And just as this week was beginning to look very rosy indeed I was very much brought back down to earth today.

Leading Light landed a nice ante post bet for yours truly but apart from that today was pretty bleak.

Lets not dwell on the negatives and have a quick fly through the card. I apologies in advance for the brevity of this post but Im absolutely knackered.

14:30 Albany Stakes (Fillies’ Group 3) – A Kodiac filly by the name of Patience Alexander looked good in front of Tiggy Wiggy in a listed contest last time at York. Interesting to see connections have pitched her up here over 6f and are obviously of the opinion she’ll see it out well.

15:05 Wolferton Handicap (Listed) – A tricky one. He has been close in a few valuable races on the all weather and the race placement of Dick Doughtywylie would suggest that there is a big race in this Oasis Dream gelding somewhere.

15:45 King Edward VII Stakes (Group 2)  – Hughsie, for some reason, has come in for the ride on Western Hymn who has a cracking chance in this mile and a half contest.  Stays well and unfortunate start in the Derby meant he finished 10 lengths off Austrailia, but should have gone closer, with a bit of luck. Can be tricky but should act round Ascot. WH now a non runner. Snow Sky gets the nod. Winner of a valuable Derby trial and unlucky to miss out on Epsom through injury. Looks to have been improving with every run so more to come today.

16:25 Coronation Stakes (Fillies’ Group 1) – I’ve been a huge fan of the Oxx filly and have waited all year to back her. At last she has gotten ground that is more to her liking. My Titania is the one for me, and hopefully she can go well fresh, although this is a bloody good race. Kiyoshi represents some very tasty each way value.

17:00 Queen’s Vase (Listed) – Hard to know which of these will handle a firmer surface. An each way bet on Montaly of Andrew Balding’s is tickling my fancy at present, but that could all change. Mightn’t like the ground but looks like he stays and stays and stays. If he goes close, it won’t be flashy.

17:35 Buckingham Palace Stakes (Handicap) – Two against the field for each way bets here are, the mount of Danny Tudhope, Watchable and Rene Mathis to overcome a low draw.

So thats it for day 4 folks. Here’s hoping there’s a winner or two in there somewhere!

Slán tamaillín,

T

 

Evening all! A nice days racing today with Mustajeeb and The Fugue clicking at decent prices to fill the coffers. Tiggy Wiggy a shade unlucky but will be back to fight another day, no doubt!

The times today at Ascot were very interesting indeed. As suggested last night, the ground has gone quite quick and that view was proved correct when The Fugue broke the course record for 1M2F and a number of other races were run well under the course standard.

With the ground now god to firm and the weather set fair, those quicker times look like they could become pretty routine for the rest of the week.

14:30 Norfolk Stakes (Group 2) – They say the War Front’s relish the quick stuff and for me, in a race like this, The Great War is a pretty good option. Won over the same trip on Good to Firm at The Curragh last time unextended and punted like a good thing. The best of the Ballydoyle 2YO’s, so the story goes. Even money seems fair.

15:05 Tercentenary Stakes (Group 3) – On paper this seems a fairly open race. Ive been a fan of the Ger Lyons trained Obliterator for a while. A line can be put through his Irish guineas run as he was keen and the ground conditions did him no favours. Back on a sounder surface, tried with a first time tongue tie, he makes a tasty enough each way prospect at his current price. I’d imagine each way bets won’t be an option tomorrow as the markets tighten up.

15:45 Ribblesdale Stakes (Fillies’ Group 2) – Oak’s fourth and Peter Chapple-Hyam charge, Inchila, at the price is definitely a worthy investment. The main threat comes from the French filly, but she is untested anything even close to quick ground, which isn’t ideal.

16:25 Gold Cup (Group 1) – I’ve been nibbling away at Leading Light for a while. If he gets done I’ll be rather sick. While Brown Panther has been very impressive this year and Estimate is back to defend her crown, I really do feel that last years Leger winner has a very strong chance. Odds on is a bit snug so an each way saver goes on Royal Diamond.

17:00 Britannia Stakes (Heritage Handicap) – Cases can be made for many. Two against the field here are Chatez of Alan King’s and First Flight, the mount of K Fallon Esq.

17:35 King George V Stakes (Handicap) – Thinking about avoiding this altogether if Im honest. Potentially Arab Dawn and Wrangler against the field, but really a minefield.

So thats it for Day 3! Hopefully we can stay going!

