Sunday 19th May
By SP2A Analysis
STRATFORD 2.35 Mares Handicap Hurdle - Class 5 - 3 miles 2 and 1/2 furlongs - Good - 11 run
A fair few of these are upped in trip to this intermediate trip where stamina will come in to play on what is a tight track but with some unique contours.
It's worth giving a mention to Houston Calling on the basis of the Yards overall form and not one we ruled out lightly. Newmill Getaway came in for some heavy On Course market support last time but disappointed and is upped in trip and does have some 3 mile P2P form but you'd need to see more, especially if the price collapses again. Harkangel was a surprise 33/1 winner last time and got the run of the race, a 7lbs penalty and a switch to a left handed Course suggests the price may be skinny.
My clear top 2 rated are BRIDGET MARY who looks to be coming to the boil and who is one with a nice 3 mile P2P background for Rebecca Curtis and LILY GLITTERS who could be becoming a very well handicapped mare and who is upped back to what looks like her optimum trip and certainly will appreciate the better ground. (DT)
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RIPON 3.50 - Handicap - class 5 - 1 mile 2 furlongs - 10 run - Good to Firm
At the top of the market Westernesse may just be better at a mile and Flight of Angels is interesting and won second time out last season but may not be as good value as GOLDEN MELODY who is the percentage call following a good Course and Distance run last time for tim Easterby and currently better each way value than the aforementioned pair.
Cavalluccio is a Distance winner on the AW but likes Good to Firm on turf and was very seriously considered and may be one to follow especially if cheekpieces work and was 2nd top rated and if you did want a second poke in the race, or as a confident reserve if the selection was a non runner then one to note. (North)
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NEWMARKET 5.15 Handicap Class 4 - 7 furlongs - 14 run - Good
A competitive race on a decent Newmarket Card that is being run at a ridiculous time on a Sunday that would make a decent Meeting starting at 2pm!
The one to beat is Double Time but I neither think it's particularly strong win value nor by any means bombproof. Powerdress is one I've added to the TRACKER as this new recruit for Jamie Osborne was quite highly tried by Richar Hannon and could now make up in to a decent medium level handicapper once it can find a mark it can exploit and the type to have some profitable fun with once that happens.
I can't go to the top 2 rated without a quick mention at a big price (if you want a small poke on the following evidence feel free) of 14 ROYAL MUSKETEER @ 22/1, winner of the race in 2022, runner up last year off marks of 76 and 73 respectively, makes turf summer debut off a 68 day break and usually far best to catch "fresh" for Sarah Hollinshead and Hayley Turner.
My top 2 rated are FLYING SECRET who has had a run, won on second start last season and who really has no excuses to not do exactly the same today in terms of the grade, mark and ground and OUTRUN THE STORM who has some very good form on the July Course, runs on this Rowley MIle Course for the first time but clearly likes the trip to Newmarket and another who looks primed to run well.
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