Friday
I’m hoping LIVELY CITIZEN can bounce back today after a substandard run last time out at Cheltenham. Connections stated he needed the run but I would have liked to have to seen him finish his race slightly better than he did. However, with that said, he is lurking on the sort of mark where he really should be going close today. His trainer believes he is very well handicapped and his form would suggest he is too but he is a hard horse to catch right. Fingers crossed today is the day.
Ascot 3.15 – Lively Citizen
Saturday
The competitive Stayers handicap hurdle at Haydock looks a bit of a puzzle this year and I’ve looked at half of the field but I keep coming back to the same horse. Harry Fry‘s MIGHT I is potentially very well handicapped off 142 and if he handles the mud here tomorrow I think he wins. He was unlucky to bump into some very smart animals last year and looks like the type to excel this year, especially if he remains over hurdles. Being a half brother to Stattler, he should have no problem staying the trip, the only question would be staying the trip on this ground but I’m more than hopeful that won’t be a problem.
I’m anticipating an upturn in the form of the stable of Venetia Williams any day now and it wouldn’t surprise me if she was to have a very good day tomorrow. She has 4 very good chances tomorrow and away from her main hope, L’Homme Presse, I think FONTAINE COLLONGES could be her best chance of a winner. This young progressive staying chaser simply loves heavy ground and finished last sesaon with a rout at Lingfield in heavy ground showing it simply can’t be soft enough for him. Tom Scudamore is in the saddle today and that in itself is a sign of confidence despite the yard going through a quiet patch at present. A mark of 132 looks very workable and off a low weight I expect him to cause some damage.
Haydock 2.25 – Might I
Haydock 3.35 – Fontaine Collonges
