1 pt each/way Tante Sissi, 2.40 Newbury (7/1 Bet365)
An admirable mare who has been playing her trade in some
strong races this season, he was third behind Swincombe Flame after pulling her
race away on Boxing Day and has since progressed further, coming from well
behind to come a close second in a novice handicap hurdle at Sandown two runs
ago, a scenario which should serve her well again given a strong pace that’s
likely to ensue. Her early season form seems to be a step above what some have
to offer and she’s a likeable sort, so the 8/1 available (with 7’s given by
Bet365 for those who want 4 places) seems like a decent each/way bet. With the withdrawal of two leading hopes in
Kentford Grey Lady and Cross The Flags, her chances look to have been enhanced.
1 pt win Noble Storm (7/2 general), 2.55 Lingfield
The return of Borderlescott is many’s highlight and a return
to the form which saw him come fourth in the Temple Stakes would see him go
very close but I’m not sure about how much can be expected from him today and
Noble Storm, who looked progressive in his four runs last year and is worth
another chance to reassert himself in good company following his blowout at
Glorious Goodwood last year.
With front running tactics having paid off for him in the
past, he could take some catching here, while Oasis Dancer and Medicean Man
both hold good chances at their best.
One of the most competitive renewals in recent times, with
the four main market leaders all having their own serious claims and put offs.
Junoob was deeply impressive when winning the Winter Derby Trial last time out
and did well to win that day but my only problem with him would be how big a
step up in class this would be for him – he has a rating of just 89.
With seven winners coming out of a stall higher than 7 Cai
Shen has a mountain to overclimb despite his obvious class – a rating of 105
gives him a cracking chance. Jamie Spencer seems to be the right horseman for
this job but he’ll either be using up energy to get a position or waiting for
the gaps to come and around this track I wouldn’t want to be betting on either.
Premio Loco is the class horse in the race with a rating of
113 and there’s no worry about his stamina despite lacking a distance win (he
was runner up in the 2009 renewal of this), he does have to give 5lbs and
upwards to the other fields.
This leaves us with Soorah, who disappointed in a Group 3
last time at Meydan, but that was against some classy types and her better form
– like her Listed wins at Ascot and her handicap win in the UAE – give her a
good chance, while she’s always shaped as if staying 10f and if anything the
step up in trip might improve her a little bit.
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