2.00 – This looks a wide open event on paper and stats would lead you to look at the ones who have already won a race. BALON D’OR has done just that and looked really good at Musselburgh. There were good vibes about him at Chester but a wide draw really put pay to his chance although he stuck around for some way up the straight before caving in late. A fairer test here will see him in a better light. FIFTY GRAND SLATER is one who I expect to run well at a price and could reward each way backers.
2.35 – Another fiercely competitive race as you would expect. I’m taking a punt on ORBAAN to regain the winning thread now faced with better ground again. He was a revelation last summer and if returning to that sort of form I can see him going really close.
3.10 – Not the best renewal of the Coronation Cup in my eyes and I will be expecting a big run from WESTOVER. He was a shade unlucky in the big race itself last year but showed enough in the Irish Derby to suggest he is a top class horse. Coming back as a four year old I expect to see a bigger, stronger horse and a horse who should be good enough to beat these.
3.45 – MAJESTIC probably rates my best bet of the day here after an eye catching run at York last time. He made serious gains and the clock backed that up in no uncertain fashion. This race tends to go to a horse who verges on listed class or progresses to listed class and I think this lad has what it takes after already winning the Cambridgeshire last season. 6/1 is a very fair price.
4.30 – I was taken with Soul Sister at York and the better ground will certainly suit her here but I do worry that she showed so much speed that day that will she actually stay here. SAVETHELASTDANCE is virtually guaranteed to do so and if connections are right about her not needing a softer surface then I think she wins this.
5.10 – Holguin looks a favourite I would be keen to take on here given the unexposed nature of his rivals. HE’S A MONSTER is one of those and I think there could be plenty of value at 11/1. Archie Watson’s charge has looked a graded performer on a couple occasions now and if he handles the turf I think he will be there or thereabouts.
Saturday
12.50 – This looks very flakey and I wouldn’t want to be piling into the favourite who looks incredibly hard to keep right. ESCOBAR has tried to win this race a few times but just came up short. I think it’s fair to say all of those were better editions than what this is and those cooler waters might just be what he needs to finally get his head in front here.
1.30 – As the week has gone on I’ve become sweeter and sweeter about MILITARY ORDER here and a late drift doesn’t worry me too much. His brother won this race a couple of seasons back as an seemingly exposed outsider but he arrives here quite the opposite. What I like about him most is that he has won his races in different ways around very different tracks, He has plenty of tactical speed and will stay for days so looks tailor made for this test.
2.10 – I’ll probably flick the kettle on for this one but if you forced my hand I think SHAARA would appreciate this surface and could be a bet at a big price.
2.45 – This looks a minefield in all honesty and could end up quite messy. The vibes about DEMOCRACY DILEMMA were strong last time at Chester but he blew out. I’m keen to give him another chance here with Hollie Doyle booked to ride.
3.20 – This will be some spectacle I am sure. I’m going to side with previous winner, MOKAATIL who looks to have been lined up for another bid for victory here. His course record is phenomenal and his draw should be ok so I’m hopeful of a big show at 12/1.
3.55 – This will probably throw up a few winners for the weeks to come but it will be hard enough to find the winner in the race itself. FOX JOURNEY looked like a progressive horse last time and would be the selection at 5/1 or bigger. If not then LOSE YOUR WAD might just offer a bit of value at 16/1 as his form stacks up well.
4.30 – CAUIS CHORISTER will undoubtely be tuned up for this assignment and with Ryan Moore booked I think he might just be a plunge horse come 4.30. A really progressive middle distance horse last season, he threatens to kick on again this time around and with David Meneusier keen to target Epsom with his better horses I think he will take some beating.
5.05 – I’d rather PROBE went straight to the Wokingham than here but being so keen on him I have to put him up. Hopefully Lewis Edmunds has him handy this time rather than his usual style of being held up. He travels sweetly enough to put him handy, it’s just whether it affects his finishing kick. Hopefully he will be fine and continue on the upward curve he finds himself on.
