the lucky last at 9.00. Three runs over inadequate trips in maidens got her a mark of 65 from the handicapper and she stepped up markedly on handicap debut over a mile and a quarter at Yarmouth last month. Jockey Ted Durcan rides Doncaster particularly well with a level stakes profit of £36.25 at Donny over the last twelve months. She looks to have everything in her favour.


There was a lot to like about the debut of Mark Johnston’s Statutory last time out at Pontefract over a mile and half. The son of Authorized took up the running with a furlong to go and was worn down by a Luca Cumani well backed favourite. The drop in trip to a mile and three should suit and he could easily make all under Joe Fanning.


Hamilton’s trappy little nine furlong handicap at 3.30 looks perfect for Linda Perratt’s course and distance specialist High Resolution who is slowly coming back to form. His run at Ayr last time was a respectable fifth despite giving the winner Argaki lumps of weight. He and Corton Lad both turn out for Keith Dalgleish and will be fancied at the bottom of the weights but High Resolution goes for a trip he loves and a stable bang in form.


3.00 Hamilton - Statutory
3.30 Hamilton - High Resolution
3.40 Leicester - Ghasabah
6.20 Doncaster - Princess Rose
7.25 Doncaster - Fulbright
8.30 Doncaster - Halfsin
9.00 Doncaster - Runninglikethewind


The Yorkshireman – Jack Milner

Follow me on Twitter - @JJMSports

Tuesday Racing at Bath, Beverely, Kempton and Yarmouth

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Mark Johnston is riding the crest of a wave at the minute with nine winners last week, most notably Universal in The Princess of Wales Stakes and he looks to be Ascot bound for a tilt at The King George. Joe Fanning did the steering there and also takes the leg up on Dame Nellie Melba in Beverley’s mile handicap at 3.30. The filly was a massive eye-catcher last time out at Doncaster in a hot maiden when making striking late progress. Her opening mark of 68 looks lenient and the 3-y-o also receives 8lb against her older rivals. She looks the best bet of the day.


Elsewhere on the card Choc’A’Moca has a good chance of bouncing back to form in the five furlong handicap at 2.30. He was disappointing last time but that run can be attributed to him not liking the trip. Before that he was in good heart running three solid efforts over the minimum trip. He has good course and distance form to his name and will likely attempt to make all under top weight.


Despite finishing out of the frame in all three starts so far this season there are plenty of signs that Nassau Storm is shaping up to have a good second half to the season. He runs in Yarmouth’s six furlong handicap at 7.20 and the race looks absolutely perfect for him. After running in 0-95 and 0-105 company he carries top weight in a 0-90 where his class should prevail on course to much stronger races throughout the season.


On her two starts so far this season Chris Wall’s Blessing Box has been punted like she is far better than a 65 rated filly and will no doubt have the money come for her again in the 7.50. The key to unlocking her potential could be the drop down to five furlongs after showing plenty of early pace at both Yarmouth and Warwick. Seb Sanders takes the ride and looks somewhere near his best again as seen on Sun Central on Saturday.


It may prove to be a puzzling one but I think Jillnextdoor is a very interesting runner down at Bath for their 0-95 six furlong handicap at 4.15. The filly was rated 103 when fifth to Rosdhu Queen in The Cheveley Park Stakes last season and her revised mark of 87 has left her in limbo between handicaps and pattern races. She didn’t handle Chester on Saturday but her run before at Ayr hinted at promise when staying on in a competitive race at Ayr in behind My Propeller and Jwala. There’s a fine line between genius and insane; let’s hope we’re on the right side of it.


Exceeder looks the star attraction at Kempton and looks a good thing in the maiden at 6.00. Marco Botti’s smart looking son of Exceed and Excel was second on debut in a competitive Nottingham maiden before chasing home Brian Meehan’s exciting Ertijaal at Yarmouth. He sets the bar pretty high and there are fewer better jockeys to do the steering around Kempton than Silvestre De Sousa.


Elsewhere on the card Progenitor will be well fancied in the mile handicap at 8.00 but having his first start for 262 days could see him vulnerable against fresher rivals. Ocean Applause won a poor maiden at the track last week and under a penalty would have similar doubts. Magique is extremely quirky but she’s back in trip after showing promise on her return here in May and then at Sandown. Trainer Jeremy Noseda is operating at a 24% strike-rate with his 3-y-o’s in 2013 and Ryan Moore is in the plate.


