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St Leger Festival 2018 – Gentleman’s Day – Preview and Tips

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John Gosden’s incredible campaign has encompassed all types of races and he could have another chance of taking a major handicap in the shape of Ben Vrackie in the Mallard Handicap, who was beaten by St Leger contender Maid Up last time at Goodwood. There is no shame in that defeat given that Maid Up had previously won the Lille Langtry, which produced the first and third in the Park Hill Stakes at Doncaster Yesterday

He had previous beaten a previous winner by 11 lengths in a novice stakes at Lingfield and this big handicap, which is likely to be well run, ought to suit him more than a three-horse sprint. Nakeeta has proven disappointing for this column, but it is worth remembering that it’s less than a year ago when he was finishing fifth in the Melbourne Cup. Before that he’d won the Ebor at York and he’s had excuses since. On his return in the Chester Cup he was drawn to the outside and afterwards he was a staying on fifth in the JLT Handicap – his Ebor seventh was a disappointing effort in that light but the quality of that race is so rarefied is that this has to be considered to be a lesser contest and he’s worth chancing once again.

The Japan Racing Association Sceptre Stakes (1.50) sees the ladies go first and whilst one can expect Laugh Aloud to shape a lot better for her return, Anna Nerium’s defeat of older horses at Goodwood is amongst the standout form and took her record over this trip to 3-4 here. Dan’s Dream will like the ground whilst Dancing Star was unlucky in the Oak Tree Stakes but Ellthea is of interest. She has been highly tried since taking the Park Stakes in Ireland but there was no shame in finishing seventh in the Pouliches or fifth in the Sandringham and the form of the latter has worked out quite well with second Crown Walk, winning the Group Three Prix Chloe since, and the third Efaadh winning the Group Three Prix de la Porte Maillot. She likes to cut but handles good ground and looks a rock solid each/way contender here.

The Flying Childers is a well contested race but the same applied to the Molecomb Stakes at Goodwood and Rumbleinthejungle won that and won it well and his Norfolk fourth is shaping up well too. He looks a worthy favourite and has had just three starts, so hopefully would not have peaked just yet.

Legends Of War, a fine second in the Gimcrack, and a Indigo Balance, a gutsy winner of the Curragh Stakes over Gossamer Wings last time, could be chief threats although Solider’s Call ought to go well too.

The Doncaster Cup (3.35) looks far too trappy to contemplate and it is hard to take on Sangarius in the Weatherbys Global Stallions App Flying Scotsman Stakes (4.05), so it could be best to leave things there.

Advice

1.50 Doncaster – 1 pt win Anna Nerium (5/1 Paddy Power, 9/2 general)
1.50 Doncaster – 1 pt each/way Ellthea (10/1 Betfair, 9/1 general)
2.25 Doncaster – 2 pts win Rumbleinthejungle (2/1 Betfair, Paddy Power)
3.00 Doncaster – 2 pts each/way Ben Vrackie (Bet365, Hills)
3.00 Doncaster – 1 pt each/way Nakeeta (14/1 general)

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St Leger Festival 2018 – Legends Day – Preview and Tips

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If you are a racing fan, this is the beginning of a wonderful period. The William Hill St Leger Festival at Doncaster starts today with Legends Day and progresses through the week, the Listowel Races are in full flow, and we are only two days away from Irish Champions Weekend, and three days from the Arc Trials.

It’s a feast of top class racing and even if today’s action might pale in comparison there’s still a competitive card worthy of attention.

The pattern race of the day is the Listed DC Training And Development Scarborough Stakes at (3.00), where Global Applause makes the most appeal although what is a terribly trappy race is passed over. The same is true of the Legends Stakes at 3.35, and one of four selections comes in the opening Conditions Stakes (1.50).

Khaadem was third behind Calyx and the dual winner Octave at Newmarket on his debut and has since won impressive at Newmarket, taking a novice stakes by three and a half lengths. That was an easier opportunity than this but he had plenty in hand when recording a good time and can get the better of what looks a useful field, with Converter likely to improve after winning on debut at odds of 16/1 in taking style.

Alfie Solomons, second in a valuable sales race at York last time, arguably sets the form standard but is much more exposed.

The Owlerton Greyhound Stadium Nursery (2.25) is a race in which anyone of seven has a realistic chance but Hesslewood could be worth supporting again. Not much has gone right since a taking win at York on debut but James Bethell won this in 2013 and if he was considered good enough to go for York’s valuable nursery off 89 then he can prove well handicapped off 86. 7 furlongs and ground with cut are both risks, but at 16/1 they could be worth taking,

The EBF Breeders’ Series Fillies’ Handicap (4.05) might be the most informative and competitive race of the day, but if Crystal Hope can return to her early season form then she has every chance of proving to be the best handicapped horse here. On her seasonal debut she was a Sandown Novice Stakes, and the second and third home from that race were first and fourth in the Musidora Stakes.

On face value, she was well beaten when fancied for the Haras De Bouquetot Fillies’ Trial Stakes in May, but the impressive winner that day was Sea Of Class, and second was Athena. Both are Group 1 winners now and Crystal Hope was not suited by the stop start gallop there either. Her recent run at Salisbury was disappointing, but a mark of 91 is surely within her reach and the step upto 12 furlongs could be a big help too.

In the William Hill Leading Racecourse Bookmaker Conditions Stakes (4.40) Afaak makes the most appeal on the basis that he handles easy ground, stays 10 furlongs, and has the best form with three big efforts in top handicaps at the summer’s big meetings.

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Advice

1.50 Doncaster – 2 pts win Khaadem (11/10 general)

2.25 Doncaster – 1 pt each/way Hesslewood (16/1 general)

4.05 Doncaster – 3 pts win Crystal Hope (7/2 general)

4.40 Doncaster – 2 pts win Afaak (13/8 general)

Day 3 of the York Ebor Festival – Preview and Tips

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Here’s Will Kedjanyi’s in-depth race by race preview of Day 3 of the York Ebor Festival. JP

1.55 – Sky Bet Handicap (Class 2) (3YO plus): Always competitive but First National makes easily the most appeal here. Charlie Appleby’s four-year-old danced every dance at the top handicapping table before taking the Old Rowley Cup and he should improve plenty from his reappearance behind Kelly’s Dino at Ascot. Kelly’s Dino has a solid each/way chance along with the favourite Melting Dew.

Advice: 1 pt each/way First National (8/1 Paddy Power)

2.25 – Weatherbys Hamilton Lonsdale Cup Stakes (Group 2) (British Champions Series): This ought to be a stroll for Stradivarius, who can take a £1,0000,000 for the stayers’ triple crown. There is a lively betting heat for the places, including the runner up spot, in which Desert Skyline would make most appeal if he was to come back to the form he’d shown when second to Stradivarius in the Yorkshire Cup earlier in the season. Red Verdon’s form at 1m4f would entitle him to be a player here and it’s no surprise he’s second favourite whilst Max Dynamite’s very best flat form would give him a shot.

Advice: No bet.

3.00 – Al Basti Equiworld Gimcrack Stakes (Group 2) (Colts & Geldings): Plenty of contenders here but the Coventry still looks to be the best juvenile contest of the season and Shine So Bright’s fifth there was backed up by a good third in the Richmond Stakes, when ahead of Cosmic Law on both occasions. That form is the best in the field so far and he can take the beating. The Irish Rover disappointed in the Coventry but was a good third to Advertise in the Phoenix Stakes and if he’s not suffered from the bug at Ballydoyle then he ought to be seriously involved.

Space Traveller is currently favourite off the back of two wins so impressive he could have won with any amount of weight, but no horses have won from his novice and he also won a comparatively weak maiden. There’s no huge amount of enthusiasm to get involved with him at the current prices, however.

Legends Of War was seriously impressive on debut at Yarmouth, but the form of that race has worked out poorly and he was well beaten in the July Stakes. He showed a good attitude to take a Newbury novice stakes, but he was all out to take victory then and he will need to improve for a bigger field and stronger gallop.

Chuck Willis got the better of Emaraaty Ana when both were beaten in the Rose Bowl Stakes. The latter named horse was very green then and looks as if she should surely improve for a more well-run race and cover, and it would be no surprise if that form was reversed.

Advice: 2 pts win Shine So Bright (4/1 general)

3.35 – Coolmore Nunthorpe Stakes (Group 1) (British Champions Series) (Class 1) (2yo+): Battash is arguably the fastest 5-furlong horse on the planet and only the Ascot hill – along with the presence of Lady Aurelia – saw Blue Point get the better of him in the King’s Stand. He made a Group 2 field look frankly average in the King George sprint at Goodwood since and, one year older, he should be calmer in the preliminaries, thus saving his energies for the race.

Blue Point ought to be right on his tail, albeit on a track that plays less to his strengths than that of Ascot. However, he does not lack pace and he towers over the field with Battash, with the promise of a big prize should the favourite go too fast or get too worked up.

The rest can be thrown in an absolute heap, with Mabs Cross the third favourite. She was behind Havana Grey and Caspian Prince in the Sapphire Stakes at the Curragh when only seven ran, but the time before she had picked up the pieces to finish third in the King’s Stand when relishing the pace burnup to nearly take second, and this ought to suit her a whole lot more.

Caspian Prince, Take Cover and Alpha Delphini ought to set up a string gallop for her to aim at and it’s not hard to imagine her finishing fast once again to grab a place. Michael Dods charge has kept improving all season and appears to be one of the most likely to run her race.

Havana Grey’s Sapphire Stakes win is excellent form on paper, although it was the only time in which he’s turned up in four starts this season and it’s entirely possible that he could be too close to the pace, as he and Heartache were at Goodwood.

Sioux Nation went off a short price for the Commonwealth Cup but hasn’t run well since winning the Lacken Stakes and probably wants a stiffer test of stamina. The same can probably be said of Declarationofpeace, fourth in the Sapphire, whilst Washington DC can run well. Muthmir is now eight but that’s no barrier to a big run at this level and he has picked up several big results this season from picking up the pieces. There will be lots of pace to aim at once again and he catches the eye at a big price.

Advice: 1 pt each/way Mabs Cross (18/1 Bet365, Betbright, 12/1 Sky Bet), 1 pt each/way Muthmir (40/1, 33/1 Bet365, Hills)

4.15 – British Stallion Studs EBF Convivial Maiden Stakes (Plus 10 Race) (Class 2) (2yo): A surprisingly winnable race given the money on offer. Beat Le Bon made a big impression on debut, but the form is weak despite the fact there was six lengths back to the third and Sky Defender was beaten by a listed runner up on debut at Goodwood. That form’s the best in the race with the potential for improvement and he get the vote on that basis despite promising showings from Indomitable, Barys and Commanding Officer.

