Wednesday, 8 September 2010
Was Spencer too Frank in the last at Donny ?
Jamie Spencer, you either love him or hate him, he is brilliant or just ordinary and its probably his come from behind style of racing that Ooften leaves us in exasperation. Today we saw him at his best on Prohibit and at his worst on Oldjoesaid, on Prohibit he sat waiting for his moment and was able to produce his mount late on to win. On Oldjoesaid he opted to fall in at the back as the stalls opened, he then stayed there before he made his move with less than 2 furlongs to go, however at this point he was a bit undecided about which way to go and eventually chose the stands side. Oldjoesaid then picked up in eyecatching fashion but it was all too late and Spencer must have known he wasnt going to get there and eased him up to finish out of the frame. The time of the race was only slightly slower than the Listed race earlier in the day and maybe this caught Spencer out. It reminded me of the ride he gave Anne of Kiev earlier in the year and that one won next time out.
Tuesday, 7 September 2010
Is Oldjoesaid worth another go ?
Oldjoesaid used to ply his trade in Class 2 Hcaps when he was rated in the 100's, he's now down to 83 after a lack lustre season for Kevin Ryan who had high hopes for him after purchasing him out of Henry Candy's yard at the backend of last year for a tidy sum. He runs in the last at Doncaster on Wednesday a 5f Hcap with 20 runners and he is partnered by Jamie Spencer. He wore first time blinkers last time out at Epsom which sparked some interest albeit he finished 6th and they are left off this time. Instead he has a first time tongue strap to freshen him up and no doubt Jamie Spencer will adopt his customary hold up ride. Three of Oldjoesaid's four wins have come when the word soft has been in the going and having only had 30 career runs to date he could bounce back to form for Spencer, who has a 24% strike rate for the stable over the last 5 years and is 12 from 65 this season. All 4 of his wins have come over 5f or thereabouts and 2 of them have come in September and 1 in October so this is his time of the year, although on the downside he has run twice at Doncaster without being placed. He is drawn in the middle of the track which is a good place to be as on the softer going they are all likely to come down the middle.
It is as competitive a sprint as you will get for this grade and there are several in with chances, Frankie Dettori has a good record on Canadian Danehill and he last won on him at Newmarket last year when he was rated 91 but he is down to 78 now and it will Dettori's first time on him this season . But if Oldjoesaid is chalked up at a decent price he could be worth a small ew to finish in the first 4 now that he is dropped into this grade.
It is as competitive a sprint as you will get for this grade and there are several in with chances, Frankie Dettori has a good record on Canadian Danehill and he last won on him at Newmarket last year when he was rated 91 but he is down to 78 now and it will Dettori's first time on him this season . But if Oldjoesaid is chalked up at a decent price he could be worth a small ew to finish in the first 4 now that he is dropped into this grade.
Are you going to Scarbrough Fair ?
The Scarbrough Stakes over 5f at Doncaster could well be decided by the weather as the going on tuesday afternoon was Good to Soft and there are some heavy bursts of rain about. A look at the previous form of the field shows there is nothing that has excelled on a softish surface in the past.
I think the ones to concentrate on though are Group Therapy, Tax Free, Captain Dunne and Rose Blossom.
If the latter goes off like a scalded cat again she will find it difficult to get home, especially if the going gets any softer. She was lit up by a first time visor at York in the Nunthorpe and she has first time cheek pieces here, so its likely she will be tanking along again, her sire Pastoral Pursuits did win the July Cup on Good to Soft.
Geoup Therapy has improved for Noseda and he has campaigned him well this summer but he too may have going issues being by Chosir. He is a class act though and he may still have improvement to come with his 1/2 length 2nd to Borderlescott last time out being the best of his form to date.
The yielding ground could play into the hands of Tax Free as he does have form in those conditions. He posted a better effort last time out in Ireland when 2 lengths behind the improving Astrophysical Jet and Nicholls should have him ready to do himself justice.
Captain Dunne by Captain Rio who was out of Pivotal should not be inconvenienced by the going but he may be striving a bit too far and a place is the best he can do at 8/1.
Im not taken by any of the others although I will probably be mugged by one of them on the line.
Overall its a difficult race to call, particularly with the going begining to change and if I were to get involved I would stick with the 2 at the head of the market Tax Free and Group Therapy and also throw in a reverse exacta.