2.30 Beverley - Choc'a'Moca
3.30 Beverley - Dame Nellie Melba (Nap)
4.15 Bath - Jillnextdoor
6.00 Kempton - Exceeder
7.20 Yarmouth - Nassau Storm
7.50 Yarmouth - Blessing Box
8.00 Kempton - Magique


The Yorkshireman – Jack Milner

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Friday Racing at Beverley, Haydock and Sandown

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Every piece of form that surrounds Altharoos suggests he should be much better than an 80 rated handicapper, and he should take all the beating in the 7.30 for Sir Michael Stoute and Dane O’Neill. He has form tied in with the likes of Glean, Ashaadd, Intimidate and Disclaimer; and since their races, are all rated 95+. He won his maiden here over course and distance, and given Sir Michael has a 30% Strike Rate.


Rocket Ronnie had the beating of Multilicious last time out, but I have a feeling the form can be turned around in the 8.00, a mile handicap. She finished a length down at Hamilton but with the winner up 4lb, and the Tim Easterby stable in much better form, we can take a chance on the unexposed Multiplex filly.


Over at Haydock, Secret Applause runs in the 7.15 Nursery for Michael Dods, with his star apprentice Connor Beasley taking off a more than useful 7lbf. He was third on debut, before staying on well to win a competitive maiden at Newcastle, despite Paul Mulrennan being 3lb overweight. The stable are in fine form, and the jockey is more than worth his claim.


The mile and a half handicap at 7.45 sees Continuum put his classy reputation on the line for Lady Cecil, but he looks full of quirks, and despite having the potential to be much better than an 85 rated handicapper, he won’t be any sort of price. Semeen could be one to take him on for Luca Cumani, with Jamie Spencer retaining the ride. The form of his win last time out has worked out really well, with the fourth and sixth winning their next races, and he looks a typically progressive Luca Cumani improver.


I like one running at Doncaster in the 3.35, the seven furlong handicap, Charlie Hills’ Glen Moss, with James McDonald legged up. He ran a creditable fourth over course and distance in a very competitive race, and the form looks strong. Royal Ascot winner Lightning Cloud was in behind, and the winner has come out and won since. Down another 1lb in the weights, he will no doubt be there or thereabouts once more.


On the eve of one of the biggest racing days of the season, Eclipse Day on Saturday, Sandown warms up in fine style with a couple of listed races and a fine mix of maidens and handicaps. The Dragon Stakes was won last year by the classy Morawij, and a horse with a similar profile is Survived, for William Haggas and bred by Cheveley Park Stud. She finished sixth in The Queen Mary Stakes at Royal Ascot, and with Bye Bye Birdie and Fig Roll both acquiring black type since then, the form looks good. The fillies get 5lb from the colts, and that could make all the difference in such a competitive renewal.


2.50 Sandown - Survived
3.35 Doncaster - Glen Moss
7.15 Haydock - Secret Applause
7.30 Beverley - Altharoos
7.45 Haydock - Semeen
8.00 Beverley - Multilicious


The Yorkshireman – Jack Milner

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Thursday Racing at Haydock, Yarmouth and Newbury

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Haydock have a strong flat card Thursday afternoon where former champion jockey Paul Hanagan in particular has a strong selection of rides, spread across multiple trainers, including a couple of interesting ones for Dandy Nicholls. I am very sweet on the combination teaming up for Tango Sky in the 3.50, who attempts seven furlongs for the first time. He made solid progress last time out before being hampered and getting no run whatsoever and eased down. He’s been dropped 1lb for that and with course form to his name, and a stable in form, could be well worth a punt.


Paul Hanagan can make it a double with the very well-bred Dutch Mistress in the 5.20, the mile fillies handicap. A race with plenty of unexposed types with untold potential, but the way she manner that she won last time out showed she was very smart. She remains on the same mark due to the win coming in an apprentice handicap, and could have plenty in hand and plenty more to come.


