Solow got the day off to a rosy enough start, but Air Force Blue and Sole Power failed to oblige. An ante post bet on Gleneagles has the p/l looking healthy overall, but on the day itself I would consider it a pretty lacklustre punting performance.
‘Twas a great day to be racing today, but heat, heavy tailcoats and top hats don’t mix well. I’ll be keeping this relatively brief.
14:30 Jersey Stakes (Group 3): Hannon and Hughes have the clear 7/4 favourite here in the shape of Guineas third, Ivawood. Next best is Bossy Guest at 9/1….yes 9/1. Thats a pretty baffling cavern in the market considering they didn’t finish too far apart from each other at Newmarket, but favourite wins it for me, but I might have to pass at that price. Might. Class horse. Well, at least in my book.
15:05 Queen Mary Stakes (Group 2): Hoping this market livens up a bit. Plenty of the big name tipsters going for Easton Angel here, so maybe, just maybe Acapulco will drift a smudge. Very good noises being made about this filly from all quarters.
15:40 Duke Of Cambridge Stakes (Group 2): I have to take on Integral at even money. Euro Charlene gets 5 lbs from the favourite and is only 3 lbs behind on ratings. A Grade 1 winner at Arlington and a decent showing behind Solow at Meydan last time, Marco Botti’s filly could represent a nice bit of value. Frankie takes the ride.
16:20 Prince Of Wales’s Stakes (Group 1): I’m a fully paid up member of the Free Eagle fan club, and whilst it may seem unorthodox to side with him on his seasonal debut, bar the Grey Gatsby it’s not a great race if you call a spade a spade. Ryan Moore’s defection adds doubt to the second favourites chances so it’s all aboard the Free Eagle express! One time Arc fancy Ectot is interesting but it could be a bit quick for him.
17:00 Royal Hunt Cup (Handicap): I was very taken by the winning seasonal bow of Roger Charltons filly Temptress. She’ll have improved no doubt and seems to relish the quicker surface. With a bit of luck she’ll be in with a squeak. If you’ll allow me a second each way shout, Munaaser could be worth a second glance.
17:35 Sandringham Handicap (Listed): I’d rake or leave this now from a punting perspective. Osaila could be classy enough to overcome top weight at a decent price, but I’ll be keeping it small and each way.
So that’s it for Day 2 folks.
Before I finish, I’d like to extend my sympathies to the families and friends of the group of Irish students in Berkeley, California. An awful tragedy.
Slán tamaillín,
T
Turf Talk 