Friday 13th June
13 June 2025
York 5.00 - Handicap - Class 4 - 1 mile 2 and 1/2 furlongs - 20 run - Good
I want to watch the Sprints today to assess any draw or pace bias for tomorrow. This is a very competitive heat and under normal circumstances the likes of Pol Roger and First Officer would have been solid e/w selections. They are drawn very high though and that just puts me off as on this ground it would take a lot of early effort to get across into a prominent position. Molinari was my 4th best rated and may get a nice tow into the race from Stall 12.
WESTERNESSE and CANDONOMORE met last time and I think that the former can turn the tables on the consistent Candonomore this time around. David O'Meara's horse gets a nice berth in Stall 3 and even if he misses the break could save a lot of energy by just running the rail into the straight and sticking to it, as gaps usually come as they move slightly off that line close home. IT'S A LOVE THING likes to run prominently and despite being drawn 14, is one I think will make a good enough start to get into a comfortable position, possibly making a concerted long run for home as they enter the Straight. (North)
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Chester 5.10 - Handicap - Class 4 - 3 year olds - 7 and 1/2 furlongs - Good to Soft > Soft 14 run
Whizz By and Impartiality top the market on current and 2 year old form but I think conditions here could be a great leveller and also neutralise the low draw bias. Boston Run is noted as being from a yard who have won this race the past few years with similar types.
However, looking at 2 year old form, recent runs this season and a clear ability to handle the conditions makes both TACTICAL PLAN a Course winner and LAW DEGREE whose best 2 year old form was all on softer ground, confident e/w pokes, I'm sure that taking as early a price as possible will be a wise move whatever happens (Caro)
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Goodwood 6.40 - Handicap - Class 4 - 1 mile 6 furlongs - 12 run - Good to Soft > Soft
Cock And Bull has an obvious shout at around 6/1 but I have Going concerns with any more rain, the Moore pair of Kotari and PONCHO are very capable if inconsistent and I prefer PONCHO of those pair. Macari has done well for me this season, is my 3rd rated in case we have a non runner as back up but the mark is now a niggle.
My clear top rated is AL KHAWANEEJ RIVER who returned to form last time , that run has been franked since and any rain is a plus (RJ)
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Newton Abbot 7.20 - Handicap Hurdle - 3 miles 2 furlongs - Soft - Class 5 - 11 run
Miss Popalong is a worthy favourite and not lightly discounted as a win saver bet. I really like the chances though of SHIBUYA SONG here, a first time visor and the trip and Going should hold no fears and I will be very disappointed if this one isn't winning this.
At bigger e/w Odds I think that both BREEDON HILL DART and Hurst Hill could benefit from the step up in trip as underfoot conditions will suit them and a small e/w punt on both is suggested with the preferred one being BREEDON HILL DART (Robin T)
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TRACKERS
Newton Abbot 7.20 - Quite The Getaway (Going concerns)
Cork 7.44 - Satin (squeak e/w)