The shrewd amongst you would have noted that I referred to yesterday as a ’Saturday’ in my post-title apologies.
As to yesterday, well the opening race fell apart with the withdrawal of Little Big Bear close to the off, leaving Persian Force without rival. The double with Khanjar, who Crowley in my opinion, did not give the best ride, therefore paid around a whopping 0.1 points profit.
Plenty of racing today, we will look around Newmarket, Ascot and York for selections.
13:50 – Plenty to like in this race about the favourite, New London, however the eye is drawn to Swilcan Bridge, a huge price, for Andrew Balding and Hayley Turner. I expected opening prices of around 6/1, hence as value play and down in the weights a repeat of the Epsom & Goodwood form (when it was carrying nearly a stone heavier) would be enough to at least trouble the frame if not more.
Swilcan Bridge 14/1 1pt ew
14:25 – Lezoo and Frankie should have the better of these but is no price.
15:00 – We will back Spirit Mixer in this big field handicap, Balding, does well over Course and Distance, with a nigh on 30% strike rate, hence, with Callum Hutchinson taking off 5lb the horse is very well weighted for today, second behind Trueshan when last seen over 2m, one wonders whether the run in the Marathon was a nice prep for today, as the horse has the pace to be much more effective over this distance (dropped back to 1mil 6f).
Dark Jedi for Tim Easterby is a further selection at a very big price, with the win at Ayr last time out on the clock being of interest, even if those he beat have not proved subsequently to be much.
Spirit Mixer 14/1 1pt ew
Dark Jedi 33/1 0.5pt ew
15:35 – This is all about Inspiral, or is it all about the Gosden’s? or Frankie? Who knows, either way, at 1/6 it will surely oblige, Sandrine is the likely horse to follow her home but not a race to get involved in.
York
14:05 – Forza Orta down in class and nicely drawn from stall 7. A very consistent type on the surface and over distance, down in trip for the first time in a good while, this is plainly it’s preferred distance and a big run is anticipated.
Forza Orta 5/1 2.5pt ew
14:40 – Flotus a strong front-running type with SDS on board, is a very strong selection, De Sousa has a good strike-rate at the course and his front running style, where he sets the fractions to beat, should ensure when out, she is difficult to pass.
Flotus 11/4 3.5pt ew
16:25 – Northern Express is another, very strong selection, weighted well, carrying nigh on a stone less than when last seen, a winner over course and distance, Michael Dodds loves York and will have this one well primed today.
Northern Express 3/1 3.5pt ew
Ascot
(forgive lack of write-up)
16:00 – Topanticipation 6/1 1.5pt ew
16:36 – First Ruler 7/2 1.5pt ew
Multiples
Flotus & Northern Express 3pt ew 12/1
Flotus, Northern Express, First Ruler 62/1 1pt ew
Horse Racing Selections 