Saturday 3rd May
By SP2A Analysis
Thirsk 2.35 - Hunt Cup Handicap - Class 2 - 1 mile - 13 run - Good > Good To Firm
Always an early season race to look forward to.
I narrowed the 13 down to a short list of 5 and I do think that OBELIX is the one they all have to beat and sometimes we can't look a gift horse in the mouth and ignore it. Northern Express, a previous winner of the race and Mr King, who has had a wind operation, both deserve a mention as does Whip Cracker.
My top 2 rated outside of OBELIX though are FLIGHT PLAN who runs prominently, drops a fair way in Class here and into a handicap and from a Yard that farmed this sort of race last season. HI ROYAL is best when fresh and runs off a very competitive mark here if returning to the form of the early part of last season (Northern)
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Punchestown 3.05 Handicap Chase - 3 miles 7 and 1/2 furlongs - 25 run - Yielding
From an Irish perspective From The Ashes is the one to beat and was not lightly discounted, Brandt is back in calmer waters and the handicapper has relented a bit but may need to knock some more off for this one to be competitive again, whilst for those who like a small £1 e/w on something at 33/1 or higher, then both DUFFLE COAT @ 40/1@ 50/1 and SALAMANINO might give you a good run for your shrapnel.
I narrowed it down to 4 though, and will invest in 3 at least, in preference order they are ANOTHER CHOICE who has a lovely profile solid form and has run very well here in the past, MEYO is very unexposed and although speculative is a horse i think is about to fulfil promise, THE GRADUAL SLOPE was laid out to win this race last season and I think is laid out to run a big race again. My 4th rated IF we have non runners is Outside The Door who should be returning to form in ideal conditions. MG)
The UK runners have dominated the big handicaps all week, mostly better ground horses laid out for the type of conditions and today in HERAKLES WESTWOOD and YOUR OWN STORY we have cracking chances of taking some nice money again. (RT)
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Goodwood 3.55 - Handicap - Class 2 - 1 mile 2 furlongs - 11 run - Good / Good to Firm
I'll focus on 3 of the 11 runners here and just left out Tony Montana, best fresh and on Good to Firm, the claims are obvious and he'd be a perfect reserve if either of the higher rated are non runners.
I think that the prominent run style, typical of the Yard, will suit QITTAL here, runner up in this race last year on softer ground, I have no qualms he can handle better ground too. DUAL IDENTITY has had a run and should be race fit now and the profile suggests he has no excuses and no weaknesses here. (RJ)
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Newmarket 5.50 - Handicap - Class 3 - 1 mile - 15 run - Good
A competitive burn up here and if you want the win saver on CRACK SHOT who won this off 87 last season and returns off 87 again, then fill your boots.
At bigger prices, Dolce Courage could be involved and at a BIG price, I will certainly be having a small side e/w punt on DARKNESS who has had a run, and it always comes on markedly for a blow- out and who is on a winning mark and optimum conditions an anything around 20/1 is excellent value.
My top 2 rated though are COGITATE a 4 year old to follow I think this season, especially over a Straight Mile and really unexposed and STERLING KNIGHT who is AW fitoff a nice mark and loves this better ground and anything around double figures represents great e/w value (The Advisor)
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Uttoxeter 5.55 - Handicap Chase - Class 2 - 3 miles - 15 run - Good
Coco Madamoiselle is in great form, will seek to strike whilst in that sort of form and very hard to discount here but on balance I think there is some value in a couple who have suggested 3 miles will be optimum and who have tons of scope.
VINTAGE FIZZ and WILL CARVER are from big Yards and if Coco shows any signs of fatigue or stiffness, then these can capitalise. I also think an e/w punt to enhanced places on the stamina proven PULL AGAIN GREEN is a wise backstop bet. (Robin)
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2000 Guineas - Newmarket 3.35
I think the market is spot on and it would be great to see John Gosden get a 2000 Guineas on his CV with Field Of Gold, clearly the Godolphin horse Ruling Gold will be a massive danger and the trip for some winter / spring sun to Meydan should see this one cherry ripe fitness wise. If there is a longer term one who may be better later in the summer then Green Impact is very much one to TRACK and keep an eye on.
The e/w value though may lie with the sole ballydoyle runner 2 EXPANDED @ 7/1 (to 4th place with Sky / B365 / PP / BFsb), impressive as a 2 year old, the mood music is that he has really strengthened up over the winter, as his stock have done in the past and as the sole runner from the Yard you can be sure he is here to win.(Caro)