| So King Of Comedy proved himself to be a complete clown. After having to be walked to the start, he dwelt at the off and then ran with his head high. Frankly, it was testament to his athletic ability that he came second. I would have thought that the best way to sort out his temperament would be to have his knackers off – an operation that I would gladly perform personally. However, one would suspect that he has enough black type to earn himself a stud career and, thus, avoid his just desserts. Let’s hope his progeny inherit his speed but not his brains. In the first Clon Coulis had come with a very promising late run but was badly hampered and then squeezed for room leaving Jamie Spencer no option but to ease her off. I will definitely look to give her another chance – particularly if Barron starts to show improved form. With the later Haydock races being called off it was left to my Gleneagles progeny betting system to provide some cheer with Whatabird winning the 14:50. On to today: CHESTER 14:45 FUWAYRIT 2pts win This classy son of Gutaifan carries top-weight but is good enough to do so and is well drawn. |
NEWMARKET 15:00
MUM’S TIPPLE 2pts win THREAT 1pt e/w
Mum’s Tipple was hugely impressive at York and the time says he is exceptional. The only reason I can find to not back him is, remarkably, that no progeny of Footstepsinthesand has ever won over this distance – a criteria that also applies to stablemate Threat who is a good e/w bet.
Andre Fabre’s classy Earthlight comes into contention, particularly if the ground conditions deteriorate as he has won on the soft – conditions which Lope y Fernadez would also cope well. The fact that Ryan Moore has chosen Monarch of Egypt is noteworthy and you certainly can’t rule out fellow Irish raider Siskin. In fact I wouldn’t rule any of the contenders out in this superb renewal. But it’s Mum’s Tipple for me.
| RIPON 15:35 BARON BOLT 1pt e/w I fancy Paul Cole to have a couple of winners today and Baron Bolt may well be one of them. He is on an attractive mark today and he likes softer ground. |
NEWMARKET 15:45
BALTIC BARON 1pt e/w
BERINGER 1pt e/w
JAZEEL 1pt e/w
Some of the shorter priced horses such as Good Birthday, Lord North and Le Don De Vie have very strong claims but in this huge field there are always risks attached to any selection.
With the bookmakers paying six places it makes good sport, if not good sense, to pick out a few at longer odds against the field. Jazeel and Beringer have strong form in this type ofrace and the latter is now more fairly weighted against his old foe. O’Meara’s Baltic Baron has run some good races in defeat since being gelded andthis strong traveller can go well today.
Dark Star in new headgear and Fifth Position in handicap company for the first time are also intriguing.