Saturday's Meetings Newton Abbot N/H 8 Races 12:30-4:34p.m. Carlisle N/H 7 Races 1:09-4:39p.m. Musselburgh Flat 7 Races 1:32-4:37p.m. Cork Flat 8 Races 1:40-5:45p.m. Newbury Flat 8 Races 1:50-5:55p.m. Fairyhouse N/H 7 Races 1:55-5:25p.m. Haydock N/H 7 Races 2:09-5:34p.m. Lingfield(E) A/W 7 Races 4:25-7:30p.m. Nottingham(E) Flat 6 Races 5:07-7:45p.m. Racecards At The Races Sporting Life Racing Post Good Luck
Evening, all. Hope everyone on the well side of well. When it comes to the naming of races, of the morrow, full marks, in my opinion, have to go to God's own racecourse, Newton Abbot. I don't think it's possible to read the title of their 1 o'clock race and not do as instructed. Meanwhile, I echo the sentiments expressed in the 3.24 and 3.59 (and once again at 4.34) heats. Really well done to everyone involved. Fab-u-luss. At the other end of the scale though boo-hiss to Newbury, say I. They have, once again, discarded history and tradition opting instead to take the bag of loot. The John Porter and the Fred Darling are run, respectively, as the 'Dubai Duty Free Finest Surprise Stakes' and the 'Dubai Duty Free Stakes'. They should hang their heads in shame. A-paul-ling. But back on an upbeat tone allow me to wish everyone, and I do mean everyone, a very Happy Easter!!!
Due to a sort of perverted logic I decided to have a study of the Spring Cup as I find these flat handicaps with huge fields impossible to solve. Anyway, in an effort to stimulate my own interest in the race, here is my horse-by-horse assessment: 1. Migration - tough ask carrying top weight on seasonal debut. Finished last of 7 off this same mark when last seen in September. 2. Etonian - has obviously had issues as he has not been seen for almost a year and is still handicapped on his Solario stakes win - which hasn't worked out that well. 3. Modern News - was well fancied for the Lincoln but couldn't quicken at the business end. Will have more assistance from the saddle today but his mark looks high enough right now. 4. Isla Kai - front runner who saw off everyone except Rifleman at York when last seen to end his winning streak. Tough and genuine but he is up 5lbs for that second place at York and he may end up a sitting duck in front. 5. Saleymm - didn't see a rival until the furlong pole in the Lincoln but was then readily swept aside by Johan. Gets just a 1lb rise for that effort and ought to be on the premises again. 6. Caradoc - looks best at 10 furlongs. If there is a really strong pace he might pick up the pieces late and grab a place. 7. Irish Admiral - goes off the same mark as in the Lincoln (finished 4th) and his trainer reaches for first-time cheek pieces to go with the tongue strap. Player. 8. Oh This Is Us - drops to his lowest mark for nearly 6 years but might now find the years catching up with him 9. Orbaan - been a long time between drinks for this one and will likely go home thirsty today 10. Teodolina - well down the field in the Lincoln and best watched for now 11. The Turpinator - 5 of 6 career starts on the all-weather at Kempton (including last time out victory off 84). Upped 5lbs for that win and others make more appeal 12. Trais Fluors - finished 15th of 16 in this last year but is 16lbs lower in the weights this year and 4lbs below his last winning mark. 13. Animal Instinct - never run on turf so a risky proposition in a hot handicap. 14. Rogue Bear - ran a remarkable race in the Lincoln - totally missed the break and bumped out of the stalls, then got checked by the Cheveley Park horse when trying to move forward after a furlong and plumb last after 2 furlongs. He was then switched to the stands side and must have made up a dozen lengths on Saleymm and Irish Admiral in the last 3 furlongs and stayed on really well to grab 3rd at the finish. I'd mark him up massively for that and think he is the one to beat here if getting a clean run. 15. The Kodi Kid - doesn't look good enough to be involved 16. Cu Chulainn - a complete dark horse in this after just 3 career starts and wind surgery after finishing last at Lingfield last November 17. Mr Tyrrell - looks out of his depth. Summary: clearly the Lincoln form will play a big part in proceedings here (the first 4 in the market all finished in the top 6 of the Lincoln) and Rogue Bear, after his troubled race and storming finish, looks the most likely winner to me. At more rewarding odds, Isla Kai each way.
15:35 Newbury - Saleymm (Ran a fine race in the Lincoln to finish second to that rank outsider's late burst. The Dubawi colt deserves another chance. Will have conditions to suit again in this event. Probable favourite at 3/1 which is the best price at time of writing, so not much of a betting proposition. James Doyle takes the ride for the S & E Crisford yard) Fully agree with Sir Barney's comment above on the race titles. For goodness sake, just leave the originali title of historical races alone! One would think that the sponsors today have no real interest in thoroughbred horseracing at all? Have a good day guys!
Can't say any of the English 2000 Guineas trials have blown me away - it looks like Luxembourg's to lose right now.
Shout Smokey! (Don't know what James Doyle was doing with mine. Saleymm is hardly a 'come-from-behind' type. Wouldn't have won anyway, winner did it well with a fine ride from William Buick.)
Maybe you are right Oddy but I can't see that Luxembourg has done that much to earn your respect. Even if you take his best performance in the Futurity, you have to say he was Work in Progress. That's hardly the headline for a Guineas winner. He's got a lot to prove in my book. Bayside Boy must be the yardstick by which he is judged and his form can only be said to be 'in the mix'. Native Trail has done little wrong. My concern with him is his action. It' may undo him on good to firm ground which he could possibly meet if the course doesn't fix the going. I would also not write off Perfect Power. At last we have a fast horse with proper credentials about to take on the milers. He relaxes in his races which is a big positive and he has real pace, proven at Newmarket. At the moment he's my choice, especially if it's real, fast ground...
Did Buicks 3 godolphin rides and he loses on the shortest price. Sorry for aftertiming but covid flooring me.