Advice: 1 pt win Sky Defender (7/2 general)

4.50 – Crack On Crack On continues to improve restlessly and has much the strongest form here courtesy of his wins in the Silver Bowl and also a strong handicap at Ascot last time when he beat Ulshaw Bridge. Going up 5lbs for that was fair and he sets a high standard for the more unexposed contenders to aim at. Corrosive was fourth that day and should be highly respected with new headgear and also appeals as an each/way choice but there could be value in the shape of Zap, a winner here all the way back on his debut who won the Silver Bunbury Cup, was then first on the wrong side in the International Handicap before getting no run and finishing off well at Goodwood. He’s dropped 1lb for that run, leaving him just 2lbs higher than for his Newmarket win, and looks big at 20/1.

Advice: 1 pt each/way Crack On Crack On (11/2 Bet365, Coral, Ladbrokes), 1 pt each/way Zap (20/1 general)

 

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Day 2 of the York Ebor Festival – Preview and Tips

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Thanks to Will Kedjanyi for this fabulous in-depth preview of Day 2 of the York Ebor Festival. JP

1.55 – Sky Bet Lowther Stakes (Fillies’ Group 2): Fairyland was a hugely creditable third in the Albany Stakes when racing alone on the far side, but the lamentable form of her stablemate makes her impossible to recommend at the time of writing. Angel’s Hideaway was not far behind her at Royal Ascot and has since finished runner up to the Prix Morny winner Pretty Pollyanna and before she won the Princess Margaret Stakes in impressive style herself at Ascot. She ought to take the beating.

Wide margin Novice Stakes winner Flawless Jewel will be waiting in the wings and Little Kim, a disappointment in the Super Sprint, will be on the premises if back to the winning form she showed in the Prix du Bois at Deauville two starts back.

Of the others, two-time winner Firelight makes most appeal.

Advice: 3 pts win Angel’s Hideaway (2/1 general)

2.25 – Goffs UK Premier Yearling Stakes (Class 2) (2YO only): Kodyanna’s only poor run has come in the Queen Anne and there’s no shame in that considering how we’ll the form has worked out. She has since won a nursery here off 83 and finished second in a Deauville Group 3 afterwards.

This race has been dominated by Richard Hannon (three winners in last 10 years) and William Haggas (three winners in a row from 2013-2015) so it’s no surprise that He’zanarab, Masaru and Fanaar are all well liked in the betting.

He’zanarab is the choice of Ryan Moore but Masaru looked a useful prospect when easily landing a minor event at Windsor, which has seen the four length second and third subsequently win their next time. There were two and a half lengths between the second and the third and Masaru had more in hand at the line than the four-length winning margin suggested. Secret Venture, Concierge, Red Balloons, Celebrity Dancer and Big Baby Bull are all contenders.

Advice: 2 pts win Masaru (5/1 general), 1 pt each/way Kodyanna (15/2 Ladbrokes, Hills, Bet Victor)

3.00 – Clipper Logistics Handicap (Class 2): Firmament got no run when it counted in the Betfred Mile at Goodwood, but he finished like a well handicapped horse and at this much more conventional track he should hopefully be able to get a fair crack, and if he can show his best then he’s got every chance of going much closer. He was far more disadvantaged than Poet’s Society (second), Original Choice (third), Mythical Madness (fifth) and Hors De Combat (sixth).

Senority won the Betfred Mile for The Queen and can go well again up just 6lbs, whilst Afaak, second in the Hunt Cup, is worthy of his place towards the head of the market.

Kyrnen has had just one poor effort since the start of the season, and he can be forgiven that in the Hunt Cup. It is a strong sign that he was able to bounce back and finish third in the John Smith’s Cup here over 10 furlongs, form what has been boosted out of the park by Thundering Blue since winning the SkyBet York Stakes and then finishing third in the Juddmonte whilst Borocco has finished second in two group races. This drop in trip might help and he should go very well if in the same form.

Advice: 1 pt each/way Firmanment (8/1 general), 1 pt each/way Kyrnen (8/1 general)  

3.35 – Darley Yorkshire Oaks (Fillies’ and Mares’ Group 1): Another top-class renewal where Sea Of Class is taken to continue her meteoric rise. Her wicked turn of foot to take the Irish Oaks, having wisely missed Epsom on account of the ground, was one of the most impressive things seen this summer and now she ought to get a fearsome pace to aim at thanks to the presence of Bye Bye Baby and Flattering, one which only enhances her chances of coming late and passing the field.

Laurens will prove to be an incredibly tough rival for her to handle, however. The Fillies Mile winner has since won the Prix-Saint Alary, beating the subsequent Group 1 winner With You, and then grabbed victory in the Prix Diane when finding most of about six horses in with a chance two furlongs out. She appears slightly big in comparison to the favourite and a price on her to finish in the first two or three would be of interest, based on the price.

They will need to be on their mettle to beat Coronet, who was just beaten in the Grand Prix De Saint-Cloud and then a creditable, if albeit well beaten third in the King George. John Gosden’s charge looks to have a strong each/way shout here.

Magic Wand got stuck in the mud at Epsom when fancied for the Oaks and then was deeply impressive in the Ribblesdale at Royal Ascot. Off the back of that, she was sent off favourite for a fast ground Irish Oaks but she scoped badly after a limp performance and it appears that she was suffering from the bug that has ruined the stable’s summer to a great extent.

Dermot Weld’s Eziyra was third to last year’s winner Enable before winning twice since at Cork and Leopardstown in strong races for the Grade (Group 3) and her return, a good beating of the solid yardstick Stellar Mass, suggests she can run well here.

Horseplay was second to Coronet earlier in the year here and improved to take the Lancashire Oaks, although a couple of defeats for the runner up God Given since tells us that it’s not Group 1 form and she might struggle here.

Advice: 2 pts Laurens Top 2 finish (6/5 Betfair)

4.15 – British EBF & Sir Henry Cecil Galtres Stakes (Listed Race) (Fillies & Mares) (Class 1) (3yo+): Sun Maiden was heavily in season when a dismal fourth in the Gordon Stakes’ but before she’d made a very sound debut in group company when third in the Ribblesdale and if she’s back to that form she could take a great deal of beating.

This will be a hotly anticipated race for the return of the blueblood Lah Ti Dar, who made such a deep impression when winning her maiden and then the Pretty Polly. She looked as if the sky would be the limit then, but she was then forced to miss the Oaks and then the Ribblesdale thanks to two setbacks and she is likely to improve for this a great deal too.

Alwaysandforever was a good second in the Chalice Stakes and should be on the premises, whilst What A Home should enjoy this return to faster ground after finishing third at Chantilly last time. Watch out for the progressive Snow Wind, a taking Chester winner last time for William Haggas.

Advice: 1 pt win Sun Maiden (9/2 general)

4.50 – British Stallion Studs EBF Fillies’ Handicap (Class 2) (3yo+ 0-105): Desperately tough to sort out but Preening’s third in Listed company the last twice read well here and she can go well here off a revised handicap mark, She looked like she had more to give when she was a game winner at Sandown in June and whilst 14lbs higher now, she has fully earned that rise. Move Swiftly and Victory Wave are worthy favourites.

Starlight Romance and Betty F have fair each/way chances whilst Homeopathic would be interesting if bouncing back to the form she’d showed when winning a Fillies’ Handicap at Chelmsford.

Advice: 1 pt each/way Preening (8/1 general)

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Royal Ascot 2018 – Friday preview and tips

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It’s Friday at Royal Ascot 2018 and Will has a preview plus tips. Great tipping this week including 16/1 winner on Wednesday plus 16/1 and 6/1 and 5/1 winners yesterday.

2.30 – Albany Stakes (Fillies’ Group 3) (Class 1) (2YO only): Aidan O’Brien has been knocking on the door with his juveniles all week and he holds an extremely strong hand here. Just Wonderful did well to bely her inexperience and win by a neck on her debut at the Curragh, and the daughter of Wading promises to improve a huge deal for that experience. Behind her were next time out winners Lethal Impact and Gossamer Wings, who was third in the Queen Mary.

It’ll take a good one to stop her but stablemate Fairyland has looked like just that in her two starts, quickening up smartly to beat a next time out winner on her debut at Naas and then taking a predictably big step forward when seeing off a talented set of rivals to take the Marble Hill Stakes at the Curragh. Her straightforward attitude impressed and she had a convincing two and a half lengths in hand over highly rated stablemate Van Beethoven.

The third, Land Force, was beaten just half a length in the Norfolk yesterday, and fourth Gee Rex was eighth in the Coventry on Tuesday, so the form stacks up well and she can get the better of her stablemate.

Given the number of splits we’ve had this week, and the regular presence of big priced placed horses in the shakeup of juvenile races, it makes sense to have two strings to your bow. Octave needed all of Silvestre de Sousa’s strength to justify favouritism on debut but next time out she found only the startlingly impressive Calyx too good at the July course. She was beaten by an easy five lengths, but he has since won what looked a very strong Coventry and she was six lengths clear of the third. How flattered she is by her relative proximity remains to be seen but 20/1 looks too big to find out.

Main Edition has won two novice races in the style of a pattern horse and ought to be involved in the reckoning whilst Angel’s Hideaway, running for the week’s star team in the shape of Gosden and Dettori, moved clear in good style at Haydock last time on her second start. Godolphin’s La Pelosa was well backed on debut and won her maiden at Kempton smoothly from a next time out winner. She makes immediate appeal on form and potential.

Jessica Harrington’s Chicas Amigas impressed with victory at Dundalk and didn’t lose much face when second in a listed event to stablemate Servalan, who was sixth in the Queen Mary, whilst So Perfect was fourth in both aces. She can go well.

Different League made virtually all for Matthieu Palussiere in this race last season and the French handler saddles No More Regrets this time around, although she must improve from her second in the Premio Vitorio Crespi last time out. Yan Durepaire’s Bryon Bay, an impressive winner on her debut at Chantilly, makes more appeal from the raiding challenge.

Stillwater Cove wouldn’t have held on over five furlongs at Keenland when taking her Maiden Special Weight and Wesley Ward has had his juvenile winners at 5 furlongs here, so over this trip she makes little appeal.

