Reckless To Abandon Clive Cox’s Star In Temple Stakes – Saturday Selections

Not only does this Saturday encompass the fascinating final of the Champions League but also some excellent racing to keep everyone happy! The classiest race of the day is the Group 2 Temple Stakes at Haydock and there is plenty of value of to be had with lots of high class handicaps around the country.

Rundell (2-45 Haydock) reappeared in a hot York Handicap last week and finished a very creditable second. He gave the impression that day that not only would he improve for the run but also for the return to better ground. Richard Hannon’s inmate looks well treated and though this is a competitive race he has strong claims.

Baltic Knight loos a great bet in the Silver Bowl Handicap at Haydock, 3-15. He followed up his reappearance win with a staying on third in a Listed race at Newmarket. The ground was possibly just a touch to quick that day and the forecast good ground should suit. As will the step up in trip and there looks to be plenty more to come, especially with the drop in class in his favour.

The highlight of Saturday’s racing is undoubtedly Haydock’s Group Two Temple Stakes at 3-50. There is only one horse of interest for me in this race and that is Clive Cox’s high class colt, Reckless Abandon. He won a whole host of prestigious Group One and Two races last year including the Norfolk, Middle Park and Prix Morny. Providing he has trained on he could prove to be one of the greatest British sprinters for a very long time. He should take this en route to Group One prizes later in the year.

Albert Bridge is a very interesting contender in the 3-05 at Goodwood, Ralph Beckett has said it is all about the ground for him and there has to be some “give”. His reappearance run his best forgiven and he has always appeared the sort to have a lot more to offer. Already with some good form to his name including runner-up in Leopardstown November Handicap he could be up to taking this valuable handicap.

Mark Johnston’s runners at Goodwood should always be respected and his Flashlight warrants maximum respect in the 3-35. His stamina was probably stretched over a mile and a busy schedule may have resulted in him weakening in the latter stages at Chester. Now freshened up by a break and dropped in trip he appears to hold every chance. Already with some smart form to his name over this trip including when second to Polski Max and Hillstar.

To say this is a step up in class for Moment In Time is rather an understatement, an 11 length winner of an apprentice handicap last time out is now pitched into Listed company. He was well held by Boonga Rooneta at Bath but is still lightly raced and the extra distance here could see him reverse placings with that rival. Whether he has the class is questionable but he is lightly raced and does appear to have a good engine.

Apologies for the lack of originality in York’s Spring Sprint at 2-55. I feel that Duke Of Firenze is potentially group class and this sort of mark in a handicap makes him far too tempting to resist.

Chester Selections: Mandy’s Choice 2-00, Stellar Express 2-30, Gatepost 3-10, Gabrial’s King 3-40, Grey Mirage 4-15, Greek Spirit 4-50 and Gioia Di Vita 5-20

Goodwood Selections: Afsare 2-05, Extra Noble 2-35, Albert Bridge 3-05, Flashlight 3-35, Moment In Time 4-05, Safari Mischief 4-40 and Hidden Belief 5-15

Haydock Selections: Restaurateur 2-10, Rundell 2-40, Baltic Knight 3-15, Reckless Abandon 3-50, Polar Venture 4-20, Oneladyowner 4-55, Redvers 5-30 and Enobled 6-00

York Selections: Morache Music 1-50, Bite Of The Cherry 2-20, Duke Of Firenze 2-55, Munjally 3-30, Lyric Street 4-00, Kyllachy Rise 4-35 and Sunnybridge Boy 5-10

Trumpet Has A Major Chance In Lockinge – Saturday Selections

Harris Tweed struggled to carry his Group Three penalty to victory in Listed company last year but looks to hold outstanding claims without that burden this year. William Haggas’ admirable sort has a good record fresh and could be difficult to pass if getting to the front.

Plenty of unexposed sorts line up in the London Gold Cup Handicap at 2-40 at Newbury. The most interesting contender is Godolphin’s Tarikhi, he still retains an entry in the Derby and King Edward, though they may be pretty ambitious it shows the regard in which he is held. He should be well up to winning a handicap off of this mark.

The outstanding highlight of Saturday’s racing is the Group One Lockinge Stakes at 3-50. This looks a truly great Group One with some very smart sorts lining up including Cityscape, Farhh and Declaration Of War to name but a few. There appears to be plenty more to come from Declaration Of War and he could well turn out to be the best horse in the race, however, he is plenty short enough in the market and there could be value elsewhere. Cityscape is a very class horse who has been unfortunate to bump into the likes of Frankel and Excelebration in recent years and he warrants a great deal of respect but is always vulnerable to a classier sort. However, it is Trumpet Major that makes most appeal, he was very hit and miss last year and he was clearly not right at Goodwood or Newmarket. Though he is very smart when on song as shown when winning the Craven and finishing an excellent fourth in the Guineas. He looks the type to progress with age and it was hard not to be taken by the manner of his victory in the Bet365 Mile last time out. Hopefully his problems are behind him and can progress to the top of the milers division this year.