Another local trainer with their string in good nick is Ruth Carr, and one of my old favourites Head Space has gradually been coming down in the handicap; today could be the time he comes good. The six furlong sprint at 4.20 doesn’t look as competitive as it does on paper, with plenty of hardened veterans but with very few wins between them. He won in similar conditions over six at Newcastle and Ayr, from marks of 77 and 82 last season. Rated 78, and third last time out, he’s giving signs he’s ready to get his head in front again.


I backed Lion Beacon last time out when beating Argent Knight, but with the winner taking a 8lb hike in the weights, I can see the form being turned around in the 4.50. When second to Lion Beacon he stayed on well for pressure, and over an extra quarter mile, I think he can turn the tables. Great Hall could be the danger for Brian Meehan and Kieren Fallon, but an opening mark of 88 looks stiff enough.


There’s also racing at Yarmouth where no doubt that Willow Beck will be all the rage in the 4.40, for John Gosden and William Buick. She has an extremely sexy profile but may not be too battle-hardened however with only two starts to her name and preference is for Hydrant. Richard Guest’s front runner has been a revelation since teaming up with 7lb claimer Connor Beasley, winning his last two starts. He is preferred of the two, with the seven year old still well in under a penalty.


There’s evening at Newbury and 6.50 is race that has a habit of throwing up very classy fillies, last season winner Ollie Olga proving to be very smart. Richard Hannon has a whopping five entered so it’s hard to tell which of his is fancied, if any. Instead, one that takes the eye on paper is Lunar Spirit for Ralph Beckett and Jim Crowley. Pedigree wise, she looks outstanding. Out of Aidan O’Brien’s unbeaten Kitty O’Shea and by Invincible Spirit. She is bred for speed and could smart if streetwise enough on her racecourse debut.


There is a filly running in the last that I have held in high regard since seeing her win her maiden last season. Lady Pimpernel was touted as a filly on the road to black type when bolting up in a Nottingham maiden last season. Henry Candy’s filly has been well punted on her two starts thus far this season before tiring on both occasion and will be much fitter and stronger for those two runs. Trainer Henry Candy will be hoping she can make it third time lucky over the mile and a half trip in the 9.10, the lucky last.


3.50 Haydock - Tango Sky
4.40 Yarmouth - Hydrant
4.50 Haydock - Argent Knight
5.20 Haydock - Dutch Mistress
6.50 Newbury - Lunar Spirit
9.10 Newbury - Lady Pimpernel


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Royal Ascot Debrief: Tuesday

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The Queen Anne Stakes was something of a farce due to the anti-climactic of the Kentucky Derby hero Animal Kingdom not travelling a yard. Elusive Kate was the nearest rival from a ratings perspective and travelled well on her first start of the season before tiring dramatically in the final quarter mile. The race ended up in Declaration of War’s lap through a smart turn of foot, but I feel he may prove vulnerable in more competitive races. Aljamaaheer is a smart horse in his own right, but may not be up to this class over a mile, and may be seen to more affect over seven furlongs, and would be one to watch if aiming at the Prix Foray. It is interesting that from a sectional timing point of view, Trade Storm put in the quickest times during the last three furlongs, and the quickest furlong of the entire race 2f out. He would appreciate going at a much stronger gallop, and would be seen to better affect in a race where there is guaranteed pace. Either way, Elusive Kate would be the stand out to take out of the race.

The Kings Stand Stakes was an absolute master class from Johnny Murtagh, and the result on the face of it looks very fair. Shea Shea sets a good standard and as such the form looks solid, especially with Jack Dexter winning at the weekend. Reckless Abandon again travelled well but still showed signs of greenness, hanging like he did at the course last year. Of those in the field without a Group One victory, Pearl Secret would be one to perhaps give another chance on. He made plenty of late headway to finish fourth and for his first run of the season was more than acceptable. His long term target would most likely be The Nunthorpe at York’s Ebor meeting.

The St James’s Palace Stakes just proved how good Dawn Approach is. He couldn’t have had a worse passage, bumped, barged, had to switch, and hampered out wide, and yet still got the job done. Whoever he runs against at whatever track, as long as it is at a mile, he tans them all. And even better when you account the farce of Epsom. Expect to see him at Goodwood for The Sussex Stakes.