Advice: 2 pts win Fairyland (7/2 general), 1 pt each/way Octave (20/1 Bet365, Paddy Power, Betway)

3.05 – 1m4f (1m3f211y) King Edward VII Stakes (Group 2) (Colts & Geldings) (3yo): Not much separates the field here. Wells Farhh Go looked a top prospect when he stole the Acomb Stakes on the line at York last season and his return in the Dante there gave encourage encouragement that he retains enough of his ability to move forward. This is the fastest ground he’ll have raced on and there might be stamina issues for some, but his overall promise makes him worth chancing.

Aidan O’Brien has had three horses beaten in Group 1’s bounce back to win at this meeting so far and it’s no surprise that Delano Roosevelt is favourite after his Epsom sixth. He deserves serious respect but perhaps Rostropovich can follow in the footsteps of Hunting Horn and improve greatly for fast ground following his French Derby effort. He was a disappointing ninth there, but today he reverts to the fast ground that he’s had just once this season, when he won the Dee Stakes in fine style. He looked as if he’d get further comfortably then although his stamina isn’t guaranteed, and on fast ground we could see plenty of improvement.

Giuseppe Garibaldi is a quickly maturing contender for Ballydoyle who has won his last two starts when getting good ground, including the King George V Cup.

Old Persian is well worth a try at this new trip and Raa Atoll has already improved a great deal for it since his taking debut so those two ought to be involved.  Elector was a staying on second to Raa Atoll at Leicester for The Queen and should improve over this trip. He makes an interesting contender for Sir Michael Stoute here.

Advice: 1 pt each/way Wells Farhh Go (9/1 general) 1 pt each/way Rostropovich (7/1 Coral, Ladbrokes, Paddy Power)

3.40 – 6f Commonwealth Cup (Group 1) (British Champions Series) (Class 1) (3yo): A race with sensational potential and an almost limitless list of contenders. The two against the field are Sands Of Mali and Invincible Spirit, who were separated by just noise at the end of the Sandy Lane Stakes at Haydock last time. Sands Of Mali, a deeply impressive winner of the Gimcrack when he beat Invincible Army at York last year, didn’t fire in the Middle Park and the Breeders’ Cup, but was game as ever in the Prix Sigy when carrying a 6lbs penalty, and he made all once again in the Sandy Lane, manging to pull out a half a length on the runner up before then holding on at the line.

Invincible Army wont he Sirenia Strakes after his Gimcrack second last year and was beaten by the subsequent Greenham winner Expert Eye at the end of the season. His return in the Pavillion Skates, when he put a length and a half between him and Eqtidaar, set him up nicely for a bold bid in the Sandy Lane and he ought to enjoy returning to this track

The market has been dominated by Equilateral, the startlingly impressive 12 length winner at Doncaster. The bare form of that race might have taken a knock but the fact is that he beat a 97 rated filly last time by 8 lengths conceding 12lbs – a Group 1 performance in anyone’s book. He might be a bit short now after sustained support for the last two weeks.

Sioux Nation took the Norfolk here last year and then followed up with the Phoenix Stakes shortly afterwards. He was a Middle Park disappointment but his latest win ahead of stablemate Fleet Reveal in the Lacken Stakes (Speak In Colour and Now You’re Talking behind) when carrying a penalty showed a smart turn of foot and he will love returning back to this course and distance. Indeed, Fleet Review himself has each/way potential; This test ought to suit a great deal and so will having a pace to run at.

Emblazoned was a fine third in the Sandy Lane and behind him was Heartache and Unfortunately. If both are back to the form they showed last summer, with Heartache a fine winner of the Queen Mark and Unfortunately a game winner of the Prix Morny, they can prove to be well overpriced.

Advice: 1 pt each/way Sands Of Mali (9/1 Paddy Power, 15/2 Coral, Betway) Invincible Spirit (9/1 Paddy Power, 8/1 general)

4.20 – 1m (Rnd) Coronation Stakes (Group 1) (British Champions Series) (Fillies) (Class 1) (3yo): A fine clash between the winners of the English, French, and Irish 1,000 Guineas. There appears to be little reason not to take Billesdon Brook’s Newmarket win at face value and that form appears to be the strongest in the race with Laurens having won the Prix Saint-Alary and Prix de Diane since whilst Wild Illusion has finished second in the Oaks and Ribblesdale since. She put the race to bed with a very convincing turn of foot that day and whilst she will have to show that speed again against milers, she appears overpriced in relation to the Irish pair at the head of the market.

Alpha Centuari relished a return to fast ground when taking the Irish 1,000 Guineas with a sustained late charge. Just beaten in the Albany last year, she ought to be seriously involved once again. Clemmie was one of the top juveniles of last season, taking the Middle Park with a fine turn of foot from Albany winner Different League to end her campaign.

She was expected to take high rank in the Guineas but a hold up in March came at just the wrong time, meaning she had to miss the 1,000 Guineas. Her comeback in the Irish version wasn’t spectacular, but she had only just made that assignment according to her trainer and a huge improvement can be expected here which should have her on the premises.

Teppal gave David Simcock a first classic winner when quickening up best in what was a bunch finish to take the Poule D’Essai Des Pouliches. She’s only had three runs and could improve a great deal from her Pouliches win, her first of the season, although she will need to based on the bare form there. She had Coeur De Beaute just a short neck behind and she must be respected too based on that form here although had the previous advantage of a run, unlike fourth that day Capla Temptress.

Threading looked as if she’d returned to her best when beating a solid yardstick absolutely pointless at York and if that’s the case she’ll take some catching although that was a soft four runner event which didn’t test her stamina. The way Veracious won her maiden at Newmarket suggest she’s a group horse but this is some ask on her comeback.

Anna Nerium has already been beaten in the Guineas, for all she ran creditably, and all of Adorable, Aim Of Artemis, Whitefountainfairy and Nkosikazi must improve rapidly.

Advice: 2 pts each/way Billesdon Brook (13/2 Paddy Power)

5.00 – Sandringham Stakes (Fillies’ Handicap) (Str) (Class 2) (3YO only): As per usual, friendly competitive so we’ll cut straight to the chase. Ed Walker’s Argotera is an obvious favourite but she’s probably earned it after beating the easy Goodwood winner Four White Socks by over a length last time out. That was only her third start but crucially her first one on fast ground and previously she had been beaten just a length by Dathanna here. 7lbs better off with her from that run, she ought to take the beating.

It’s even more obvious to have the second favourited in the profile but the way that Qazyuna travelled through the early stages of the Pretty Polly suggested that a drop back to this trip wouldn’t suit and she was an impressive maiden winner before that when looking as if a big field handicap would be her thing in the future. Two horses have placed in the Pretty Polly as a route to Sandringham glory and the pace profile and track should see a career best.

Last but not least, Aidan O’Brien’s Broadway. She’s had just four runs and the only poor one took place on heavy ground when connections ran her over 12 furlongs. She was third in the Athasi Stakes afterwards when menacingly closing on the line – over a mile she might well have won – but she made amends with an easy win at Naas when the seconds and third both won subsequently. A frenetically run mile ought to suit.

Advice: 1 pt each/way Argotera (7/1 general), 1 pt each/way Qazyna (8/1 general), 1 pt each/wau Broadway (16/1 Bet365, 14/1 general)

5.35 – 1m4f Duke Of Edinburgh Stakes (Handicap) (Class 2) (3yo+ 0-105): Charlie Appleby won this race with Rare Rhythm last year, a horse that had been off the track 371 days, so Eynhallow’s absence of 120 days isn’t a worry at all and he makes a lot of appeal. Twice a winner for Roger Charlton last year, he’s impressed in Dubai with two solid efforts at Meydan and could still more to give on his third run for the yard. On both those occasions he came from well back to take second behind Walton Street so the stiffer finish and stronger gallop her should be right up his street and a wide draw has not been an impediment in the past to success either.

Take a gamble on the Dubai form and back Walton Street too. The form of his last UK run has worked out brilliantly with Call To Mind now a group winner along with runner-up Count Octave.

Advice: 1 pt each/way Eyenhallow (12/1 general), 1 pt each/way Walton Street (9/1 Coral, Bet Victor)

 

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Royal Ascot 2018 – Ladies Day preview and tips

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It’s Ladies Day at Royal Ascot 2018 and Will has a preview plus tips.

2.30 – Norfolk Stakes (Group 2) (Class 1) (2YO only): This doesn’t look appealing as a betting medium and if Shang Shang Shang can reach the level of most Wesley Ward raiders then she’ll take a lot of beating here. It hasn’t been the best week for her stable but if she can reproduce her comfortable win in a 12-runner maiden at Keeneland she should take some catching. The National Stakes is a key form line here and Clive Cox’s Koncheck might come out best, although Kinks didn’t get a run there and could be better running from the front. Aidan O’Brien’s juveniles by and large have all run very well so it’s interesting he sends Land Force here after his third at the Curragh in a listed event. Last time out winners The Paddocks, Rumble Inthejungle, Charming Kid, and Glory Fighter all would not be surprise winners.

Advice: 1 pt win Shang Shang Shang (9/2 Paddy Power)

3.05 – 1m2f Hampton Court Stakes (Group 3) (Class 1) (3yo): Hunting Horn has had plenty of racing so far but his Prix du Jockey Club sixth is the best form here and if he is ahead of Key Victory (eighth that day) at the end here he ought to have a fighting chance of taking a seriously competitive race. Charlie Appleby’s Key Victory might improve a lot for a better surface and along with Dante fifth Nordic Lights and the deeply impressive maiden winner National Army.

Wadilsafa, who won decisively in a useful minor event at Newmarket over 1 mile, must improve but promises to enjoy this extra distance and he is also on the longlist along with Heron Stakes third Vintager.

Advice: 1 pt each/way Hunting Horn (6/1 general)

3.40 – 1m4f Ribblesdale Stakes (Group 2) (Fillies) (Class 1) (3yo): This is difficult to measure. Wild Illusion and Magic Wand’s Oaks form towers over the field and the latter particularly ought to enjoy being on a faster surface, but they have had 20 days to recover from a slog at Epsom and as Cracksman showed, that is no easy task. six winners since 1997 were being turned out again quickly after running the Investec Oaks but this year’s renewal was a particularly arduous grind. That could also count against Perfect Clarity, who was an impressive winner of the Lingfield Oaks Trial but who also couldn’t move her feet through Epsom’s ground.