Doncaster Selections: Silver Tigress 5-25, Porsh Herrik 5-55, Grand Denial 6-25, Goodwood Mirage 7-00, African Oil 7-30, Moment In Time 8-05 and Italian Tom 8-35

Newbury Selections: Gold Medal 1-30, Harris Tweed 2-05, Modern Tutor 2-40, Tarikhi 3-15, Trumpet Major 3-50, Plover 4-25, Addictive Nature 5-30 and Perfect Haven 6-05

Newmarket Selections: Hurricane Lady 1-45, Albert Bridge 2-20, Chilworth Icon 2-55, Supernova Heights 3-30, Jammy Guest 4-05, Granell 4-40, Mutanaweb 5-15 and Persepolis 5-50

Thirsk Selections: Princess Rose 2-15, Come On Dave 2-50, Colonel Mak 3-25, Noble Storm 4-00, Just Darcy 4-35, Tiger Reins 5-10, War Lord 5-45 and Tefflah 6-20

York Dante Festival Day Three Preview

Beldale Memory was a most impressive winner of his maiden at Bath and the form of that race looks solid. The Marygate Stakes at 1-45 is a big step up but this is clearly a very smart filly who has been purchased by some very wealth owners.

Joshua Tree is now in the care of Ed Dunlop and it is entirely possible that he can eek more improvement out of this globetrotting horse. He won the Canadian International at Woodbine and a Group Two at Deauville. This could prove to be his optimal trip and despite carrying a penalty he is clearly capable of going close in the Yorkshire Cup at 2-45.

It was hard not to be impressed by Pavlosk on her racecourse debut and she looks a filly of enormous potential. She can take Blade Amenity Fillies Stakes at 3-15 on the way to better things. The way she travelled through the race and quickened at Newbury suggests she is very smart. As with most of the Stoute runners she can be expected to improve for the experience.

York Selections: Beldale Memory 1-45, Sir John Hawkwood 2-15, Joshua Tree 2-45, Pavlosk 3-15, Space Artist 3-50, Maven 4-25 and Rundell 5-00

York Dante Festival Day Two Preview

Sincere apologies for missing the first day of the Dante Festival. Work has been very hectic lately and I haven’t managed to find the time to post. However, I have set this time aside now to run through day two of York’s informative Dante meeting.

There is a competitive sprint handicap to start proceedings and I’m going to side with 33/1 shot Last Bid. Tim Easterby’s filly’s form figures on the Knavesmire read 11226 and she struggled off her mark in the 90s last year. Now down to a mark of 84 and sure to improve for her reappearance she looks one to keep on the right side of. She has some very smart form to her name including when a length second to My Propeller in a listed contest over the C&D. At 33/1 she is certainly worth an each way interest.

A solid if not spectacular field line up for the Middleton Stakes at 2-15 and it is probably worth opposing the French raider Dalkala. She was well beaten on her return and is likely to struggle conceding weight all round. It could be worth siding with Richard Fahey’s Lady’s First who has received a positive bulletin from her trainer. She has some solid place efforts in good company to her name including when runner up to Dank in a Group Three at Sandown. Her pedigree suggests she is the type who will continue to improve with age and looks good value at 7/1.

The Dante Stakes takes place at 2-45 and it promises to be a very informative contest with regards to the Epsom showpiece. Greatwood and Windhoek are closely matched on their Newmarket encounter and preference is for Mark Johnston’s colt to confirm that form. He looks a very progressive, tough sort who could take some passing. However, Aidan O’Brien has been taking nearly all of the Derby trials and his Indian Chief looks high up the Ballydoyle pecking order. He was well backed when shedding his maiden tag on his reappearance and looks to have a great deal more to give. Joseph O’Brien comes over for the ride and I strongly expect another Ballydoyle Derby Trial victory.

York Selections: Last Bid 1-45, Lady’s First 2-15, Indian Chief 2-45, Fort Bastion 3-15, Cosmic Chatter 3-50, Exceed And Exceed 4-25 and Hidden Justice 5-00

Nevis To Come Out On Top On Tremendous Day of Racing – Saturday Selections

Secret Gesture will take all the beating in Lingfield Oaks Trial at 2-20. Ralph Beckett’s filly won a decent Newbury maiden and there should be plenty more to come from here this year. However, she is short in the market given the undulations of the Surrey venue aren’t to everyone’s liking. On a line through Harbinger Lass, Heroine Required appears to have the beating of Whippy Cream, and that form ties in with Cheshire Oaks winner Bannoffee. William Haggas does very well with fillies and won this race last year with Vow. There could be more to come from Heroine Required and is worth backing each way at 8/1.

Aidan O’Brien is still trying to ascertain his Derby pecking order and it is likely to be made no more easy after Nevis’ performance in the Lingfield Derby Trial at 2-55. He struggled behind Dawn Approach in the Vincent O’Brien Stakes after a smooth maiden success. However, he looks just the type to benefit from the step up in trip and is clearly well regarded.

The Group Three Chartwell Stakes at 4-00 looks a very close contest and it is hard to rule any out with much confidence. Pleine Forme is interesting on his first start for Marco Botti, while Lily’s Angel is a very tough consistent sort but it could pay to side with Ultrasonic. Se represents the in form Stoute yard and can step up on last years solid form. The step up to 7f looks sure to suit this year and she is likely to get her head in front in Group company before long.