Slán tamaillín,

T

Evening all! Hope you’ve had a fantastic day! As promised, Toronado hacking up in the first has lead to a rather extensive day for yours truly, not helped by Sole Power, under a cheeky Hughes, winning his second consecutive King’s Stand.

The two main things to take away from today are; the Ballydoyle horses ran quite disappointingly, and Kingman is bloody good.

14:30 Jersey Stakes (Group 3) – I’m all over Mustajeeb here. Although the two wins are on slightly softer turf, I believe the form is strong enough to ring true and surely this horses 3rd behind Kingman in the Irish Guineas, is good enough to win this. Better than Muwaary’s 4th in the French Guineas anyway, thats fo’ sho’.

15:05 Queen Mary Stakes (Fillies’ Group 2) – Wesley Ward literally gave me a spanking today, as a very backable Hootenanny quickened up nicely to take the Windsor Castle. He is represented by the market leader Spanish Pipedream. However, I think I’m going to stray from the Yank here again. I do be a bit of a Tiggy Wiggy fan, so I do. Close in a listed contest last time. More to come from this nice daughter of the very fashionable Kodiac.

15:45 Prince Of Wales’s Stakes (Group 1) – I had dinner with a jockey this evening. I’m not going to tell you who. All you need to know is that he rode at Ascot today and he tells me the ground is on the quicker side of good and getting faster all the time. With that in mind I am slightly in a quandary. I was at Longchamp last October to see Treve quicken up in the typical Autumn French ground; described as soft, but softer than soft. She did seem pretty imperious on that ground but I wondered will she like to hear her hooves rattle at an unofficially firmish Ascot. One horse that does enjoy a quick surface is last years Yorkshire Oaks and Irish Champion stakes heroine (both 0n really really quick ground) is The Fugue. At the price, she is my each way selection against the field.

16:25 Duke Of Cambridge Stakes (Fillies’ Group 2) – Sky Lantern to win. Fiesolana each way. SIMPLES.

17:00 Royal Hunt Cup (Heritage Handicap) – I do love a mile handicap, so I do. Two each way bets against the field here for me. Burano seems to get on quite well with the jock booked for tomorrow and isn’t too far away from a big handicap win. Queensbury Rules at a price of 16/1 I simply must have. Hasn’t run since last years Cambridgeshire handicap but could go well nonetheless!

17:35 Sandringham Handicap (Fillies’ Listed) – Ah here. Your guess is asa good as mine in this. Alumina is finding it difficult to be beaten these days and, although the turf is a different story, she may go well.

So thats it f0r Day 2 folks! All the best with your own selections!

By the way, whats the story with William Buick and Godolphin these days??

Slán tamaillín,

T

 

 

With the flat season now very much in full swing, and the Derby run, the Royal meeting at Ascot comes under the microscope. The racing on offer this week is nothing short of world class, and I for one am very excited indeed!

We had a great week punting last year so hopefully we can recreate a bit of that form and replenish the coffers with some bookies cash!

I’m very lucky to be attending tomorrow and will be donning all my finery. With beauty sleep in mind I’m just going to crack on with it and forego the usual preamble.

14:30 Queen Anne Stakes (Group 1) – Always good to start a day at the races with a Group 1! It’s a reasonably boring betting heat at the moment and I feel the market reflects how the race should pan out pretty accurately. Toronado, the St. James’ Palace contender of twelve months ago, returns to run with the older horses over the straight mile having been beaten a short head by crack miler and sire Dawn Approach. Verrazano, American import and Lockinge third, wouldn’t be the first horse to make the transition from Pletcher to O’Brien and experience success at this meeting. However, this race may be beyond him, even though there definitely was more to come after his efforts at Newbury. The favourite at even money is the bet to get me off to a flying start. Here’s hoping.

15:05 Coventry Stakes (Group 2) – I’ve been staying in the Lambourn area for the last week or so and whilst discussing Ascot selections I received a bit of flack from the locals for maybe being slightly biased towards Irish form for a lot of races. That isn’t too far from the truth in several of instances, however in the case of this years renewal I really do think a very sharp Irish colt has emerged. The Ger Lyons trained, son of Showcasing, Cappella Sansevero is attempting to win the Coventry for the Irish for the 4th consecutive year. He has won all three of his starts including a cosy Listed win at Naas last time. The one negative is he has never faced a large field before, but his draw is a gift and I’d be hoping he can run a bigger race than his price suggests. Shiekh Fahad Al Thani obviously agrees with my opinion as he paid £1.3 million for him this evening at the Goffs sale at The Orangery at Kensington Palace. The favourite, War Envoy, is vulnerable and there is no real excuses for his disappointing third last time. Obviously there are several other threats but I am quite pleased with my each way bet on the Lyons charge.