Sun Maiden is an obvious choice and is a terribly exciting prospect after her romp in a Salisbury maiden by 12 lengths, but the second was a beaten favourite next time out by nine lengths as evens favourite so progression is needed if she’s going to justify favouritism and in an open race she can be taken on.

Since getting fast ground Athena has finished second in Newbury’s Oaks trial and broken her maiden at the seventh time of asking, and Aidan O’Brien’s charge could keep progressing here. This step upto 1m4f – especially around Ascot – could bring out more improvement (closely-related to Bracelet who won this race back in 2014 on her first go at the trip) and on a sound surface she’s looked like a new horse. Her second at Newbury over 10 furlongs to Sea Of Class rates as very strong form, with the winner having been a short price for the Oaks before she bypassed the race to win the Abdingon convincingly. Seven lengths back in this was Crystal Hope, who had impressively beaten the Musidora winner Give and Take and the Musidora third Highgarden (runs here) at Sandown.

Lady Of Shalott should be capable of better following her 4th to Perfect Clarity in the Lingfield Oaks Trial but she will need to improve a great deal and neither of Sarrochi or Sizzling make much appeal. Dancing Brave Bear, a staying on second in the Musidora, has place potential.

Advice: 1 pt each/way Athena (9/1 general)

4.20 – 2m4f Gold Cup (Group 1) (British Champions Series) (Class 1) (4yo+): A monster renewal of the Gold Cup with three top quality stayers and Stradivarius can crown himself the staying king in a race to watch and savour. AA rapidly progressive stayer since taking the Queen’s Vase here last year, he has since won the Goodwood Cup when beating last year’s winner of this, Big Orange, and afterwards he was a fine third when dropped down in trip for the St Leger. He was beaten that day by Irish Derby winner Capri and Crystal Ocean, who has won two group contests already this season, with Melbourne Cup winner Rekindling behind him. He ended the year with a fine third on British Champions Day, behind Order Of St George when the ground was extremely testing and the race collapsed late. This faster ground will play right into his hands compared to then.

His return in the Yorkshire Cup, when he had the race won before Frankie Dettori got serious with him, was a perfect tune up and the only worry might be stamina if this is a real test over 2m4f, but he has not failed on that count so far and a small field ought to suit with only Torcedor and Mount Moriah known as front runners.

Order Of St George won this in 2016 and went down fighting in a titanic battle last year. He sets an imposing standard and has turned up quietly with a pair of easy wins in the Vintage Crop and Saval Beg Stakes. If there was to be one chink in his armour, it could be that he goes best with cut as his record shows, and today’s faster surface is a more level playing field between our selection and him.

The race is completed by the presence of Vazirabad, twice a winner of the Prix-Royal Oak and also a winner of the Prix du Cadran last year, along with a three-time winner of the Dubai Gold Cup. He comes here for the first time following a good tune up when he beat subsequent winner Marmelo in the Prix Vicomtesse Vigier with plenty in hand (as he always does) and he has a tremendous each/way appeal at 6/1. Some may query his stamina and suitably for this ground but he’s a winner of the Cadran and a lack of potential pace should enhance his chances.

Desert Skyline should enjoy this step upto 2m4f, but he was beaten fair and square behind Stradivarius last time out at York even with a penalty and has also been well beaten by Order Of St George in the past.

Torcedor was a changed horse for front running tactics when spread-eagling the field in the Sagaro last time, but he won’t get such an easy time going half a mile further on fast ground and he was well beaten with fifth in this last year.

Sheikhzayedroad, Max Dynamite, Mount Moriah, and Scotland all have various amounts to prove.

Advice: Watch and enjoy

Just as difficult as the Hunt Cup yesterday but we won that so hopefully we can repeat the trick. The first two in our portfolio are hardly original choices and drawn next to eachother but they have outstanding form claims. George Of Heart was one of two horses to come from the back and take the first two positions in a 7-furlong handicap here; the winner that day was Society Rock, who would win upped in class at Goodwood and then take second in the Jersey yesterday. He looks as if he’ll improve for this extra furlong too, and if repeating the form he’s very well treated.

Curiosity made a fine start to his three year old season when going down by a neck to Symbolisation in a Newmarket handicap and that was boosted by the winner running fifth in the Irish Guineas and then the Jersey yesterday. If he steps forward he can hopefully make a late bid that is just as strong as our top choice.

Ostillo has just snuck in to add another string to Sheikh Mohammed Obaid Al Maktoum’s bow and he might prove to be their best chance. Possibly best known as the horse who was beaten by Without Parole at Yarmouth, he was eight lengths clear of the third that day and has since proven himself to be useful, making short work of the field on his handicap debut at Newmarket. A mark of 84 might have been lenient then but thankfully he’s snuck in there and Simon Crisford and Silvestre De Sousa have a terrific record together – they’ve won 25 races race together out of 84 at a very healthy 30 per cent.

Those who are greedy could do worse than to look at Aidan O’Brien’s James Cook. O’Brien won this in 2015 with War Envoy and all three of his contenders make some appeal although James Cook could be the most overpriced. A full brother to the magnificent Found, he made a good debut behind a subsequent Group 3 runner up at Naas and was then a convincing winner of a Leopardstown maiden from Latrobe, who has since finished second to group placed hunting Horn and finished second in the Gallinule Stakes. Things haven’t gone so well for him this season, but he didn’t handle Epsom on his return when he needed the run and one has to forgive his Dante run. A really strongly run stiff mile ought to bring out the best in him and it’s interesting he’s been tried at a mile now.

Bond Street and Landshark also took the eye.

Advice: 1 pt each/way George Of Heart (9/1 Bet365, 8/1 general), 1 pt each/way Curiosity (12/1 general), 1 pt each/way Ostillo (16/1 general)

5.25 – 1m4f King George V Stakes (Handicap) (Class 2) (3yo 0-105): Godolphin have won three of the last four editions and had the 1-2 last year – once again they have two strong chances. Cross County gave plenty of hope that he’d improve a lot for this this trip when finishing a good second to a very smart prospect at Sandown when giving a stone to the winner. However, they might have an even stronger chance in Dubhe, who was deeply impressive on his three-year-old debut at Sandown.

It was his first time going beyond a mile and it’s no surprise that he thrived for it – he’s out of Irish Oaks winner Great Heavens – and if anything, a step upto this trip is overdue given how long it took for him to engage overdrive. Once he did get rolling, he put four lengths between himself and Communique, who reopposes here after winning the uber competitive London Gold Cup going away. That form has already been boosted by runners from that race finishing first and fourth at Epsom’s Derby meeting along with two runners up spots so the

Joseph O’Brien’s Downforce is the second to make the staking plan. The son of Camelot was making his debut going further than 1 mile at Navan when scythed through the field going downhill and eventually found enough to snatch victory from the jaws of defeat. The further he goes the better and having a proper pace to crack at will help matters too.

Advice: 2 pts each/way Dubhe (12/1 Coral), 1 pt each/way Downdraft (365 Bet365)

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Royal Ascot 2018 – Wednesday preview and tips

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It’s the second day of Royal Ascot 2018 and Will has a preview plus tips.

2.30 – Queen Mary Stakes (Group 2) (Fillies) (Class 1) (2yo): Wesley Ward has won this three times, with Jealous Again, Acapulco and Lady Aurelia turning this into a procession on three occasions. The lightning quick Chelsea Cloisters is sure to go close, but Clive Cox managed to beat Happy Like A Fool (went off 10/11) with Heartache and he has a similar contender in the shape of Shape of Hearts here.

Immature and noisy in the paddock before she ran here on debut, she failed to settle through the early parts of the race and then didn’t get a run until he final furlong, where she put the race to bed with a hand ride. Second Queen Of Bermuda has since won twice, once when beating colts in a novice stakes, whilst reopposing third Come On Leicester has since won impressively at Windsor. She will surely get a real gallop to run at her which should allow her to settle and on that form it’s unlikely anything will finish better here.

Aidan O’Brien’s So Perfect was an extremely taking winner on debut when she made a slow start and then came with a withering run to win a Navan maiden in April on yielding ground, but she didn’t build on that when a disappointing favourite in the Fillies’ Sprint Stakes when a failure to get a run did not cost her victory and she was well beaten behind Servalan.

One of the leading highlights of Jessica Harrington’s strong juvenile crop, she improved hand over fist to take eventually win with a deal of comfort her stablemate Chichas Amigas had a next time out winner behind when winning on debut. Severalan was beaten on debut but only behind Andre Amar, who found only Sergei Prokofiev too good on his next start. The five furlongs around this course will hopefully be fine with a strong pace.

Matthieu Palussiere and Antoine Hamelin teamed upto take the Albany with Different League last year so Forever In Dreams, an impressive winner of the Prix Du Medoc and Prix Pirette in her two starts, needs respect. So too does Kurious, who represents last year’s winning connections after winning a Sandown maiden when the runner up was in the same ownership.

Advice: 1 pt each/way Shades Of Blue (11/2 general), 1 pt each/way Servalan (10/1 general)

1m6f Queen’s Vase (Group 2) (3yo): John Gosden managed to frustrate the Aidan O’Brien battalions yesterday and he might do the same again with Stream Of Stars. He didn’t beat a whole lot here over 1m4f but it was a big step forward from his Newmarket second and he will thrive going at this distance and further in the future.

Aidan O’Brien has a fond history with this race and all of Kew Gardens, Nelson and Southern France need respect. Nelson makes the most appeal out of these, with his defeat of Kew Gardens at Leopardstown and subsequent second to Roaring Lion the best form on offer. However, his blowout in the Derrinstown is a discouraging preparation for this.

Southern France got the better of Drapers Guild (trained by Joseph O’Brien) in taking style at Navan and whilst he must improve on that, he’s far from the finished article and surely will enjoy this extra furlong today. He can confirm that form today. King’s Proctor was third in the Chester Vase and then had to five too much weight in a handicap at Newbury last time. His trainer’s record in this is so good he has to be respected and a new trip could help an awful lot.

Last but not least, don’t forget the Taghroooda half-brother Almoghared, a game winner at Chepstow a month ago who needs this trip as well. Lynwood Gold could improve a good deal for fast ground and also needs respect.

Advice: 1 pt win Stream Of Stars (7/2 general)

1m (Str) Duke Of Cambridge Stakes (Group 2) (Fillies & Mares) (Class 1) (4yo+): Hydrangea is the clear form choice if back to her best, and her reappearance wasn’t too disappointing given that this would likely have been the target. She will be hard to beat but even if too good there are three places to aim for and Wilamina might be the obvious place chance. She was a clear best of the rest when behind Whueida on her return in the Dhalia and whilst that race might not have that much depth to it, she had the 1,000 Guineas seventh and Free Handicap winner Anna Nerium beaten there in what was another good effort. That she stays slightly further is a help to her chances here and if she’s over a hard race at Epsom then she should go well.

