I anticipate PRINCIPALITY to bounce back to form today at Newbury and prove very hard to beat in the 4.10. His task has been made easier overnight as Coventry 6th Symbol Of Honour has pulled out which has put Richard Hannon‘s charge into outright favourite. He has to bounce back after a disappointing run in the Railway Stakes at the Curragh last time out which given the fact he was punted into 4/1 must have been too bad to be true. His two earlier runs show top level form and if he gets back to anywhere near that level of form then he will be winning this.
Hopefully the Hannon stable enjoy a good Friday as I quite fancy STELLENBOSCH in the opener at Newmarket this evening. Hollie Doyle takes over the reigns and with a good chunk improvement from her opening run at Newbury almost guaranteed I think she is too big at 11/2. The favourite has form over the course but I wouldn’t be too convinced about the form whereas the selection shaped like this trip will suit when finishing strongly in a hot Newbury maiden. Hannon’s two year olds always improve from first run to second and I think if that general rule applies here then she has a terrific chance of getting her head in front.
Newbury 4.10 – Principality
Newmarket 5.15 – Stellenbosch
Saturday
Despite plenty of top level action tomorrow, I’m looking into the handicaps for my best bets and the standout punt for me is BIG GOSSEY in the 6f handicap at the Curragh. Charles O’Brien’s 7 year old is a standing dish here at the Curragh and so often runs his race despite whatever conditions he is faced with. Conditions tomorrow look to be in his favour and the step back up to 6f will certainly be in his favour. Drawn low, he looks to have enough pace around him to tow him into the race and his ability to stay further will certainly help him here in the final 100 yards or so. Priced up at 16/1 I think he offers plenty of value.
Later in the evening I hope VICARIO can finally get his head in front at Haydock. Unsuited by his track position last time here, he came with a late rattle but the first and second had already flown. The form has worked out since and this race for three year olds only looks a step down in class. Olympic Candle looks his main rival if he bounces back to form but I’d still hope off a mark of 83 the selection can get the job done.
Curragh 2.35 – Big Gossey
Haydock 8.00 Vicario
