FEATURE Saturday Race - 2000 Guineas Newmarket 3.35 

 

In this race and The Oaks I have a tried, tested and over the years very successful formula, we'll roll out Billesdon Brook as the best example of a 100/1 advised winner . We've had equally big 1-2-3 places too.

 

My pair therefore against the field this year are HAATEM and INISHERIN.  Haatem has winning Course and Distance form, not a flashy type and may lack the scope and ability of some of the market leaders, especially the favourite, but proven stamina here is always a massive asset and a Rolls Royce won't run on empty whilst a Range Rover will run with fuel in the tank, if you get my drift. Inisherin is more unexposed but the form has been franked a few times and a horse that started off over 9 furlongs and has 10 furlong stamina can't be discounted if they all go off a yard too quickly and also if some try to take on the favourite and pay for it. If I was a TRainer of these two I'd be saying "run you own race and aim for the place"... (Speculator)

 

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Newmarket 2.20 Handicap - Class 2 1 mile 1 furlong - 15 run 

 

I narrowed this down to 7 including Torito and Dutch Decoy at the top of the market and reluctantly left out Killybegs Warrior and Mustazeed, none of those would be surprise winners.

 

However, I prefer the proven form and race fitness of MAJESTIC who should come on for a bold run here last time and THETHEORYOFEVERYTHING who looks tailor made for conditions of the race today. MR PROFESSOR is my clear 3rd rated if the enhanced places still apply as filed is down to 15 runners.   (Speculator)

 

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Thirsk 2.40 Hunt Cup - 1 mile 16 run

 

I wish this race didn't clash with bigger races as it really deserves a prime Saturday slot.

 

The obvious pair are last seasons 1-2 Northern Express and Pisanello, the former though is 10lbs higher in the handicap and whilst Pisanello is usually ready fresh, the Yards horses have tended to need a run this time round and a few more just seemed better value. Racingbreaks Ryder; Look Back Smiling and Mirsky are all  feared but I'm most keen on THUNDER ROAR who is race fit and a very consistent horse , QUEST FOR FUN who is a Course winner who has had a run and whose pedigree and winning style at 7 furlongs suggests a mile is within range. My third rated if 16 remain and enhanced places apply would be the slightly bigger priced EILEAN DUBH who is very well handicapped on one notable bit of Hamilton form and 8 and a half furlongs which very much proved the horses stamina. (North)

 

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Punchestown 3.05 Handicap Chase - 3 miles 7 and 1/2 furlongs - 22 run

 

I prefer KLARK KENT of the Mullins pair who ran in The Scottish National and didn't want to risk both of them as 14 days turnaround is a niggle. The 7 day turnaround for Peaches And Cream also puts me off. Not too many have proven form at 4 miles though.

 

I fear Your Own Story who is upped back to this sort of trip after a bold show in the 2023 Scottish National, Landen Calling, Bowtogreatness and Credo all give the UK Trainers a shout at least on UK form. Outside The Door would be an Irish dark horse as may be Diol Ker for Elliott.

 

I can't ignore the proven form in the race of SIR BOB and HISTORY OF FASHION who placed in this last year and will both surely be primed to go well again and IF there is an Irish horse in here who has to prove stamina but who may well have it hidden so far in their locker then it is definitely WESTERN ZARA who looks very unexposed off a mark of 125 with a 5lbs Claim and who wasn't stopping when trying 3 miles 5 furlongs at Leopardstown a while back, this is one that has grown on me the more i've looked at it (Sean) 

 

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NEWMARKET 5.50 Handicap Class 3 - 17 run - 1 mile

 

I narrowed this down to a short short list of 4 quite quickly and race fitness is key for me as is Turf form.

 

BODOGAN went right into the notebook and was tipped last time and I think he's the one they all have to beat here. ARTHURS REALM is fit, in form and a 5lbs penalty with that race fitness should not stop a bold run and at a bigger price SPERIANO who has had an AW prep and who looks unexposed for the O'Meara Team got the nod over the more experienced Darkness (who would be reserve if any of these dont run) (North)

 

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Hexham 8.25 Handicap Hurdle 2 miles 7 and 1/2 furlongs

 

A competitive field and I think that ATOMIC ANGEL and BETTER BE DEFINITE should give us a cracking run for our money in the twilight with SHANTOU MOON who looks very well handicapped on not too distant better form the 3rd rated if you want to go that deep. (RT)

 

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