15:45 King’s Stand Stakes (Group 1) – The sphere of modern Group 1 sprinting is a unique one. They all tend to beat each other at some point in time so it is a case of hitting and hoping, for the punter at large, that you’re on the right horse at the right time. Last years winner Sole Power is now rated 2 lbs lower than last year but still catches my eye. Hughesie takes the ride and, if his RP column is anything to go bye, fancies his chance. Guerre has shown himself to have plenty of speed and is in receipt of a nice weight for age allowance here. He had a nice win in a listed contest, although only beating an unfit Maarek and receiving a stone, showed a bit of pace. This is a big step up for him but with 16/1 available in places an each way tipple is very much to my liking. Those are my two against the field.

16:25 St James’s Palace Stakes (Group 1) – The Guineas form has worked out extremely well with the Irish Guineas winner in second and the Derby winner in third. The talking point leading up to this race has been the ground and how it will be come race time tomorrow. The judges reckon Kingman bends the knee a touch and requires a dig in the surface to be seen to best effect. However, I feel Night of Thunder, is superb value at the price to uphold the guineas form. His Greenham Stakes defeat to the Gosden horse is forgivable and Im putting that defeat down to a lack of race fitness. Night of Thunder improved significantly from Newbury to Newmarket and should have actually won the Guineas by farther. If the ground dries out a touch and is reported as any way quicker than good to soft I’ll be backing Night of Thunder. If its soft it could be a very different story though. Keep an eye on the ground.

17:00 Ascot Stakes (Handicap) – Two against the field here in what is a pretty open handicap. Brockwell is the first, off a feather weight, and out of the in form Dascombe yard, this son of Singspiel was a favourite for last year’s Caesarewich Handicap at Newmarket. He was fancied that day off a mark of 91. Now back to 88 has an each way squeak at a big price. The second is Ballinderry Boy who has won at the track and seems to love a good test. 20 furlongs here should bring out the best in the Balding horse.

17:35 Windsor Castle Stakes (Listed) – A bit of a minefield to finish day one, if Im honest. A stiff five furlongs for two year olds with 25 runners is never an easy one to solve. Merdon Castle is of interest and could go well tomorrow with Ryan Moore in the plate. Bwana at a very big price advertises a bit of form from the Curragh that I think could be quite good. Second to a sharp filly of Lady O’Reilly’s called Beach Belle on opening day of the season, won his maiden next time up and then second to a Ballydoyle War Front two year old called The Great War who is quite smart. Ive put a line through Bwana’s last run and will be extremely satisfied if he can run into a place at a big price. James Doyle takes the ride.

So thats it for Day one folks! All the very best with your own selections.

If Toronado comes in you’ll find me perched at the Montjeu bar for the rest of the day.

Slán tamaillín,

T

 

Morning Run and On The Fringe save the blank at shortish prices but otherwise today was poor

We won’t dwell on it!

Moving swiftly onwards!

Irish Field Chase 14:30 – Be Positive back for more after success on day 1 and has my money. Givemeabuzz gets the each way nod.

Madra Irish Dog Foods Handicap Chase 15:05 – An open enough handicap where I’d be pretty keen on Raajih for an each way tipple off a nice weight. Shaped well the last day and should go well here. This trip suits.

Irish Stallion Farms E.B.F. Mares Champion Hurdle 15:45 – Annie Power…that is all. Cant afford to back her.

AES Champion Four Year Old Hurdle 16:20 – A good enough race. Tiger Roll should uphold the form with the Triumph lot and gets the nod. Off a strong pace Abyssial could represent ew value – he’ll make the pace Id imagine, very much a staying type.

Palmerstown House Pat Taaffe Handicap Chase 16:55 – Brass Tax is a useful type and with a very valuable 7lbs off his back could prove an ace in the pack. Each way is the way to go. Wrong Turn could also prove dangerous if he can return to his good form.

Setanta Sports Handicap Hurdle 17:30 – Two for each way bets here. Hisabaat returns after a good win on the flat and Benemeade was thought highly of once upon a time and seems to relish the quicker surface.

K Club Hotel, Spa & Ryder Cup Venue 18:05 –  Uncle Danny seems to have ability after a good win between the flags. Not too keen on anything so a small bet (depending on price) on him will suffice!