I think the ones to concentrate on though are Group Therapy, Tax Free, Captain Dunne and Rose Blossom.
If the latter goes off like a scalded cat again she will find it difficult to get home, especially if the going gets any softer. She was lit up by a first time visor at York in the Nunthorpe and she has first time cheek pieces here, so its likely she will be tanking along again, her sire Pastoral Pursuits did win the July Cup on Good to Soft.
Geoup Therapy has improved for Noseda and he has campaigned him well this summer but he too may have going issues being by Chosir. He is a class act though and he may still have improvement to come with his 1/2 length 2nd to Borderlescott last time out being the best of his form to date.
The yielding ground could play into the hands of Tax Free as he does have form in those conditions. He posted a better effort last time out in Ireland when 2 lengths behind the improving Astrophysical Jet and Nicholls should have him ready to do himself justice.
Captain Dunne by Captain Rio who was out of Pivotal should not be inconvenienced by the going but he may be striving a bit too far and a place is the best he can do at 8/1.
Im not taken by any of the others although I will probably be mugged by one of them on the line.
Overall its a difficult race to call, particularly with the going begining to change and if I were to get involved I would stick with the 2 at the head of the market Tax Free and Group Therapy and also throw in a reverse exacta.
Saturday, 4 September 2010
Markab bounces back
On Thursday I wrote "The only 3 I can see putting up any resistance to the fav are the admirable Borderlescott, Markab and Regal Parade", this turned out to be the case as far as Markab was concerned. He was always in command and led the stands side group before drifting across the track at the end to be comfortably on top in a course record time. Nothing else was near him on the stands side and it was a top performance for this 7yo and you cannot knock it. He is improving in what has been his best season and whose to say he wont go on and win in Paris.
Starspangledbanner looked burly before the race and the lack of work was there to be seen and O'Brien who is usually so meticulous with his preparation had slipped up here and we didnt see the horse that has been talked up by the stable as the best sprinter they have had. I dont think we will be seeing him on the racecourse again and that is a shame as he could have gone out on a far better note.
Lady of the Desert ran a promising race and she will be in the thick of it next year when trying to win the sprint crown and Genki who has always promised to make the transition from Handicapper to Group horse came home in 3rd.
Starspangledbanner looked burly before the race and the lack of work was there to be seen and O'Brien who is usually so meticulous with his preparation had slipped up here and we didnt see the horse that has been talked up by the stable as the best sprinter they have had. I dont think we will be seeing him on the racecourse again and that is a shame as he could have gone out on a far better note.
Lady of the Desert ran a promising race and she will be in the thick of it next year when trying to win the sprint crown and Genki who has always promised to make the transition from Handicapper to Group horse came home in 3rd.
Stars and stripes !
Well Starspangledbanner looks set to make it another Group 1 win today, the weather has held up and he looks a solid bet. Borderlescott is cracking value at 12/1 cosidering the form he has shown this year and everyone must be thinking back to the injury scare and leaving him alone in the betting because of it, but he must have an ew chance.
The Be Friendly Hcap has cut up because of the going and possibly the scramble for Group 1 day badges and there are 5 non runners which gets rid of the 4 places for ew purposes. I would be keen to stick with both Medici Time and Lucky Numbers ew.
The Be Friendly Hcap has cut up because of the going and possibly the scramble for Group 1 day badges and there are 5 non runners which gets rid of the 4 places for ew purposes. I would be keen to stick with both Medici Time and Lucky Numbers ew.
Friday, 3 September 2010
What a day !
A great win for Secret Millionaire at Musselburgh today, the blogs only selection won at the generous odds of 12/1.
We have summed up tomorrows Sprint Cup at Haydock already in previous posts and Starspangledbanner has hardened up a bit more in the betting and is now as low as 6/4. Borderlescott chances have been given a plug by his trainer and probably has the best chance of following the fav home.
In the earlier Be Friendly Hcap over 5f at the same track Jamie Spencer bids to make his record on Paul Greens runners 6 wins from 11 rides when he partners Lucky Numbers who would normally need some cut to show his best. However Spencer may be able to comjure something up to get him in the shake up. I hope to have some further news on his chance after 12 noon tomorrow. At this stage Medici Time looks a value ew bet on his run behind Astrophysical Jet at Newmarket who has gone on to boost the form since. The owner of Angelzarke lives in the area and although this might be a bit easier than the Listed race she contested at Beverley last weekend we have to wonder whetehr she has recovered. Its going to be too Firm for Cheveton and Strike up the Band, even though the latter is well handicapped. Its unlikely that Secret Millionaire will run after his win yesterday and Haajes and Favourite Girl make up the best of the rest.