On the bare face of it War Command was a very decisive winner of The Coventry Stakes. The War Front colt showed an impressive turn of foot to sprout wings under Seamie Heffernan to win by six lengths, against what looked a stellar line up. Stubbs would be better than the bare result, having a wide passage throughout, and I could see him bouncing back in The National Stakes, but he looks to have too much pace at the moment to be considered for classic honours. Watching the replay, Sir John Hawkins was far from disgraced over a trip that is insufficient from a pedigree perspective. Out of an Irish Oaks winning mare, he’ll get a mile cosily, and will no doubt be going for races such as The Dewhurst and The Racing Post Trophy, on towards a long term target of The 2000 Guineas at Newmarket.

The Ascot Stakes and The Windsor Castle Stakes were both nothing of note, although Well Sharp did win well, mainly thanks to a shocker from Tom Queally on the favourite. Tiger Cliff remains unexposed and well handicapped and Mubaraza and Justification boosted the form at the weekend. I wouldn’t be rushing out to back any of the runners in the race in a hurry mind you. Extortionist won his race in fine style from another peach from Murtagh, but the way they finished in such a bunched fashion, hints at how little substance the form carries. Fountain of Youth hung all over the track and has plenty of improvement to come, being out of the terrific filly Attraction. Justice Day did well on the ‘wrong side’ and may have found the race coming a little too quick, being the colts fifth run in the space of two months.


The Yorkshireman – Jack Milner

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Royal Ascot - Friday; Day Four

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Day four, lets hope the last two days are better than the first three.


Sandiva will be popular in The Albany Stakes after blitzing a good field in a Listed contest in Ireland, but I wouldn’t want to be backing anything with Frankie Dettori on at the minute, and the famously bred Joyeuse can bring a much heralded win for Lady Cecil and Warren Place. She won a maiden comfortably at Lingfield, and has much more to come, being a half-sister to the world’s greatest thoroughbred; Frankel.


Battle of Marengo is a deserved favourite in The King Edward VII, but favourites have a poor record and under a penalty he doesn’t appeal, especially at the prices. I’d fancy Hillstar at a price now that he is upped in trip, looking a mile and a half horse in the making on his two runs over ten furlongs. He failed to reel in High Troja last time out at Newbury, when giving him 7lb to boot. He is proven on the ground and clearly does a bit at home, entered here despite only being rated in double figures. Ryan Moore is riding out of his skin. I wouldn’t be surprised to see Tha’ir run a big race in first time cheekpieces, with his two year old form being rather smart.


A horse that I think the world of is BIG BREAK, and she is my best bet of the day in The Coronation Stakes for Dermot Weld and Pat Smullen. I backed her for the 1000 Guineas as soon as she won her maiden tag; she was that impressive on the day. She followed that up with a good win in Group Three company against the colts. She ran a cracker in the Irish 1000 Guineas, and although the ground may be a bit quick for her, she is good enough to get through it. She has to take on both winners Sky Lantern and Just The Judge, but I think she has the potential to better both here.


A trappy ten furlongs listed handicap and the most impressive bit of form in the race is Genzy finishing second to Noble Mission at Goodwood last time out. He lost to a 109 rated horse when tiring over the trip, and from an unrevised mark of 103, could be well in here. The third Moment in Time has come out and won a Group Three, and he should be competitive.


There is very little value in Leading Light at around 5/2 for The Queen’s Vase, despite ticking every box for Ballydoyle. A well-bred Montjeu colt who looks like he will be better upped in trip and the stable has a good record. Another stable with a strong record is Mark Johnston, he has three and stable jockey Joe Fanning selects Mister Impatience and he sets a good standard. He went into a lot of notepads when winning a Doncaster handicap by nine lengths, and despite flopping at Epsom, ran very well when chasing home the Derby winner Ruler of the World at Chester. The trip should suit and should bring out more improvement out of the Hernando colt.


Smarty Socks is dangerous under a penalty after hacking up at York, being tipped up on the blog and duly being smashed up in the market. However Enrol should be short in the betting but very hard to beat raised 3lb for a game second last time out at Newmarket. She got going late and only just failed to wear down Nocturn, getting there with every yard and losing by a nose. Over seven furlongs, the filly has longer to start revving the engine.