There is plenty of value to be had in big field handicaps and the Betfred Victoria Cup at 3-50 is no exception. Though Arnold Lane appears to have a mighty task under top weight he has a very good record in handicaps and has been in very good form this year. He has run well under a big weight in the past and while this is a carer high mark he looks sure to go well. The other to make appeal is Ralph Beckett’s Haaf A Sixpence who won the Spring Cup at Newbury last time out. That was a very smooth success and it would be a surprise if there wasn’t more to come.

The Swinton Hurdle is a fascinating contest with plenty in with a chance. Forgotten Voice and Mr Mole look the obvious starting point but doubts remain about the pair of them. The one that makes the most appeal is Specialagent Alfie. Nick Gifford’s southern raider was an excellent second behind the classy Court Minstrel in the Sussex Champion Hurdle. The way he travelled through that race suggests that this sort of test will suit. There is unlikely to be anything as unexposed as Court Minstrel in this field and the flat track will suit.

Ascot Selections: Finflash 1-30, Scatter Dice 2-05, Main Sequence 2-40, Westwiththenight 3-15, Arnold Lane/Haaf A Sixpence 3-50 and Italian Tom 4-25

Haydock Selections: Darley Sun 1-50, Hanseatic 2-25, Mezmaar 3-00, Specialagent Alfie 3-30, Set The Trend 4-05, Fairy Rath 4-40 and Zamoyski 5-15

Lingfield Selections: Sartori 1-45, Heroine Required 2-20, Nevis 2-55, Albasharah 3-25,  Ultrasonic 4-00, Noble Citizen 4-35 and Ortac Rock 5-10

Nottingham Selections: The Dark Wizard 2-15, Another Citizen 2-45, Palazzo Bianco 3-20, Scream Blue Murder 3-55, Asgardella 4-30, Noble Gift 5-05 and Viking Warrior 5-35

Thirsk Selections: War Lord 5-45, Mon Brav 6-15, Red Cape 6-45, Roman Flight 7-15, No Dominion 7-45, Cupertino 8-15 and Eastlands Lad 8-45

Warwick Selections: Master Of Disguise 6-05, Jana 6-35, Midnite Angel 7-05, Shalambar 7-35, Shore Step 8-05 and Scottish Glen 8-35

Chester May Festival Day Three Preview

The opening race on the final day of Chester’s May Festival is a Class 2 handicap over 7f at 1-45. Captain Bertie ran no more than a solid race in the Spring Cup at Newbury last time out but could go close here if a change of tactics are employed. Back in his two year old days he made all to win a maiden over this C&D, reverting to those tactics under Ryan Moore he will go very close.

Aidan O’Brien has a formidable record at Chester, especially when teaming up with Ryan Moore and Magician can improve that record in the Dee Stakes at 2-15. Magician progressed with each two year old start and routed a decent field when shedding his maiden tag. His last placed finish in a Group Three at Leopardstown is best ignored as he was badly hampered when bang in contention. The step up in trip looks to be in his favour and a big run is expected.

The Ormonde Stakes at 2-45 looks a match between Mount Athos and Memphis Tennessee. Mount Athos progressed through the ranks last year and developed into a smart performer at this level, he put up a very good effort in the Melbourne Cup and is respected here. However, it could be that regular partner Ryan Moore opts to ride Memphis Tennessee (though contracts/agreements may dictate his choice). He won this race last year and his two solid Derby efforts looks the best form on offer. It is significant that he has been kept in training as a five year old and he’s still lightly raced so there could be plenty more to come from him this year.

Chester Selections: Captain Bertie 1-45, Magician 2-15, Memphis Tennessee 2-45, Storm Moon 3-15, Clockmaker 3-50, Oasis Spirit 4-25 and Van Percy 5-00

Chester May Festival Day Two Preview

Day Two of Chester’s May Festival kicks off with a competitive handicap over 1m 2f at 1-45. Despite being dealt a terrible blow with a wide draw, Sir Michael Stoute’s Sir John Hawkwood makes the most appeal. His hold up style of running means he should be too inconvenienced by the draw and he could develop into a smart performer this year.

Bonfire has the most potential of those lining up in the Huxley Stakes at 2-15. He was sent off second favourite for the Derby after his Dante win but disappointed in his final two three year old starts. Andrew Balding’s stable star looks sure to build on his comeback run and can fulfil the promise he showed in the early stages of last season.

The two once raced winners, Feel Like Dancing and Ruler Of The World, look the two to concentrate on in the Chester Vase at 2-45. The former won well on his debut, showing a good attitude and staying on well. There looks to be plenty more to come from him and being by Authorized the ground should pose little fear. However, Aidan O’Brien has a good record in this race and continue his winning partnership with Ryan Moore in the form of Ruler Of The World. He won very well on his debut and features prominently in the Derby Betting.

Chester Selections: Sir John Hawkwood 1-45, Bonfire 2-15, Ruler Of The World 2-45, Sorella Bella 3-15, Inciting Incident 3-50, Dominate 4-25 and Proofreader 5-00