We have summed up tomorrows Sprint Cup at Haydock already in previous posts and Starspangledbanner has hardened up a bit more in the betting and is now as low as 6/4. Borderlescott chances have been given a plug by his trainer and probably has the best chance of following the fav home.
In the earlier Be Friendly Hcap over 5f at the same track Jamie Spencer bids to make his record on Paul Greens runners 6 wins from 11 rides when he partners Lucky Numbers who would normally need some cut to show his best. However Spencer may be able to comjure something up to get him in the shake up. I hope to have some further news on his chance after 12 noon tomorrow. At this stage Medici Time looks a value ew bet on his run behind Astrophysical Jet at Newmarket who has gone on to boost the form since. The owner of Angelzarke lives in the area and although this might be a bit easier than the Listed race she contested at Beverley last weekend we have to wonder whetehr she has recovered. Its going to be too Firm for Cheveton and Strike up the Band, even though the latter is well handicapped. Its unlikely that Secret Millionaire will run after his win yesterday and Haajes and Favourite Girl make up the best of the rest.
Thursday, 2 September 2010
Up a bit, down a bit
Looking at last weeks action we begin with the Class 3 5f Hcap at Musselburgh won by Rasaman (runs Friday) by 2 1/2 lengths from Titus Andronicus. The winner goes up 6lb to 91 whilst the 2nd goes up 2lb to 82, the latter had a bit of a troubled passage so he may do better next time. Jargelle who is now in the care of Dandy Nicholls finished 6th and has been dropped 2lb to 87 and when her trainer finds the key to her she will be well handicapped.
Harry Patch followed up his 2nd behind Poet's Place at Haydock with a win at Yarmouth and he has been raised 5lb as a result. He has been all the rage for the Ayr Gold Cup since his run at Haydock and having only had a handful of runs looks open to further improvement. Although rated 92 now he is not certain to get into the big sprint at Ayr.
Mr Wolf is in the form of his life at the moment and managed to land the spoils in the Class 5 at Catterick over 5f. He made all, as is his want, and he never looked in danger for his 2 3/4 length win. Retirement was being mooted earlier in the year but it must be the last thing on the owners minds now and even a further 7lb rise might not stop him in this form.
I remember Cayman Fox showing blistering speed at Wolverhampton for his previous trainer and had I had the money I would have been tempted to claim her at some stage, but alas she has gone to Linda Perratt who has been in the form of her life lately. Cayman Fox was able to win the Class 5 5f Hcap at Hamilton by 1 3/4 lengths and has been raised 5lb to 59, but she is showing all her old dash for her new trainer and this was only her 2nd start for her and she can be expected to put up a bold show whenever the emphasis is on speed.
Paul Green's battling Legal Eagle managed to chalk up another win for the year, this time at Hamilton over the stiff 6f in a Class 4 Hcap. He has gone up 4lbs for this and is now on 80 and although he had the assistance of a 7lb weight allowance from the apprentice Da Silva he is tenacious enough to continue in good form for this up and coming stable.
R Woody could develop into a good sprinter for Ivory after having won a Class 4 at Newmarket by 2 1/4 lengths from Avertor. The 3yo has been raised 7lb as a result but is only on 89 and can therefore figure from this mark whether it be this year or next. Some may say he was helped by the draw but he won convincingly and was well in command come the finish on the rain softened ground.
The Beverley Bullet Listed Race over 5f went to Mister Hughie by a short head from the consistent Prohibit with Captain Dunne 3rd. The winner had run well behind Borderlescott, Group Therapy and Astrophysical Jet at Goodwood in the King George Stakes and he was able to show that was no fluke when taking this. He looks set to be contesting all the big sprints next year and with the likes of Starspangledbanner and Equiano dissapearing off to stud he will be vying for the sprint crown.