2.30 Royal Ascot – Joyeuse
3.05 Royal Ascot – Hillstar
3.45 Royal Ascot – Big Break (Nap)
4.25 Royal Ascot – Genzy
5.00 Royal Ascot – Mister Impatience
5.35 Royal Ascot – Enrol (Nb)


The Yorkshireman – Jack Milner

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Royal Ascot 2013 - Thursday; Day Three

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Day three, and Ladies Day for some, Gold Cup Day for others and recoup day for most, two out of three ain’t bad as they say.


We start with The Norfolk Stakes, and I fancied two last year who both missed the frame, despite a bunched finish. Hopefully Green Door can boost my strike rate, who was most impressive when shedding the maiden tag at Newmarket in game style under Jim Crowley, and he keeps the ride. The form of the race has worked out exceptional, with four next time out winners, including the Qatar first string Wind Fire. Some smart types to go up against, but I think he could out run his price, as could Eccleston who won very snugly on debut at Doncaster, and the Fahey juveniles are flying.


I was in the office the day that Alive Alive Oh won the Irish Oaks Trial at Navan and she was breath-taking. I e-mailed a few people at the time and told them to go and watch the replay straight away. What was perhaps more impressive was the gamble on her that day, from around 7/2 in the morning, she went off the 11/10 favourite. She won by six lengths beating a 104 rated filly in any manner she liked, and it was said by the trainer afterwards that she is the best they have had. She will win The Ribblesdale on course to going to the Irish Oaks. Winsili looks the danger, as I expect The Lark to bomb out on the ground.


Estimate warrants maximum respect in The Gold Cup, and I backed her last year to win The Queen’s Vase, but I have been waiting for Rite of Passage to run since winning at Ascot last year, and quite frankly he is the best staying horse on the planet. He won The Gold Cup in 2010 in tremendous style, setting an unbelievable time, the only problem being that he nearly broke himself in the process. He showed he retains his ability when winning The Long Distance Cup at Ascot in October, and he is just pure class. I wouldn’t want the ground too quick, but I find it very difficult to see how he loses, especially over the two and a half mile trip.


To say The Britannia Stakes is tricky is like saying Sprinter Sacre is an alright lepper; there’s more plots here than Alan Titchmart’s allotment. Wentworth and Cape Peron are the two sexy horses with flashy profiles and obviouschances, but they are too short in such a race like this for me. Haafaguinea and Market Town finished first and second in a Sandown handicap, and both have similar unexposed profiles, but the former looked very smart that day. The Clive Cox yard is flying, but Fehaydi and Red Avenger have let the form down since, and they re-oppose here again. Another horse on an upward curve is Llaregyb who has won two handicaps on good ground over a mile, both in good fashion. Young Harry Bentley is on board, and although up another 7lb, should appreciate the fast pace and even faster going.


The Hampton Court Stakes looks fairly open this year, and despite Chopin showing smart form over in Germany, he doesn’t appeal, especially under a penalty. A lot of guess work but Shikarpour could be a smart type in the making for The Aga Khan and Alain De Royer Dupre. He built on his debut run to finish a good fifth in The French Derby, behind a very smart colt in the form of Intello. Another with form in France is Indian Chief for Ballydoyle, He still looked green last time out, and was a messy race, but he clearly has class and tonnes of ability. It is a worry that he is hooded first time, but he could prove to be very good indeed.


Mark Johnston has a good record in the last race, and I someone found his winner Fennell Bay last year, who won under a cool ride from Joe Fanning. He has three this year and all have chances, but none as strong as the look of Bold Sniper for Sir Michael Stoute and Ryan Moore. He romped home over a mile and a quarter last time out, beating some good and unexposed rivals. The progeny of New Approach have thrived at Royal Ascot this year and last, and he looks to have plenty more to come stepped up in trip for Her Majesty The Queen.


2.30 Royal Ascot – Green Door
3.05 Royal Ascot – Alive Alive Oh (Nb)
3.45 Royal Ascot – Rite of Passage (Nap)
4.25 Royal Ascot – Haafaguinea & Llaregyb
5.00 Royal Ascot – Indian Chief & Shikarpour
5.35 Royal Ascot – Bold Sniper


The Yorkshireman – Jack Milner

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Royal Ascot 2013 - Wednesday; Day Two