Newmarket Bets

15:10 Trading Leather (NAP)

2000 Guineas – Toormore is overpriced but up against it. I’ve backed him.

So thats it y’all! Have a great bank holiday weekend!

Slán tamaillín,

T

 

 

A 10/1 win on Mallowney and place money from Tanks For That in the same race is what we walk away with from another fairly frustrating day at Punchestown.

It’s late so I’m going to fly through these! I’m sure you don’t want to listen to my shite talk anyway!

Here we go!

KFM Hunters Chase 15:40 – A tough enough hunters chase to unravel considering the form with these types constantly flip flops. Mtada Supreme would look to have the leading chance. Each way opportunity lies with The Baler if he can return to form of old.

Aon Novice Handicap Chase 16:20 – Sizing Gold went to Cheltenham as a leading contender and ran below par. Connections will be keen to make up for that missed opportunity. Leavethelighton has a cracking each way shout.

Seaniemac.com E.B.F. Mares Handicap Chase 16:55 – For me Une Artiste is the one. Barry Geraghty may have chosen wrong by picking Utopie des Bordes.

Racing Post Champion Hurdle 17:30 – I’ll be watching with interest and hoping Hurricane Fly retains his crown, but no bet.

Tattersalls Ireland Champion Novice Hurdle 18:05 – Vautour, that is all. Watch the procession. The bet is the forecast. Lac Fontana should complete the 1,2.

Star Best for Racing Coverage Novice Hurdle  18:40 – I’m out to get the fav beaten here and I think Rock The World has a good each way chance.

ITBA Fillies Scheme Fillies Premier Bumper 19:10 – When in doubt Closutton generally provides you with a run for your money. Morning Run has a nice enough page and is the first string based on jockey selections. Cleeves Steeple who is likelier to open up at a bigger price is the each way alternative.

Donohue Marquees Champion Hunters Chase 19:45 – On The Fringe holds the stronger form with Tammy’s Hill and therefore gets the nod, but only just. King Troy could run into a place at a bigger price!

Thats it! All the best!

Slán tamaillín,

T

Evening all! The first two winners today were nice once ones to have. They returned 14/1 and 3/1. Seconds with Don Poli and Silver Concorde were frustrating, however.

I’ll keep this brief as its been a long day for yours truly!

Colm Murray Memorial Handicap Hurdle 15:40 – A race named after a great man. I’m sure many owners are keen to take this prize in his honour. Two for each way nibbles here. Hurler and Farmer looks to be on the up and the quick succession of runs suggests things are going well. Spacious Sky at a bigger price and at a light weight has interesting form lines and cannot be ruled out. Trainer is dangerous with this type of profile.

Three.ie Handicap Chase 16:15 – Tricky.  Mallowney is good old each way value, as is Tanks For That.

Avon Ri Corporate & Leisure Resort Chase 16:50 – Uncle Junior showed promise when second behind Balthazar King over the banks in Cheltenham at the November meeting making up late ground fast. He probably hasn’t shown that form since but if he can replicate it his each way chance is sound. 

Ladbrokes World Series Hurdle 17:30 – When will the mare stop?! Quevega is a superstar without doubt, but at her price, as usual, is un-backable for us mere mortals! Fingal Bay  provides some good each way value, but he will be chasing Quevega home I imagine.

Naas Court Hotel And Il Fico Restaurant Handicap Hurdle 18:05 – Two here again. Our Man Zebo is lightly raced and potentially still unexposed. “The Geraghty Factor” enhances his e/w chance. Another two for an each way squeak is Eoin Doyle’s charge Count Salazar who has been a great servant to connections. Won’t mind the quick ground either. 

Ryanair Novice Chase 18:40 – I watched the replay of the Arkle recently and, between me and you, I genuinely shed a tear watching that head case Western Warhorse chin Champagne Fever. A sad day for racing. The son of Stowaway will right those wrongs tomorrow. Hon the Fever!

Drinkwater Construction & Orchid Transport Mares Novice Hurdle 19:15 – Urticaire is very well touted by connections but I’m going to go for the second string here. Vicky De l’Oasis caught my eye a while back and if you are will to sift through the Turf Talk archives she was even in this seasons ten to follow. A very bad ten, I might add. However, Im going to stick by her.

Kildare Post Flat Race 19:45 – Tell Us More is the nap. One for the lucky 15’s. He cost a bomb at Brightwells and has proven to be extremely useful. A budding talent and one for the future.