Tomyris was a taking winner of the Chartwell and has a low mileage whilst Urban Fox gave 7lbs and still managed to beat Tribute Act in a C&D handicap here and she could be finding a new lease of life for William Haggas who has just had her for the first time.

Promising Run has a 3lbs penalty which doesn’t help but a repeat of her Meydan form would give her a serious shot.

A really interesting contender is Arabian Hope, who was third in the Falmouth Stakes last season and then bombed out twice behind that same horse in other Group 1 races. If she’s back and ready to run to her best she could go very close, and it’s interesting that the target is the Falmouth again according to reports.

Advice: 1 pt each/way Wilhamina (8/1 general)

4.20 – 1m2f Prince Of Wales’s Stakes (Group 1) (British Champions Series) (Class 1) (4yo+): If Cracksman is recovered from his slog to win the Coronation Cup then the Arc favourite and Champion Stakes winner ought to take apart this field, but he’s had just 19 days to do so. Before that close shave he’d taken apart the Ganay field in a matter of minutes and he put seven lengths between himself and Poet’s Word in last season’s Champion Stakes.

Poet’s Word has continued to improve and whilst he was well beaten behind Hawkbill in the Sheema Classic, he improved from that to take the Brigader Gerard with something in hand at Sandown in what was a fine warmup for this. He can go well once again. Cliffs Of Moher bat Cracksman in last year’s Derby and his win in the Mooresbirdge Stakes will have done him a power of good, but a Group 1 success has eluded him so far and it’s quite possible we’ve seen the best of him.

The most interesting of these horses in a race that might not be blessed with pace is Eminent, who has some very smart form last term that included a third in the Irish Champion Stakes. He was desperately disappointed on his comeback in the Huxley Stakes, for with Martyn Meade has found no excuse, but if he’s back to his best then it’s not impossible to see Oisin Murphy getting a good tactical posse which could enhance his chances.

Hawkbill’s latest run in the Coronation was a really dire performance so it has to be taken on trust that he’s back to his best here, but should that be the case then Charlie Appleby’s charge would be very interesting and he brought Blue Point back to his best as well.

Desert Encounter has been held in races won by Cracksman, Hawkbill and Poet’s Word since his Group 3 win at Newbury last September and Royal Julius looked outclassed.

Advice: 1 pt each/way Eminent (12/1 general)

5.00 – 1m (Str) Royal Hunt Cup (Heritage Handicap) (Class 2) (3yo+): As difficult a renewal as one can remember, with every one of the 32 having a realistic chance. The draw – which rewarded the near side in the Coventry in no uncertain manner – will also play a part although there’s pace drawn across the track with front runners drawn low, middle and high. Look for the best place terms in the odds – Betway and Skybet are going one fifth the odds for seven places whilst Coral, Ladbrokes and Paddy Power are giving six. Bet365 only have five placed but they do have ¼ for place terms.

Salstonstall has given two career best efforts since being turned to handicaps by Michael Halford and so impressive was the manner of his win at the Curragh last time that a 5lbs penalty if anything, looks lenient and with fast ground perhaps bringing out more improvement he has enough promise to make the shortlist. Second in the Irish Lincolinshire on his return, the winner has since won a Listed contest at the Curragh which suggests he can handle a mark of 103. The same connections also won this with Portage two years ago.

The last time Raising Sand ran over course and distance he was an impressive winner of the Shergar Cup Mile and since then he has run two big races in valaiuble 7 furlong handicaps, the first when he gave away the race at the start here in September and the second when third in the Challenge Cup in October. That day he was beaten by Accidental Agent and Lord Glitters off a mark of 98, form which looks red hot when you rewatch the Queen Anne in which they finished first and second today. That form might be flattering but Lord Glitters then won the Balmoral and was second in the Lincoln to a group winner whilst Accidental Agent was Listed placed before his big win today.

He made some encouraging late progress in the Victoria Cup but it was a hell of an ask on his return and he will surely strip fitter with that under his belt and a draw of 9 gives Jamie Spencer tactical options to boot.

Escobar was also making his seasonal reappearance in that race and has since found winning form for David O’Meara. He came so close to making the shortlist but Settle For Bay is the second Irish bow to our challenge.

David Marnane’s charge had a four timer at Dundalk through the winner after being upped to a mile but probably gave a career best effort so far for him when making rapid late progress to take a decent fourth at Leopardstown. Only the winner got clear of him and he has since won a Listed contest whilst the sixth has won another handicap so the form looks strong and the straight mile of Ascot and lots more pace will give him a better chance of showing his best once again.

Advice: 1 pt each/way Strensall (12/1 general), 1 pt each/way Settle For Bay (14/1 general), 1 pt each/way Raising Sand (20/1 general)

5.35 – 7f Jersey Stakes (Group 3) (Class 1) (3yo): Could It Be Love was only overhauled in the final furlong of the Irish 1,000 Guineas and dropping back to 7 furlongs that should suit, she will take the beating. The money has come for her though and this looks a very deep renewal of the Jersey.

James Garfield has a penalty for his success in the Greenham Stakes but it was merely one of many impressive efforts from George Scott’s charge and his juvenile and three year old form reads very well. He didn’t get home in the Guineas but was once again ahead of Expert Eye and that form doesn’t read too badly here. He was dropped in trip for the Sandy Lane Stakes, but found the 6 furlongs at Haydock too quick, which was no shame given that the first two home were previous 6f Group winners who are now amongst the lead contenders for the Commonwealth Cup. 7 furlongs here ought to suit him down to the ground and he looks big on his best form.

Headway, second in the Coventry Stakes last year, is also worth giving another chance to. He bombed out in the Guineas but previously posted an incredible performance to come from behind and take he Spring Cup. That saw him run two final furlongs of 10.8 and 11.0 seconds, even more impressive when you consider that the early pace was not strong there, and previously he’d also finished third in the Gimcrack.

Expert Eye needs to settle better if he’s to return to the form of his Vintage Stakes win and Society Power and Emaraaty, first and second in a valuable Goodwood Handicap last time, make more appeal. Symbolizations’ Irish Guineas fifth took a beating and Pursuer, a game winner of the King Charles II Stakes, is preferred whilst it’s a huge indicator that St Patrick’s Day make his Ballydoyle debut here. Glorious Journey could also run a big race now he gets a strong pace to aim at – the Prix La Rochette winner was fourth in what was a very strong Craven before his third in the Prix du Guiche.

Advice: 1 pt each/way James Garfield (16/1 Coral, Hills), 1 pt each/way Headway (10/1 general)

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Royal Ascot 2018 – Tuesday preview and tips

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It’s the opening day of Royal Ascot 2018 and Will has a preview and tips.

2.30 – 1m (Str) Queen Anne Stakes (4yo+): A very open renewal, with Rhododendron favourite after having had several of these behind when winning the Lockinge. She ought to take the beating again, but she is more than half the price of Lightning Spear, who was beaten by a fast closing short head, and David Simcock’s charge makes strong each/way appeal. He ran badly in this last year but returned to form with his Newbury second and the form of that well-run race, with subsequent Group 1 winner Lancaster Bomber in third, looks more than trustworthy here.

Benbatl was a sensational winner of the Dubai Turf and must be considered the main threat if he runs to that level, with a three and a half-length defeat of Vivlos probably the outstanding performance in this field.

Recoletos has made a fine start to life as an older horse, with last year’s Prix du Jockey Club third winning the Prix du Muguet and the Prix d’Ispahan in fine style on his fist two starts this season. He ought to be seriously involved here and will be a popular each/way choice.

American raider Yoshida has been a notable improver in recent months and a confidence boosting success in the Hill Prince Stakes at the end of last season was backed up with a deeply impressive return in the Turf Classic at Churchill Downs. He had Beach Patrol, an Arlington Million winner who was second in the Breeders’ Cup Turf, in second there and there’s lots to like about his chances here.

A better run can be expected from Beat The Bank after his seasonal reappearance but he might now have something to prove and Suedois would be more interesting of those at bigger prices. Everything from Brexit to the Mayans has been blamed for Limato’s flops at a mile but he’s better at shorter and Zonderland will need to step up a huge amount physically from his reappearance, which is possible. Century Dream won the Diomed Stakes impressive and has previously beaten Lockinge sixth Accidental Agent so there’s lots to like about his progressive profile for all that it still has him behind the first two there.

One to note at bigger prices too is Suedois, fourth in the Breeders’ Cup Mile. He will strip fitter from his comeback in the Lockinge.

Advice: 1 pt each/way Lightning Spear (8/1 general)

3.05 – 6f Coventry Stakes (Group 2) (Class 1) (2yo): The market has this as a two-horse race between Ballydoyle’s Sergei Prokofiev and John Gosden’s Calyx, both of whom have been deeply impressive this season in their three combined wins; but this looks a deep renewal at face value and The Irish Rover makes each/way appeal.

He was just a length and a quarter behind Sergei Prokofiev on their debut at Dundalk and then lost maiden stakes here at the start when he jumped in the stalls. However, connections sent him to Newbury for his first start over this trip and he was deeply impressive at Newbury in the Olympic Glory Conditions Stakes. He quickened up well but was especially impressive when he hit the rising ground, so Ascot ought to suit and he’s probably less exposed than his three runs suggest.

Cosmic Law, a wide margin winner of the Woodcote Stakes, also appeared to be in love with 6 furlongs on his first try and has to rate a huge form player here – it is a surprise that he’s so big actually given that level of form – but these four are by no means the only contenders.

Jessica Harrington has mastered both codes for a long time and she has a fascinating contender in the shape of Indigo Balance. Harrington has a strong crop of juveniles this season and his son of Invincible Spirit was a very taking winner at the Curragh on 1,000 Guineas day, moving from the back to seal the race with one turn of foot, and it wasn’t hard to be impressed with the manner in which he won. Second Decrypt has since won again, whilst the fifth Don Carlos scored too. The same maiden has a rather illustrious history – Gustav Kilmt, Churchill, Air Force Blue, and Sir John Hawkins have made debuts in that race – and that he’s being sent here is a big endorsement.

Godolphin pairing Dubai Legacy and Burj both need respect here, although the latter was behind Advertise on debut and the way that Advertise hit the line suggests he ought to improve for that experience and take a hand here.