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The race and indeed the market for The Jersey Stakes features around two horses who displayed their best efforts in defeat, and that is Gale Force Ten and Montridge. Both are closely related on a form line with Irish Derby hope Trading Leather, who defeated Montridge at Newmarket last year, but then trailed Gale Force Ten in The Irish 2000 Guineas. Mutin and The Brothers War both have bold claims from France, and to a lesser extent Pearl Flute and Complimentor. Two horses I fancy both coincidently enough have similar claims based on beating Richard Hannon’s Emell, and they are Garswood and Well Acquainted. Garswood is the preferred, trainer Richard Fahey thinks the world of him, and he was far from disgrace in The Guineas, finishing seventh. His most impressive form to date came when winning the Free Handicap at Newmarket over 7f, and a renewal of that would see him go close. Pat Smullen is a very strong positive. Well Acquainted is progressing nicely, but finished four lengths behind Garswood that day, when in receipt of 3lb. There is a chance Adam Kirby may be able to nick it from the front.


The Windsor Forest is relatively open, with the top three in the market all looking to have strong claims, and all with similar form. Chigun, Dank and Duntle have all won black type races over course and distance and all come from very powerful stables, and indeed breeders. Chigun was impressive when hacking up last time out in Ireland, but before that finished behind Dank over nine furlongs at Newmarket. The most straightforward filly in the race looks to be DUNTLE though, and she has the best form in the race, unlucky to lose The Matron Stakes in the stewards room at Leopardstown. I’ve tried to see how she can lose, and unless Ryan Moore can dictate matters on Dank, she should be hard to lose with.


The St James’ Palace Stakes is billed as a rematch between Camelot and Al Kazeem, but the bigger story is the each way thievery on offer with The Fugue for John Gosden and William Buick. Her best trip is undoubtedly over a mile and a quarter, seen when winning The Nassau Stakes last year, and with the fillies’ allowance of 3lb, she should get in the frame at the very least. Camelot is overhyped, so Al Kazeem beating him doesn’t mean much. The rest of the field aren’t of this standard, and she looks a cracking punt.


The Royal Hunt Cup looks as tricky as usual, and although I managed to stick the pin in the favourite with Fast or Free last year, but those at the head of affairs this year don’t seem to have the same appeal however. The ones with sexy profiles will generally go off shorter than they should, Educate, Stirring Ballad and Trade Commissioner. Instead I like two hardened veterans of these type of races; Navajo Chief and Prince of Johanne. They finished first and second of a competitive handicap at York last month and have good records in competitive Ascot handicaps over the trip. There will be plenty of firms offering five places, so shop around!


There is no stand out in The Queen Mary, but I was astounded when Bye Bye Birdie got beat two starts ago over six furlongs at The Curragh. She tired late on to get an absolute gubbing and the raw speed she shows her to suit the trip down, as seen when winning her maiden on Sunday. Her form looks good and the fact she is Ballydoyle’s entry would be another positive. Another I was taken with early was Kaiulani for Mick Channon, who was punted like a good thing and duly obliged at Leicester. She will have more to come, and the trainer does well with juveniles at the meeting. Of those at the head of the market, Rizeena and Reroute, both owned by same connections look very interesting.


The Sandringham Handicap to finish things is another potential minefield, and it could be worth taking a chance on one of our favourite stables in Bracing Breeze for Dermot Weld and Pat Smullen. A beautifully bred filly by Juddmonte was second behind Cape of Approval last time out who then lowered the colours of Group One winning Maarek next time out. She had a 111 rated colt in behind that day, and is unexposed with only three runs to her name. Another Irish filly with strong claims is Hint of a Tint, who was second in The Guineas trial to Just Pretending in the 1000 Guineas trial. Bred on the Danehill/Galileo line, she is another unexposed filly with potential to improve.


2.30 Royal Ascot – Garswood
3.05 Royal Ascot – Duntle (Nb)
3.45 Royal Ascot – The Fugue (Nap)
4.25 Royal Ascot – Navajo Chief & Prince of Johanne
5.00 Royal Ascot – Kaiulani & Bye Bye Birdie
5.35 Royal Ascot – Bracing Breeze & Hint of a Tint