Thats it folks! Enjoy, and all the best!

Slán tamaillín,

T

With two short priced winners and an each way place in the form of Stocktons wing, Day 1 was not an ideal start but its better than a kick up the arse. Djackadam also being a non runner was disappointing. Apologies to those of you who enquired about an alternative in the race. I’m in the far reaches of south Mayo at the moment and the phone coverage is limited!

I’m going to fly through tomorrows card as the wireless appears to be a tad patchy too!

Here we go!

Martinstown Opportunity Series Final Handicap Hurdle 15:40 – Finding it quite difficult to look past Highbrow Blue here at the weights. Each way claims with Master Oscar.

Louis Fitzgerald Hotel Hurdle 16:20 – I do be a Le vent D’Antan man, so I do. Never a Cheltenenian fan and others need to improve a good bit to challenge.

Irish Daily Mirror Novice Hurdle 16:55 – Tough one. 3 with very solid claims. The nod goes to Don Poli, but only just.

Bibby Financial Services Ireland Punchestown Gold Cup 17:30 – Two time Thyestes chase winner and bang there in the Gold Cup at Cheltenham, it’s On His Own for me.

Attheraces.com Champion I.N.H. Flat Race 18:05 – Punchestown, to me, has always seemed like a good track to back favourites. Not sure what the stats say! I think it’ll be tough for the form to be reversed from Cheltenham and see Silver Concorde holding out. Hary Fry’s horse Jollyallan could be worth keeping an eye on in the betting for an each way saver.

Guinness Handicap Chase 18:40 – The two with each way shouts here are King Vuvuzela for Paul Nolan, and Wise Old Owl for John E Kiely who returns after a long lay off.

O’Reilly Recruitment Flat Race 19:15 – Totally Dominant represents top connections in this sphere and was purchased for a tidy sum after showing promise on debut. He didn’t quite get the job done at Sligo last time and was put away until now. He could be coming in under the radar at a decent price.

So thats it folks! All the best!

Slán tamaillín,

T

Story kid?! God I’ve missed you. It’s been a tough spell of abstinence but at last my focus can return to all things racing. I’m back, and my God does it feel good.

We haven’t spoken since Cheltenham! Lets never do that again! However, if you were a sharp one you’ll have been keeping an eye on the auld twitter there for advice in the Nationals (Irish, Scotch and English). We managed to find the winner of the English and Irish nationals along with 3 other placed horses. Not bad from only 9 selections!

However, our attention is now firmly focussed on the matters at hand! The Punchestown festival kicks off tomorrow with a smashing 7 race card. Theres 3 grade ones in there too so its top notch stuff we’re talking about here. The Guineas are also coming up this weekend and Im going to try and give you my own meandering views there so between 5 days at Punchestown and 2 days at the Rowley Mile it’s going to be a busy little spell here at Turf Talk Towers!

So buckle up and enjoy the ride! Hopefully we can find a winner somewhere!

Kildare Hunt Club Fr Sean Breen Memorial Chase 15:40 – This a tricky enough Hunters chase to crack. Im not too bullish on anything here. Nhakira ran well enough in this last year and trainer Evanna McCutcheon is an extremely able point to point pilot. Her 7lb claim is gold. Enda Bolger’s 3rd string off a feather weight including jock’s claim. mares allowance and weigh for age allowance. Her name is Wish Ye Didnt and she could be an each way player if ridden closer to the pace than on previous starts.

Herald Champion Novice Hurdle 16:20 – Faugheen drops back to 2 miles and adds clout to the view that hurdling is the way connections go forward with this fella. I reckon he is better over this trip and is very tough to look past. He is the one to add a bit of “sure thing” to your Lucky 15’s!

bragbet.com Handicap Hurdle 16:55 – This is a more interesting one! For me the Mullins horse is opposable. You need to be tough to win a handicap. This will be only the 5th run of his life after having two spins on the flat and winning a maiden hurdle second time up. He carries a lot of weight too. Sea Beat at the weights is more up my street. He showed promise in his first two starts and got the job done at the third time of asking. He comes back after 80 days off and surely has a chance getting into the frame. Stocktons Wing who’s form line with Our Conor I have done my nut on, for some reason catches my eye again for an each way tickle. Charles’ flat string have been firing so hopefully the jumpers are buzzed up too.