Aidan might have won this race eight times, but Joseph has a very interesting contender in the shape of No Needs Never. He was not expected to take a big hand in proceedings at Cork at 25/1 but he ended up being unlucky to lose, he was drawn wide and trapped wide at the rear of the field. Had he been given a kinder draw he might well have won and this stiff track ought to help him should he get caught behind early. He can go well at a big price but the two Irish charges we have will do.

Advice: 1 pt each/way The Irish Rover (14/1 Bet365, Paddy Power, Hills, Betway), 1 pt each/way Indigo Balance (16/1 Hills, 14/1 general)

3.40 – 5f King’s Stand Stakes (Group 1) (British Champions Series) (Class 1) (3yo+): One of the occasions of the week as Lady Aurelia, an incredible winner of this last year, faces the fellow rocket Battash, who was arguably even more impressive in the L’Abbaye last season. It is more a race to watch and savour than to bet on, although the opinion of yours truly is that a settled Battash can prove himself to be the quickest on this day.

Charlie Hills’ lightning charge must remain calm during the preliminaries, but as a more mature horse he hopefully will be able to keep his composure more than he did at York, when he was still fourth, beaten only four and a half lengths behind Marsha and Lady Aurelia. He put four lengths – and it could have been more – behind Marsha herself in what was a startlingly impressive romp at Chantilly and that he got the better of Kachy giving a penalty in the Temple Stakes despite his poor start shows his power.

Kachy is now 5lbs worse off and he might have been caught by Washington DC with another stride there. Washington DC loved nothing more than s tiff and well run five furlongs, so it’s interesting that Aidan O’Brien puts Donncha on him and Ryan Moore rides Different League, with Battle Of Jericho also taking his place. All three must find a new level although a pace burnout would suit.

Mabs Cross has improved hand over fist this season and was fourth in the Temple; She will run well, whilst Bucchero and Finsbury Square can give value seekers a good run for their money.

Advice: Watch and enjoy.

4.20 – St James’s Palace Stakes (Group 1) (British Champions Series) (Class 1) (3YO only): A fascinating contest which brings together leading contenders from England, Ireland and France. Without Parole didn’t run in any of the Guineas, but the manner of his novice win at Yarmouth and then a gutsy success in the Heron Stakes have seen him cut to favourite. However, on the bare form of both those success he appears to be very short and the urge is to take him on.

Indeed, Racing Post Trophy winner Gabr might make a bold bid to reverse the form, having come from well back in the Heron.

Tip To Win, however, ran the best race of any horse here when a good second in the 2,000 Guineas, a renewal which looks stronger than it’s Irish counterpart, and he deserves to be shorter than the 5/1 on offer. He ended his juvenile season with a fine second to Elarqam in the Sommervile Stakes and since then a winter in the Middle Easy has seen connections in plenty of profit.

It also clearly helped his preparation for the European season, as he was a fantastic second in the 2,000 when he split Saxon Warrior and the subsequent Derby winner Masar at 50/1. He had Gustav Kilmt, since third in the Irish Guineas, back in sixth and a reproduction of that form would give him an excellent chance.

Romanised relished the all out gallop to take the Irish Guineas, a return to the form that he’d shown as a juvenile. The shape of this race promises to suit just as much here and he’s got to be a major player with the ground having come right too, and he can once again get the better of US Navy Flag, who went too fast at the Curragh and might be better at shorter for all that this will be the quickest ground he’s had so far this season. Threeandfourpence was held in fourth there.

Wootoon’s fourth in the Pouliches was a fine effort on just his fourth run, and improvement from that is very possible if he is able to settle today, something that should be more likely with a stronger pace in the offing. His hanging down the home straight of a right handed track (something he did in the Fontainebleau as well as the Pouliches) is a worry but he possesses a fine turn of foot and could improve for a quicker surface. He is a serious each/way player if staying straight.

Kings Shields as sixth at Longchamp and didn’t handle the soft ground when backing up quickly at Epsom. He is a very useful horse and can do better in time but it’s possible that he’s making a rather quick backup.

Chilean was a very game winner of the Prix La Force before finishing fourth in the Bet365 Classic trial and he might need further than this on soft ground.

Advice: 2 pts win Tip To Win (5/1 general), 1 pt each/way Wootoon (7/1 Bet365)

Ante-Post tips on 17 May: 2 pts each/way Elarqam (8/1) – NON-RUNNER

5.00 – 2m4f (2m3f210y) Ascot Stakes (A Handicap) (Class 2) (4yo+ 0-100): Is it the Cheltenham Festival or Royal Ascot? Willie Mullins has five runners, all at the top of the market, and it is significant that Ryan Moore has partnered Chelkar, who returns from 8 months off the track since winning at Chantilly. It would be no surprise if any of them won, but Whiskey Sour has by far the best flat form out of the quintet, and improved record over jumps since, and the formidable services of Christophe Soumillion to boot.

He won the Connacht Hotel (Q.R.) Handicap and then the valuable Guinness Premier Handicap in the space of a week at the Galway Festival last year, and he has since finished third in the County Hurdle whilst he ran respectably in Grade 1 novice hurdles twice during the winter, having the good fortune to inherit a prize that looked destined for re illustrious stablemates. He’s had a rise of 10lbs since his last flat win but his jumps exploits provide hope that he can be at least as good once again. This trip might improve him on the flat, too.

Tony Bloom’s Stratum, a maiden winner for John Gosden in 2016 and landed a Galway maiden hurdle, has already been well backed and needs serious respect in the market but the second best of the Mullins charges might well be Meri Devie. She was listed placed in 2013 before moving to Closutton and looked as if she’d take the highest rank over hurdles. Whilst not quite turning out to be Grade 1 level, she’s run many solid races and on only once occasion has she managed to get onto some decent ground since her maiden hurdle win and she was third in the AES Champion Hurdle. A very taking winner of a competitive handicap at Punchestown when last seen, she could relish the fast ground and Mikael Barzalona is a very eyecatching booking.

With a few more inches Coeur De Lion could well have won two decent handicaps this season including the Chester Plate (consolation race for the Chester Cup) and it would be no surprise to see him reverse Chester form with Look My Way (Mirsaale third) with a longer track and stiffer course here.

Dannyday came from nearly last to first to take an impressive win in the Northumberland Vase last season at Newcastle. A slowly run race over 1m6f at Goodwood was never really going to suit him on his comeback and it made for a good warmup here – he’s now only 4lbs higher than for his Vase success and ought to take a great deal of beating. Dubawi Fifty had three good horses ahead of him in the Chester Cup and should be respected.

Advice: 1 pt each/way Whiskey Sour (11/1 Paddy Power, 10/1 general), 1 pt each/way Meri Devie (10/1 Coral, Ladbrokes, Paddy Power)

5.25 – 1m2f Wolferton Stakes (Listed Race) (Class 1) (4yo+): The removal of the handicap has made this into a very good race for the grade and Mirage Dancer can go close, even if carrying a penalty. He’s been very promising for a long time and his thirds here last year (behind Benbatl) and at York (in the Great Voltigeur) read very well now and after a tight defeat to Barsanti he was a wide margin and he impressed when putting three and a bit lengths between him and the useful m yardstick Eugenio off a slow pace.

Laraaib, quickly made up into a pattern horse last season and returned with an eye-catching run in the Brigader Gerard Stakes when second to Poet’s Word. He ought to improve for that return and take a high tank.

Monarchs Glen, a winner of the Darley Club Stakes last season, has a penalty but is still progressing and ought to find this much more suitable than the Dubai Turf when he may well have been undercooked. Yucatan didn’t take to the Coronation Cup last time but if he’s over it then this track and trip will suit him right down to the ground and he can take a hand following his good effort in the Mooresbridge Stakes when behind Cliffs Of Moher, who has since finished second in the Sharja Bridge, an excellent 2nd in a competitive Newmarket handicap on return, can also make his presence felt although improvement is needed if he’s to take a serious hand here.

Advice: 2 pts each/way Mirage Dancer (6/1 general)

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Grand National 2018 A-Z plus Aintree tips

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5.15 – 4m2½f Randox Health Grand National Handicap Chase (Grade 3) (Class 1) (7yo+)

VERDICT: This is going to be the most testing national since 2001 when Red Marauder beat Smarty by a distance; That day 40 runners faced the starter but only four completed the course, including two that had been remounted, a practice which is now not allowed. It ought to be a special test of stamina with the ground at a premium and it looks tailor made for Baie Des Isles. She is very young for a race of this type but that she has run fine races in the Irish and Welsh Nationals in her 12 chase starts and the form of her warmup at Punchestown has been boosted out of sight with the first two heavily involved in the finish of the Irish National. Katie Walsh rides these fences beautifully, she will sluice through the surface, and she is a normally sound jumper with a crucially low racing weight to boot. Another female jockey could be in line to take a huge hand with Bryony Frost looking the perfect partner to join forces with Milansbar. The last time the two ere united they made a well contested renewal of the Classic Chase an absolute procession and two fine runs over long distances ought to have him just right for this test assuming he can lay up with the early posse.

More faith is needed for The Dutchman, who stopped like a light in the Peter Marsh but who had been rapidly progressive beforehand, especially when beating Captain Redbeard by 13 lengths in the Tommy Whittle on some of the foulest winter ground Haydock had to offer, and everything about him suggests he ought to be suited by this test. He is worth forgiving that full effort given the raw staying power he has.

Pleasant Company might not have appeared to get home but he’s better handicapped than many who return from last year and if he can put in a clean round there might be more left at the finish this time from Willie Mullins’ charge.

Blaklion ought to go very well once again although after not quite getting home last year this much more testing ground is a negative against him and the ground isn’t terrific news for Gold Cup third Anibale Fly, although both him and Total Recall need to be seriously considered. Of the favourites, it’s Tiger Roll who makes the most appeal after his fine Cheltenham win with his stamina confirmed for the job although Seeyouatmidnight will go well to boot. One mention for Raz De Maree, the hardest horse to leave

Advice: 1.5 pts each/way Baie Des Iles (18/1 Coral, 16/1 general), 1 pt each/way Milansbar (33/1 Coral, Ladbrokes, Hills), 1 pt each/way The Dutchman (22/1 Paddy Power, Betfair), 1 pt each/way Pleasant Company (33/1 general)

A-Z Guide

Alpha Des Obeaux: Useful horse who took the Clonmel Oil Chase and doesn’t mind revelling in soft ground, but hasn’t repeated that effort since although he’s run fairly in top level races, including Irish Gold Cup; It is a worry that his worst effort this season came in the Many Clouds Chase on the Mildmay Course and others appeal as being in better form for all that he has ability.