The Yorkshireman – Jack Milner

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Royal Ascot - Tuesday

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Royal Ascot kicks off in style once more with The Queen Anne Stakes, and whilst there is no stellar field like recent years, the tradition of the race being spear-headed by a world class superstar persists. Recent winners are an illustrious ‘who’s who’ of middle distance echelon; including Goldikova, Paco Bay, Canford Cliffs and the champion of the world, Frankel. The only horse that can boast the level of form to match such winners is ANIMAL KINGDOM who boasts the ability to be versatile on ground and trip, being a Kentucky Derby winner and a Dubai World Cup winner. As well as chasing home the fantastic American miler Wise Dan at the Breeders Cup, with Excelebration and Moonlight Cloud in behind. The fact of the matter is that he doesn’t have a lot to beat. Elusive Kate is the only other Group One winner, and the filly has never won when taking on the colts. The rest are much of a muchness, with Declaration of War, whilst Trade Storm and Aljamaaheer are up in class. It looks a fairly straightforward task for the American raider.


The second race looks a bit of a minefield, with nineteen lining up for The Kings Stand, but if South African sprinter SHEA SHEA turns up, much like Animal Kingdom, in the same heart he was in when romping home in Dubai, he is hard to beat. He is 3lb clear on official ratings of Reckless Abandon, who looks the main danger, but these races tend to be messy affairs, and won’t be one to seriously get stuck into. Sole Power, Spirit Quarts and Swiss Spirit are those who are the most likeliest to spring a surprise.


The action packed first day keeps on delivering, with DAWN APPROACH looking to bounce back after his flop in The Derby in The St James’ Palace Stakes. He was never travelling and being at pains with the slow early crawl of a pace, jockey Kevin Manning struggling to get him settled. Jim Bolger has his pacemaker Leitir Mor deployed once more which should suit the colt, and although Irish Guineas winner Magician will be a capable foe, I have to stick with the animal that I have been so sweet on since seeing his maiden win oh so many moons ago.


I can’t keep on tipping up favourites, so will sidestep Stubbs and Championship in The Coventry Stakes for Ballydoyle’s supposed second string and Sir John Hawkins, with Ryan Moore jocked up. He is bred to be decent, out of Irish Oaks heroine Peeping Fawn, by multiple Group 1 winner Henrythenavigator, and made a pleasing start to racing when winning on debut at The Curragh. He was green but got better as the race progressed and has the potential to be very smart. I can see him being a Guineas horse for next year already for leading connections.


The Ascot Stakes is a two and a half mile handicap, and a race that has generally been dominated by National Hunt trainers with dual purpose horses. This was seen last year when Willie Mullins and Simeon romping home in the hands of Ryan Moore to win and win well. Those at the head of the market all have doubts, but the two that strike of the most interest are Investissement for David Pipe and Lieutenant Miller of Nicky Henderson. Investissement is a seemingly precocious animal, three starts since his third in an Ebor in 2011 from a mark of 99. The stable won the race a few years ago with Junior, and he will be fitter from his run at Chester last month. Lieutenant Miller made a mockery of his mark of 79 at Doncaster over two miles, and won as he liked. Up 8lb, but rated 115 over hurdles, and classier form in the book. Nicky Henderson won the race with Veiled in 2011, so know what it takes to win. Graham Lee is a very strong booking to do the steering.


The Windsor Castle Stakes has a fond history of being a good get out of jail race for punters, with well supported favourites Frederick Engels and Duntle winning the last two seasons in good style too. Richard Hannon is mob handed at this, with four runners, whilst Aidan O’ Brien, David Evans and George Baker, all have a brace with a couple chucked in for Qatar Bloodstock. I Would be hesitant selections, but I liked the look of Fountain of Youth for Ballydoyle and Ryan Moore on board, and also Justice Day for David Elsworth. Fountain of Youth is a typical stoutly bred sort, who ran well on debut, in what looks to have been a very strong maiden. He looked better when dropping down to 5f to shed the maiden tag, and will have more to offer. Justice Day sprung a surprise when winning a Newbury maiden readily, and the form has worked out really well. He’s yet to be out of the frame in three conditions events, and is sure to run to a strong standard again.


2.30 Royal Ascot – Animal Kingdom
3.05 Royal Ascot – Shea Shea
3.45 Royal Ascot – Dawn Approach
4.25 Royal Ascot – Sir John Hawkins (Nap)
5.00 Royal Ascot – Lieutenant Miller & Investissement
5.35 Royal Ascot – Fountain of Youth & Justice Day


The Yorkshireman – Jack Milner

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