It was a real delight to see the resurrection of The Pharoah of Galway, Peter O’Tool and his wise insights into the 2000 Guineas. On my side I had two hours sorting out the Gremlins; (for those of you with a technical bent, it was the SMTP routing handler which was set to Local rather Remote and some software didn’t like that setting and so, downed tools….. no, me neither!). I am assured the problem is solved. I am not convinced. I also picked up something off a dodgy prawn, or the dog, or a chicken, so I have cancelled all engagements until fully cemented!
I have been keeping a score all week of where we are financially, and Saturday’s results were as follows:
13:15 NEWM LEODIS DREAM – BLUE VEGA e/w both lost (10th and 8th) -4pts
13:30 NEWC FOURTAMOUR Lost 2nd beaten a neck -2pts
13:50 NEWM TARBOOSH e/w Non-Runner – WELL DONE FOX e/w Lost -2pts
14:05 NEWC DAARIK Won 2/1 +4pts
14:25 NEWM TEREBELLUM Won 10/11 +1.82pts bt QUEEN POWER +4.76 pts Total: +6.58pts
14:40 NEWC WITHHOLD Lost -2pts – MILDENBURGER e/w 2nd 4/1 -0.4pts Total: -2.4pts
15:00 NEWM WALDKONIG Lost 3rd 8/11 -2pts
15:15 NEWC PALACE PIER Won 11/10 =+2.2pts
15:35 NEWM PINATUBO Lost 3rd 5/6 -2pts – MUMS TIPPLE e/w Lost -2pts Total: -4pts
Total Balance: -3.62pts
I’ll give you the running total for the week tomorrow – but it is in profit, thanks to a spectacular forecast on Monday.
Meanwhile, we have more racing ITV today plus another horse, VINDICATE, a selection based on a Michael Stoute handicap system that produces a 32+% strike rate and runs in the 5:55 at Newmarket.
1:50 NEWMARKET Betfair Exchange Buckhounds Stakes (Listed Race) Cl1 (4yo+) 1m4f 10 runners
COMMUNIQUE seems the obvious choice. He goes well fresh, benefits from Ryan Moore in the saddle, and is a front runner – a style that paid big dividends at Newmarket this week. However, I don’t have FIRST IN LINE far behind in form terms and at the odds, I’m giving him the edge. FIRST IN LINE e/w
2:05 HAYDOCK Betway Pinnacle Stakes (Group 3) (Fillies & Mares) Cl1 (4yo+) 1m3½f 5 runners
The ground has changed and is now GS. FANNY LOGAN would have won whatever. The rain simply confirms it. SHAILENE might frighten.
FANNY LOGAN win
2:25 NEWMARKET Betfair Exchange Bet In-Play Handicap Cl2 (4yo+ 0-105) 1m2f 8 runners
WEST END CHARMER has been given a 10lb rise for his Donny run LTO, and he has the perfect conditions of 10f and GF ground, from which he is 2/2. Mark Johnston is in great form, he has William Buick steering and providing he’s fit, he could give Johnston an instant double. WEST END CHARMER e/w
2:40 HAYDOCK Betway Brigadier Gerard Stakes (Group 3) Cl1 (4yo+) 1m2f 5 runners
ELARQAM win
3:00 NEWMARKET Betfair EBF Pretty Polly Fillies’ Stakes (Listed Race) Cl1 (3yo) 1m2f 9 runners
TIEMPO VUELA made a striking debut on the Newcastle AW for a stable that has introduced several of its stars on the AW, going through the race easily and, having shown signs of greenness when initially pressured, quickening up sharply to overcome one that set a reasonable standard. Her dam, also trained by Gosden, was pattern class over middle distances and it is no surprise to see this daughter of Lope De Vega appearing in this – possibly on her way to The Oaks? QUEEN DAENERYS is appearing after a promising 2yo career was marred by breathing problems. That has now been fixed and she could be good for a place.
TIEMPO VUELA win QUEEN DAENERYS e/w
3:15 HAYDOCK Betway Spring Trophy Stakes (Listed Race) Cl1 (3yo+) 7f 10 runners
SPACE BLUE win D’BAI e/w
3:35 NEWMARKET Qipco 1000 Guineas Stakes (Group 1) (Fillies) Cl1 (3yo) 1m 15 runners
I’m really confused by the form lines in this race – and so are most of my fellow travellers. I fancy RAFFLE PRIZE, I would like Cieren Fallon to have a go on LES HOGUES for George Baker. (I saw the Prix Miesque and I thought it was a decent performance). Then on top of those two, I can’t get QUADRILATERAL out of my mind. This latter, the Roger Charlton-trained filly hasn’t done much wrong to date, including taking the Fillies’ Mile in September here over C&D. Don’t be fooled by the winning margin of a short-head – she had been baulked and impeded pretty well for 4f just needing some patience and luck to wait for the gap. If she is fully fit, then she could take this. Or do I fancy RAFFLE PRIZE more? Hmmm.. second in the Cheveley Park to MILLISLE and race readers suggested at the time she might not get the Guineas trip… hmmm. On the other hand, she is being backed like a certainty today. No, I’m going…
QUADRILATERAL to win, LES HOGUES e/w and a very tiny e/w on ROSE OF KILDARE (sorry didn’t I mention her?)