Anibale Fly: Always useful as a novice chaser and has really found his stride when upped in trip this year, making a procession of what’s arguably Ireland’s best handicap chase in the Paddy Power when winning by no less than nine lengths off mark of 148 (rated 159 here; still well in); Upped in class to Irish Gold Cup and had not finished by any means when falling heavily two out and proved himself with fine third in Gold Cup, travelling well into the race and putting in very sold finishing effort for third; Normally a sound jumper and can take a front rank position with ease but never been further than the Gold Cup trip and would have preferred better ground; Still respected.

Baie Des Isles: Young horse – only seven – but plenty of experience in heavy ground staying handicap chases, including a fifth in 2017 Welsh National, race which has worked out well (winner since won Gold Cup, two other National winners come from it) and then showed impressive stamina and surefootedness to take Punchestown Grand National Trial; First two runs this season over hurdles/inadequate trip and didn’t shape badly in Punchestown National trial when the first two were then involved in finish of Irish national, also a gruelling race; If getting into rhythm, can go very well.

Blaklion: Travelled beautifully and jumped with fine panache when fourth in this last year, having been backed into favouritism, and looked the winner for much of the race too; Possibly sent on too early and then faded into fourth, although it must be a possibility he didn’t quite see it out as well as the first three; Romped home in the Becher Chase when beating The Last Samuri by nine lengths but worry that he’s given nothing away to handicapper despite 9lbs rise being fair and possible that it wasn’t wisest decision to enter him in Haydock Grand National trial when he was legless in second; Wind operation since will help and much in his favour but not sure he wants it this soft over this distance; Respected.

Bless The Wings: Plenty of form in long distance, soft ground handicap chases, having come within half a length of winning the 2012 Irish National and then been beaten only by Our Duke in last year’s edition; Took the December cross country but that his only finish in his last four starts, the big worry for him here, and he could find it difficult to come from the rear too. The ground has turned against him late and whilst he has talent, others might be better suited to this.

Buywise: Finally got that valuable win which he deserved so much when taking the Veterans’ Final at Sandown, seeing out a stiff three miles with purpose having moved through most of the field in one swoop four out; That was a fine win and a better jumper nowadays although a worry that he will lose his spot and get well behind which is hard.

Captain Redbeard: Was going quite well in the Grand Sefton when hampered badly at the 14th, where his winning chances ended; He then went and made amends in the Tommy Whittle and did so in fine style, pouring on the pressure after the last to  win by nine lengths from a next time out winner; His jumping went to pot when he was well beaten in the Peter Marsh Chase, however, and whilst hurdle win afterwards a nice warm-up a better round needed whilst doubts about just how far he does stay.

Carlingford Lough: Dual winner of the Irish Gold Cup in 2015 and 2016 and also took the Punchestown Gold Cup in 2016; Nothing wrong with his 2017 although he only made the track twice, finishing a solid fourth in the Irish Gold Cup; Hasn’t done a thing since but has dropped to 152 and does have a Grade 1 win on heavy ground, but not the best jumper and possible he’ll be out of his ground.

Chase The Spud: Disappointing in the Welsh National although he followed an extremely strong pace in some of the winter’s heaviest ground and it’s possible that the Eider came too soon for him; Previously he’d ground out the Midlands National and then taken and then a valuable handicap chase at Haydock, on soft and heavy ground respectively; The form of those races has worked out well and if he can get into a rhythm then few would be stouter stayers.

Children’s List: Doesn’t lack for talent but not particularly experienced over fences, with just the four runs so far; Form of his one chase win, a gutsy success over Edwulf, now looks a lot better but he didn’t seem to take to the Punchestown Grand National trial last time when a poor round of jumping exposed his inexperience, and this looks a year too early at least.

Delusionofgrandeur: Front running type for Sue Smith who nearly led the field all the way in the Rowland Meyrick at Wetherby; Chased the pace in the Edinburgh National but faded then (4m1f, soft) and then a respectable third in the final of the Challenger Series at Haydock; Goes on soft but heavy an unknown.

Double Ross: A real old hand now at the age of 12 and years of experience in big handicap chases, and many of them have been on this course, including a fifth in the Topham (2014) and Grand Sefton (2015); Was actually going well before his saddle slipped going around Canal Turn the second time round, ending his race; Been in and out since that but retains a good amount of his ability based on fourth in the Kim Muir at Cheltenham and can go well for a long way here.

Final Nudge: Enjoys a marathon trip and ran much better than most when third in the Welsh National to Raz De Maree, and he is well handicapped on that form, being 13 lengths better off for a 15 length defeat; Not so great since when fifth at Sandown but might well have finished close rin the Kim Muir had he not lost a shoe; However as a dour grinder he will keep going when many have stopped and perfect racing weight for him here; Catches the eye.

Gas Line Boy: A real stalwart of long distance chasing and put together a succession of career best efforts ass he’s gotten older, fourth in the 2017 Veterans Final at Sandown and then the Grand National Trial before a great effort when fifth in this race last year; Has been in great form since and beat the Topham winner in the Sefton (over these fences in December) and nothing not to like but faded after the last and over this more testing surface stamina a worry; Otherwise nothing not to like.

Houblon Des Obeaux: Plenty off back class and can still put up a real show in long distance handicap chases, finishing third in the Welsh and fourth in the Midlands National of last year; Perhaps this ground will suit more than the decent surface on which he was seventeenth in this last year, having been out the back from the third last; Tendency to drop himself out at the back of the last.

I Just Know: Not all that exposed as a chaser and certainly not a staying handicapper, as he showed when dominating eight other runners to win the Yorkshire National at Catterick (3m6f, soft ground). Got a hammering from handicapper for that but was well worth the win and has had a perfect permeation with a nice break before a warmup over hurdles; Sue Smith won this with Aurora’s Encoure in 2013 and not to be underestimated.

Lord Windermere: The 2014 Cheltenham Gold Cup winner who hasn’t repeated his run that day since, and as such is winless since then; Best run in the past two years probably his effort in this last year but he was a well beaten seventh and has dropped just 3lbs, whilst he fell in the Becher Chase when last seen; Others make much more appeal.

Maggio: Found huge career best from out of nowhere for a spectacular 12 length win in the 3 mile handicap chaser on this card two years ago on the Midday course, but has never really come to close to repeating that and tough to make a form or handicapping argument for him on that basis.

Milansbar: Wasn’t going well when unseating in the Wlesh National but has been a different horse since then and his dismantling of a competitive field in the Classic Chase (Warwick, 3m5f, strong yardstick Cogry second) one of the best trials seen for this during the whole season; Liked to be to the forefront of affairs which is good in this.

Pendra: Subject of much attention in the betting for two of the last three Cheltenham Festivals and performed creditably in both, first of all fifth in the Ultima (2015) and second in the Kim Muir (2017); Reappeared in the same race this year but didn’t cut much ice; Now had his first run after a wind operation and tongue tied first time but record of tenth in 2014 Irish National and 13th in this in 2016 suggests much more needed to make it third time lucky.

Perfect Candidate: Talented and robust stayer who impressed when taking Veterans’ Chase at Exeter last January, but then came here last year and was never quite in touch before belting the 26th and being pulled up straight away; Perhaps this was just a bit quick for him on the ground and proved he’s still got it when he beat Vicente at Cheltenham in November and maybe this ground will suit him more although headgear needs to make him take interest if he’s to show his best.

Pleasant Company: Winner of the Pat Taafe and Bobbyjo Chases last season and few had travelled between the until he belted Valentines the second-time round, and from then on whilst he went well, he faded behind several of these into ninth; Hasn’t cut much ice this season but tough to expect too much on his first start in the Paddy Power and the Thyestes came in a sticky surface where not many mudlarks took to the racing that day; Races off same mark which leaves him well handicapped compared to many who take another shot here and ground shouldn’t be an issue for him; Not impossible he can improve his position with a clean round so don’t give up on him yet.

Raz De Maree: Veteran 13 year old who hasn’t always been the cleanest of jumpers but he’s amongst the stoutest of stayers and it was a strong looking renewal of the Welsh National which he won on nearly unraceable ground (race had to be rescheduled) and did so with a terrific late charge; Not his fault that he fell here last year (ducked left to avoid fallen horse and unseated rider at Bechers first time round) and only Native River beat him in the Welsh National the season before last; With clear round, must be a major player.

Regal Encore: Blows very hot and cold but when he’s hot he’s hot, as he showed when he was third only to Whisper and Total Recall in the Ladbroke Trophy and then strong at the end when taking the Keltbray Siwnley Chase at Ascot; Eighth last year when he got out of his ground but went through a load of beaten horses late; Not sure that this ground suits much more but can’t be ruled out if on a going day.

Road To Riches: Just isn’t the same horse as the graded staying chaser in the 2015/16 season, when injury contravened and he’s never looked the same horse since; In any case, ground and trip huge question marks and not one on the shortlist.

Saint Are: Aintree specialist who comes alive around here, winner of the Sefton Novice Hurdle as a novice and a fantastic chaser around here, third in the 2015 Becher before being beaten only by Many Clouds in the National of that year itself; That took place on good ground and a sound surface is key to his chances, as shown when he was pulled up next year when the ground was soft, only to bounce back with a fine third last year; Wouldn’t read into his two efforts this season but ground ruined his chances.

Seeyouatmidnight: Was a classy novice chaser who didn’t mind getting his toe stuck in and ended that season with a fantastic third in the Scottish National; Only the four runs since and feeling that this has been the target, with just the one warm-up run a satisfactory outing at Newbury in which he did nothing spectacular; Sound jumper, real fighter and will not be far away.

Shantou Flyer: Real murdlark who has strung together a potent run of runner up efforts, the latest of them coming when he was just unable to overhaul Coo Star Sivola in the Ultima at Cheltenham; Worry for him is that he didn’t get into the thick of things last year, pulling up after the 24th having gotten behind; Maybe this ground is going to be more suitable for him but others appeal more.

Tenor Nivernais: Widily impressive when a 30 length winner of the Keltbray Swinley Chase but then was beaten afterwards at Kelso and he then never got into a rhythm when he was 17th and hasn’t shown much more since; Perhaps this ground suits more but didn’t take to the race and much more is needed.

