Skip to main content

Newcastle & The Curragh - Saturday 29th June 2013

Newcastle

Betfred 'Watch Fred's Pushes On Betfred TV' Handicap 6f
(3yo+, 6f, Class 2, 16 runners)

I start here with an intriguing sixteen runner handicap and it's the progressive BARRACUDA BOY who appeals the most on form and current mark. This Bahamian Bounty colt is on the upgrade and seems to be progressing in all of his starts this season. His close up 3rd last time out at York was an excellent run and the handicapper thought so too and has raised him a further 3lbs but I'm sure that won't hinder his chances. A negative would be his age as three year olds seemingly don't have any real record in this race but the trainer Tom Dascombe is in electric form at present and I see a big run on the cards. He holds a respectable draw in 8, and so far as ground is concerned it seems he handles a varying degree of soft to firm, make no question about it, if he progresses again, breaks well and straightens in his running then a solid performance is expected. BARRACUDA BOY is a solid each way selection.

John Smith's Northumberland Plate (Heritage Handicap) 2m 19y 
(3yo+, 2m 19y, Class 2, 20 runners)

Always a terrific spectacle and is the pinnacle race up north for staying types. We see the familiar few going for this prize once again and an excellent renewal is in prospect. I'm looking at a proven stayer and one with course and distance form indeed taking this prize last year. ILE DE RA is the selection and with stamina no issue, on ground that may well be on the soft side he has a few more positives in his favour. His last two runs undoubtedly have been extremely disappointing but a race like this where experience will count particularly running on a slower surface, coupled with the same handicap mark as winning this race last year, I think ILE DE RA is another solid each way selection.
  
 Curragh

 Paddy Power Sprint (Premier Handicap) 6f 63y 
(3yo+, 6f 63y, 30 runners)

A huge cavalry charge where a draw bias may take shape but I'm looking at a talented four year old who probably is lacking the class of a top level sprinter but has still shown some interesting form this year. Indeed going down by a neck to Hitchens in his penultimate start and having course and distance form at the Curragh is a big positive. I'm also intrigued by Anastasia O'Brien who takes the ride on him, the daughter of trainer Aiden O'Brien and following in her brothers footsteps, she's obviously a natural in the saddle, claims 10 valuable pounds and with REPLY running off a mark of 107, which he has won off previously I honestly can't see this Oasis Dream colt out of the first four. I've always been a fan of this horse but he hasn't quite lived up to expectations. However, ground is no concern, track form is good and with Anastasia taking off valuable weight I see a huge run on the cards at a massive each way price.


Dubai Duty Free Irish Derby (Group 1) 1m 4f 
(3yo, 1m 4f, Class 1, 9 runners)
  
A speculate few quid will go on SUGAR BOY, he is the most interesting runner here and you just never know how much a three year old can improve. He is a beautiful bred Authorized colt and could be one of the most progressive in the field. He beat Libertarian and Galileo Rock in the Classic Trial at Sandown in April and there should be more to come from him stepping up in trip, so I'm backing him each way.







Comments

Popular posts from this blog

Grand National Selections.

How I'm feeling about the upcoming Grand National Neptune Collognes - 2012 Grand National hero This time of year never fails to stir the soul both tangibly and metaphorically. After the sun peeps it's head out from amongst the clouds, after the temperature rises, after the first buds are seen on the trees, after the restoration of vitamin d in our blood, after the taste of a crisp cider on a warm day hits the tongue, after many months of wearing trousers I can finally air the paler than white limbs of mine, after...after...after all that April is the month when a new grand national winner is crowned king of the toughest steeplechase in the world. I can safely say without hesitation that this years national is probably the most competitive yet, the handicapper has given everything a chance this year and I'm happy with the three selections that I'll be following. Grand National Selections: Selection 1: Onenightinvienna  Trained by Philip Hobbs ...

A real Christmas Cracker! Kempton Park Boxing Day.

The festive season has begun for me, sitting down with my Santa hat, a mince pie and a pint of guinness all points to a very content and relaxed feel to this weeks blogg. Merry Christmas everyone and boy we got some racing to look forward too. It's important to remember that with over three months or so before Cheltenham the trainers, owners, jocks and all us normal folk are looking forward to seeing a magnificient build up and thats why Boxing day at Kempton park is the place to be. On with the card... 12.50 Kempton 2m Hurdle It was nice to tip TETLAMI last time out at Sandown and I certainly wont be deserting this five year old just yet. Looked a picture in the paddock at Sandown, ran on strongly in the finish and will love softer ground than some of these if indeed it is on the softer side. Nicky Henderson showed his class in training this one to victory after a long lay off. I believe another win is possible and with Barry Geraghty on board I'm full of optimism. 1.2...

Royal Ascot Preview 2013

The centrepiece of our flat season is almost upon us, this time of year when our thoroughbreds have illustrated enough talent on the racecourse they now gain a chance at landing a big prize at Her Majesty's Royal Ascot. My first preview blog of the meeting quite logical focuses on the first day and it's my pleasure to outline my thoughts on the week ahead starting tonight. The main news this week regarding Henry Cecil is extremely sad, as many have mentioned with wonderful prose regarding the publics favourite, a horse handler who cared for his animals with the midas touch and a trainer who had the ambition and determination to never say 'enoughs enough' even when he was down to around 40 horses in the early 2000's or the pressure and stress in his private life. He is and will always be remembered as a true gentleman and a phenomenal trainer. It's also worth noting that he had an absolute terryifyingly good record at Royal Ascot and it just wont be the same w...