Finally the following 5f Class 5 Hcap went to Caranbola whose Beverley course form now reads 22111, she won by a short head here from Select Committee with Hazelrigg in 3rd and she has been raised just 2lb to 71 so could well be up to winning again at her favourite track.
So thats it for this weeks run down, if you have been impressed with a sprinter and you think I may have missed something out of the ordinary feel free to make a comment below and I will have a look at the race.
Harry Patch followed up his 2nd behind Poet's Place at Haydock with a win at Yarmouth and he has been raised 5lb as a result. He has been all the rage for the Ayr Gold Cup since his run at Haydock and having only had a handful of runs looks open to further improvement. Although rated 92 now he is not certain to get into the big sprint at Ayr.
Mr Wolf is in the form of his life at the moment and managed to land the spoils in the Class 5 at Catterick over 5f. He made all, as is his want, and he never looked in danger for his 2 3/4 length win. Retirement was being mooted earlier in the year but it must be the last thing on the owners minds now and even a further 7lb rise might not stop him in this form.
I remember Cayman Fox showing blistering speed at Wolverhampton for his previous trainer and had I had the money I would have been tempted to claim her at some stage, but alas she has gone to Linda Perratt who has been in the form of her life lately. Cayman Fox was able to win the Class 5 5f Hcap at Hamilton by 1 3/4 lengths and has been raised 5lb to 59, but she is showing all her old dash for her new trainer and this was only her 2nd start for her and she can be expected to put up a bold show whenever the emphasis is on speed.
Paul Green's battling Legal Eagle managed to chalk up another win for the year, this time at Hamilton over the stiff 6f in a Class 4 Hcap. He has gone up 4lbs for this and is now on 80 and although he had the assistance of a 7lb weight allowance from the apprentice Da Silva he is tenacious enough to continue in good form for this up and coming stable.
R Woody could develop into a good sprinter for Ivory after having won a Class 4 at Newmarket by 2 1/4 lengths from Avertor. The 3yo has been raised 7lb as a result but is only on 89 and can therefore figure from this mark whether it be this year or next. Some may say he was helped by the draw but he won convincingly and was well in command come the finish on the rain softened ground.
The Beverley Bullet Listed Race over 5f went to Mister Hughie by a short head from the consistent Prohibit with Captain Dunne 3rd. The winner had run well behind Borderlescott, Group Therapy and Astrophysical Jet at Goodwood in the King George Stakes and he was able to show that was no fluke when taking this. He looks set to be contesting all the big sprints next year and with the likes of Starspangledbanner and Equiano dissapearing off to stud he will be vying for the sprint crown.
Finally the following 5f Class 5 Hcap went to Caranbola whose Beverley course form now reads 22111, she won by a short head here from Select Committee with Hazelrigg in 3rd and she has been raised just 2lb to 71 so could well be up to winning again at her favourite track.
So thats it for this weeks run down, if you have been impressed with a sprinter and you think I may have missed something out of the ordinary feel free to make a comment below and I will have a look at the race.
Friday at Musselburgh
There is a decent Class 3 sprint at Musselburgh tomorrow over 5f and Rasaman could add to his already good form at the course this season (39111). His come from behind style fits in well with the track according to his trainer as all the runners tend to go off fast to get a good position at the bend and therefore they ensure he has the fast pace he needs to come off to win. However it wont all be plain sailing and with 13 other runners to contend with as he will have to weave his way through, so you may be on tenterhooks if you side with him. He started his winning run on a mark of 80 and he will be off 91 tomorrow so will need a personal best to get home this time. He wore a visor for his first 2 wins at this course but he didnt last time purely because it was an oversight by the trainer in not declaring it and they've decided to leave it off again here anyway. There are several renewing rivalry from his last race, notably Titus Andronicus who chased him home there after having a troubled passage throughout and he could get closer this time being 3lb better off. Linda Perratts The Bear missed the break there and finished 4th, so if he gets away on terms he should be there or thereabouts too. Secret Millionaire ran a cracker at Ascot when 3rd behind Masamah in a Class 2 over 5f on Good to Firm and having had a break he may be able to do better as he had several subsequent winners behind and he can race off just 1lb higher here and 11/1 looks a good ew bet. He has also been declared for the Class 2 Hcap at Haydock on Saturday but this is an easier opportunity for him and if he runs here we should take note. I would therefor have an ew bet on him at 11/1 and maybe do a perm exacta and tricast on him, Rasaman, Titus Andronicus and The Bear.
