1 pt each/way Unex El Greco, (14/1 general), 1 pt win
Kirthill (5/1 general), 3.10 Newbury
John Gosden’s had one of the best seasons of his life so far
and while a win in the Dubai Duty Free Handicap might not register on his list
of achievements, Unex El Greco has a big chance of giving him yet another big Saturday win in today’s 10f
handicap at Newbury.
For a horse who can be more than a handful at times, Unex El
Greco has had a relatively consistent season, with his two best efforts – a second
behind Area Fifty One where he was clearly the best of those ridden from off
the pace, presumably in an effort to make sure that he got the trip, and a half-length
defeat of Prussian where he made hard work of things after cruising into the
lead – give him a better chance than odds of 14/1 would suggest.
He was horribly disappointing when eighth off only 4lbs
higher than his previous start at Newmarket last time but he may have been
badly unsuited by trying to force the pace and then racing on his own up the
centre of the course alone.
Harjas is interesting if his latest off day can be forgiven –
he has met trouble on his last two starts – as he’s 3lbs better off with
Expense Claim on their earlier meeting. He mustn’t get going too late but has
the potential to land a blow here if kept with the pace early.
Of the big three, Mister Music and especially Kirthill make
the most appeal. With Richard Hughes in such fine form, Mister Music makes a
lot of appeal despite a heavy nine race season. It’s a worry that he’s found
such trouble this year but he’s clearly got a big chance. Readers of the page
should know all about Kirthill though, who’s been flagged up since Royal Ascot
before his win last time. Of course he has to deal with top weight but his yard’
exceptional record in this – won three of the last 5 renewals including with a
similar type in Forte De Marmi a couple of years ago, who also carried top
weight and had previously won last time as well – and he looks to be well worth
a saver at 5/1.
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