The Dutchman: Been on quite the journey this season, first running into the subsequent Grade 1 winner Sam Spinner in the Fixed Brush Hurdle and not backing that up when below par at Cheltenham, but when reverting to fences, he just went to the front and ran his opposition into the ground to dominate the Peter Marsh with the very solid Captain Redbeard 13 lengths behind; Was pulled up in the Grand National Trial but stopped quickly that day and had been travelling sweetly through the first circuit; Blood found in his nostrils that day so run and be written off and now of real interest.

The Last Samuri: Exemplary form over this fences, second in 2016 Grand National, then a close second in the Becher in December of that year; Those efforts took their toll on his handicap mark and he was 16th last year under top weight; Second, beaten by nine lengths, in this year’s Becher Chase and a fine third in the Cross Country at Cheltenham Festival 2018, but there’s a feeling his best chance has gone at the weights.

Thunder And Roses: 2015 Irish National winner although he’s not won since; That said, he was fourth in the 2017 renewal and still has ability judged on the way he was going in the Leinster National when he fell four out; Disconcerting that he fell again in the Irish National when he fell at the seventh but if he gets into a rhythm then he’s capable.

Tiger Roll: Long and rich record of success at the Cheltenham Festival, with three wins in 2014, 2017 and this year; The latter two, a dominant winner of the 4 Mile Novices’ Chase, and then a gutsy success over the Cross Country Course this season (3m6f, soft) show stamina ought not to be an issue; The main worry is how a smaller horse than most will take to these fences but the Cross Country is hardly the worst preparation and if he even half takes to this he’s got to have one of the main chances.

Total Recall: Has just had a magic season for Willie Mullins since moving from Sandra Hughes, romping home in the Munster National on his first start for the yard and then stepping up to down the RSA Chase second Whisper in the Ladbroke Trophy by a head with Regal Encore eight lengths behind; Impossible for connections to resist easy pot over hurdles at Leopardstown but wasn’t out of things when he fell in the Gold Cup for all that distance Native River and Might Bite put between themselves and the field suggests he would have been booked for third; One of the class angles into the race and lots to like, but this distance on such ground has to have a question mark for his chances; Major player.

Ucello Conti: Not a frequent winner but one of the most talented handicap chasers around and a sound jumper of these fences, sixth in 2016, fourth in the Becher Chase of that year, then in the act of putting another solid round together before he stumbled at Becher’s so badly Daryl Jacob couldn’t stay on; Second to Anibale Fly in Paddy Power is a fine effort, but worry that he had nothing extra down the finish in 2016 on soft, when beaten 37 lengths.

Valseur Lido: Was a quality top staying chaser in 2016, winning the JN Wine Champion Chase by 11 lengths and then finishing a very creditable fourth in the Lexus that Christmas; Had to take year off and whilst reappearance in Lexus this season suggested he retained all his ability, has gone wrong way since and doesn’t appear to be in love with heavy ground compared to better surfaces.

Vieux Lion Rouge: Another who’s familiar with these fences and is a very reliable handicap chaser, having showed a great attitude to win the 2017 Becher Chase and then follow up in the Betfred National Trial; Swung his way around here last year and came with his challenge around the home turn, but was getting outstayed before the last fence and eventually faded to be sixth, beaten 27 lengths; The year before on a soft surface he had weekender more and finished seventh, beaten 48 lengths, and whilst he handles this ground it appears he doesn’t handle this trp.

Virgilio: Bumped into some smart rivals as a novice and when he’s good he’s very good, as shown when a comprehensive win here in May; Not backed that up in two starts since so no surprise he’d had wind surgery; Worry that he’s never gone this far and he’d probably want the ground better too, so others preferred.

Walk In The Mill: Impossible to miss connections, with Sam Whaley-Cohen having an exemplary record around these fences and Robert Walford being a shrewd operator here; Has put up solid efforts twice when upped to 3 miles at Ascot, the best of them when third to Gold Present in a valuable handicap chase there; Didn’t take to heavy ground as well as The Dutchman in the Peter Marsh and that is a serious worry.

Warriors Tale: A nose away from taking two good handicaps this season already, and the form of his second to Gold Present at Newbury has worked out an absolute treat; Nothing wrong at all with his close second to Wakanda in the SkyBet Chase either with many solid horses in behind and this sound jumping type can take to Aintree, but this would be his first time on heavy and there’s a worry about that and his stamina too.

Tips for the other Aintree races:

1.45 Aintree – 1 pt each/way Dream Berry (15/2 Paddy Power, Betfair) NON-RUNNER
1.45 Aintree – 1 pt each/way Connetable (12/1 general0)
2.25 Aintree – 2 pts win On The Blind Side (15/8 general)
3.40 Aintree – 1 pt each/way Rocklander (8/1 general)
3.40 Aintree – 1 pt each/way Wakanda (14/1 general)

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Grand National Thursday 2018 – preview and tips

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Thank you to Community Member Geoff Handley for his thoughts on today’s card at Liverpool. Buy tickets for today, Ladies Day and Grand National Day 
1.45 Aintree : 20f
 
Brain Power ran a cracker in the Arkle at Cheltenham Festival 2018 but has raced mainly over 2m (16f ) & could be vulnerable stepping up in trip. Finian’s Oscar has never impressed me with his jumping, finished 5th at Cheltenham; ran ok but not really seeing things out. Modus is another who didn’t jump well last time at Cheltenham and could be difficult to place now. Cyrname has run well over this distance, an exuberant type and likely to set the pace here and make it a true test for Brain Power. He has scope as a chaser but seems to be better going right handed, will go close if he copes OK left handed. The big danger could be Rene’s Girl from Skelton’s yard. The mare receives an allowance, bids for a hat-trick, jumps well and looks good ew value. The outsider is the Irish challenger Calino D’Airy who ran OK at Leopardstown last time. He travelled well but found nothing at the finish but is another who has yet to run over 20f.
 
2.20 Aintree : 16f
 
Don’t underestimate Nube Negro for Skelton’s yard, 10/1 tomorrow. I backed it at Cheltenham and he ran a grand race to be third, travelling strongly throughout but steps up in class here though. The one I fancy is We Have A Dream from Nicky Henderson’s Lambourn yard, unbeaten in all 4 UK starts, impressive each time, he missed Cheltenham. Stable mate Apple’s Shakira cost punters a fortune in the Triumph where I got the impression she needs a stiffer test. This 16f Aintree course might be too much a test of speed and I’m surprised she hasn’t been stepped up to 20f. Malaya also gets the female allowance and is a good sort but I don’t think she is as good as Henderson’s duo. Paddleyourowncanoe probably needs further. There’s a rare French raider in the shape of Beau Gosse, but he was behind Malaya last time I can’t see him reversing the form. Et Moi Alors was turned over at 1/2 fav last time, disappointing and running in snatches. Gumball pulled up in the Triumph at Cheltenham but keep an eye on the Hobbs yard this week as he’s coming into some form. Irish raider Les Arceaux has some fairly useful form but disappointed last time. Another Irish raider Cristal Icon won well last time but takes a huge step up in class and she is one to watch in future handicaps.
 
2.50 Aintree : 25f
 
No bet for me here. Might Bite ran a grand race to be second in the Gold Cup but had a hard race and Gold Cup runners don’t have the best of records in this race but he take some beating if none the worse from his exertions and is a grand sort. Definitly Red also ran in the Gold Cup but was slightly outclassed but some interesting facts about this one. His chasing record in fields of 10 or less: 1221311311. In fields greater than this number it reads:- FUP6. 8 runners line up in this.
 
3.25 Aintree : 20f
 
Supasundae will be all the rage here after his good second in the Stayers at Cheltenham. He runs here tomorrow instead of the 3m on Saturday now the Champion Hurdler is absent and looks the one to beat. No doubt the ew thieves will be on My Tent Or Yours but he is probably best at 2m. Old rival The New One was 12th in the Stayers and could well fight out a place. Cyurus Darius reverted back to hurdling and won well at Kelso but surely won’t win at this level. L’Ami Serge should run well with the emphasis back more on speed after an eighth in the Stayers and is a danger to Supasudae.
 
Aintree : 4.05 21f
 
Grand Vision is the one for me in the Foxhunter’s, but he’s not much of a price I’m afraid. I backed him at Cheltenham when he was travelling so well but didn’t he quite get home. A grand looking grey who should run well and top amateur Jamie Codd is booked to ride. Wells De Lune was too free over this much longer trip in the Cheltenham Foxhunters and wasa spent force some way out. His running style is likely to prove better suited to this race. An ex-Charlie Longsdon horse, I’ve seen him schooling a few times and he always looked well. His current trainer won the race last year and is ew value at 14/1. For the first time ever I had the winners of both Foxhunters last year at 20/1 and 16/1 but sadly didn’t back Pacha Du Polder this year!
 
Aintree 4.40 : 16f
 
The Red Rum Handicap and always a good race but very competitive. I’m focusing on three here. All of a sudden David Pipe has hit some form after a poor season where he’s had just 30 winners from 341 runners. I made a note of King’s Socks at Cheltenham, who finished 5th over 20f. He was travelling strongly but had no extra close home and I think he’ll be better over today’s trip. Also in the notebook went Thienval. He was 4th in the equivalent race at Cheltenham when he probably needed better ground. Runner up in this race last year and has 3lb lower this year so will surely go close. I attended the Cheltenham preview evening at Aintree and Charlie Longsdon was very keen on Bentelimar. He didn’t get in at Cheltenham but ran the following Saturday at Kempton where he was slightly disappointing but I got the impression that the run was needed and could be ew value at 20/1, but will need a good effort to beat the above two.
 
Aintree 5.15 17f
 
The concluding mares bumper where the Irish fav Getaway Katie Mai will be hard to beat with Jamie Codd on board but not much of a price and I will be looking at others ew. Dissavril went into the notebook after she won at Market Rasen. Ex-French, she looks very pacy. At 12/1 is Dunhallow Gesture who is trained by Anthony Honeyball; an excellent trainer of bumpers. She won on her only outing for Damien Murphy and having been sold for £100,000 since, showed improved form to follow up for new connections after 8 months off. Disputed lead, travelled well, went on end of back straight, ridden early in straight, hung left around 1f out, kept on. Like I said before Philip Hobbs is hitting form so watch out for Cedar Valley who won her only race at Taunton, forging clear. Bred to stay further, she will be running on at the end. Note that a four year old won this last year.
 
Good luck everybody!
Geoff

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