Latest News re Sprint Cup
Equiano was the suprise absentee today from the declared runners for the Sprint Cup on Saturday and it was just a coincidence that I didnt mention his chances in my previous post.
It sort of opens the door slightly wide for Starspangledbanner to win and he can only be his own enemy now, 7/4 looks a good price to me in the circumstances, given the standard of opposition, the 6f trip and the forecast going. There has been no let up in the glorious weather in the north and it looks like being Good to Firm on Saturday. There should be no draw bias and Starspangledbanner, who we know is not short of pace, should get the run of the race under his deputy jockey from stall 5.
The only 3 I can see putting up any resistance to the fav are the admirable Borderlescott, Markab and Regal Parade. Although the latter wont have his going reqirements he is a Group winner after all and he should be tuned to the minute by his astute trainer to try and make it back to back wins in this.
It wont be a vintage renewal of the race with several of the runners looking out of their depth, but if we see Starspangledbanner perform as well as weve heard he does at home then that will do for me.
It sort of opens the door slightly wide for Starspangledbanner to win and he can only be his own enemy now, 7/4 looks a good price to me in the circumstances, given the standard of opposition, the 6f trip and the forecast going. There has been no let up in the glorious weather in the north and it looks like being Good to Firm on Saturday. There should be no draw bias and Starspangledbanner, who we know is not short of pace, should get the run of the race under his deputy jockey from stall 5.
The only 3 I can see putting up any resistance to the fav are the admirable Borderlescott, Markab and Regal Parade. Although the latter wont have his going reqirements he is a Group winner after all and he should be tuned to the minute by his astute trainer to try and make it back to back wins in this.
It wont be a vintage renewal of the race with several of the runners looking out of their depth, but if we see Starspangledbanner perform as well as weve heard he does at home then that will do for me.
Wednesday, 1 September 2010
The Haydock Sprint Cup
Having been away for a few days over the weekend its good to be back at the Sprinterstogo blog helm.
Starspangledbanner looks set to contest the Sprint Cup on Saturday afternoon at Haydock after coming through his warm up gallop without any problem and Aidan O'Brien was happy enough with it, he looks like being ridden by Colm O'Donoghue and the 6f trip on the forecast fast ground should be ideal for him to continue his good run. He will of course come up against a competitive field and will face his old enemies Equiano, Kingsgate Native and Borderlescott as well as last years winner Regal Parade, however the latter looks very unlikely to get any cut upon which he relies.
Kingsgate Native has not cut the mustard since his win here in the Temple Stakes earlier in the year and its difficult to get exited about his chance. Borderlescott had a bit of an interrupted prep prior to the July Cup after suffering an injury at Goodwood and maybe he will be capable of a better show in this.
Paco Boy has been confirmed as unlikely to run and High Standing is another who would really prefer cut to show his best. Other than that there is not a great deal of depth to the race, however as we witnessed in the Nunthorpe literally anything can happen in these sprints and you can never write anyone off fully.
I will be back with a further look at the race when we know the final line up later in the week and I will doing the usual look at the ups and downs of the handicapper tomorrow evening.
Starspangledbanner looks set to contest the Sprint Cup on Saturday afternoon at Haydock after coming through his warm up gallop without any problem and Aidan O'Brien was happy enough with it, he looks like being ridden by Colm O'Donoghue and the 6f trip on the forecast fast ground should be ideal for him to continue his good run. He will of course come up against a competitive field and will face his old enemies Equiano, Kingsgate Native and Borderlescott as well as last years winner Regal Parade, however the latter looks very unlikely to get any cut upon which he relies.
Kingsgate Native has not cut the mustard since his win here in the Temple Stakes earlier in the year and its difficult to get exited about his chance. Borderlescott had a bit of an interrupted prep prior to the July Cup after suffering an injury at Goodwood and maybe he will be capable of a better show in this.
Paco Boy has been confirmed as unlikely to run and High Standing is another who would really prefer cut to show his best. Other than that there is not a great deal of depth to the race, however as we witnessed in the Nunthorpe literally anything can happen in these sprints and you can never write anyone off fully.
I will be back with a further look at the race when we know the final line up later in the week and I will doing the usual look at the ups and downs of the handicapper tomorrow evening.
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