Boylesports.com Champion Chase 17:30 – If ever there was a golden opportunity for Hidden Cyclone, this is it. He’s been not just knocking at the door, he’s been all but kicking down this season and still is waiting for a big day out. He’s in the form of his life and runs off the mark of his life (160) which suggests the handicapper agrees with me. Shark, don’t fail me now.

Goffs Land Rover Bumper 18:05 – A tricky race considering so many are unraced. Paddy obviously is grabbing the headlines taking the ride for NJH but I’m going to oppose him here. Burton Hall is the one for an each way bet for me.

Growise Champion Novice Chase 18:40 – I tipped Djakadam for the Golden Miller at Cheltenham and was impressed by the way he travelled. Unfortunately he fell 4 from home but as long as all things are well today I would be surprised if he can’t get the better of these.

Finlay Motor Group Flat Race 19:15 –  Forgotten Rules  is impeccably bred and the dam comes from a pretty successful Moyglare family. DKW’s are going great this weather and he definitely has a chance. He may go off a stupidly short price so the each way alternative for me is Fine Theatre, half brother to Joncol.

That’s it for day 1! Hopefully there’s a winner in there somewhere!

Best of luck with your own selections!

Slán tamaillín,

T

 

 

In keeping with tradition, guest analyst, flat form guru, lothario and all round good guy James Ryan (@jamesryan1207) is back to give us his thoughts on the action at Meydan.

Born and raised a stones throw from the Curragh racecourse, James Ryan might as well be a horse. A shrewd judge with a penchant for loose women and “alt” pedigrees, the man’s word is good. He lives and breathes the industry and what he doesn’t know about equine form and function is probably not worth knowing, unless you are a vet or something. James is held in high regard by many high profile members of the industry and even Aidan O’Brien described him as “…the best horse I’ve ever trained..” recently. I have faith and so should you!!

Take it away Jimmy!

1.10 Godolphin Mile

This wide open renewal will see last years winner come up against some stern opposition. On ratings Soft Falling Rain is the joint highest rated and connections are delighted with the draw that he received. He had a blow out over 6 furlongs on his last start and one would hope that he improves a lot for that. It is a wide open race with him being a very good e/w bet at 4/1.

e/w Soft Falling Rain if 4/1 or better.

 

 1.45 Dubai Gold Cup

No one can deny that Cavalryman is the deserving favourite after he bolted up on his last start beating several who re-oppose in this race as well. At 11/4 he is a little on the short side for which will be a much more competitive renewal. Mr. Mullins has drafted in Pat Smullen to ride Simenon and this is a notable booking. I feel he needed the run the last day and I would be surprised if he was outside the first three in what is once again a very competitive renewal of the race.

E/w Simenon 6/1

 

2.25 UAE Derby

Long John absolutely bolted up in the 2000 guineas at Meydan 44 days ago. It is very hard to look past him after posting a very quick time in what was a very fast run race. He was very well regarded in Australia having one a group 1 for Peter Snowden before coming to Dubai. He really showed his class in the guineas and it would be very hard not to be impressed by that. At 7/4 the bookies may take a hit on him. Aidan is sending over Giovanni Boldini with big hopes but he will really be up against it battling against Long John.

Win Long John 7/4

 

3.03 Al Quoz Sprint

Shea Shea was the banker of the meeting last year and he won in convincing fashion however he is an extremely short price this year at 5/4. He was impressive in his first start after a lengthy absence. With the first two pulling away from the rest of the field. The horse in second that day was only a head behind Shea Shea and he is 12/1. So for that reason the obvious value in the race has to be Ahtoug who is also drawn beside Shea Shea and hopefully wont let him too far out of his sights.

E/w Ahtoug 12/1

 

3.40 Dubai Golden Shaheen

This is a very open Dubai Golden Shaheen with the draw going to pay a pivotal role, I believe. They roll into that first turn in Meydan sometimes cracking the 20 second mark for the first 2 furlongs so you don’t want to be drawn too wide. The favourite for the race, Rich Tapestry is an ex Dermot Weld trained horse and deserving favourite too, after he beat last years winner by a length in a Group 3, 21 days ago. However with the wide draw I would have to prefer the Satish Seemar trained horse Reynaldothewizard who ran an extremely good race to be second to Rich Tapestry in his last start. Drawn 5 I feel he will be there of there abouts come the finish line.

E/W Reynaldothewizard 5/1

 

4.39 Dubai Duty Free

This is by far the strongest race of the evening on paper with 9 of the representatives having an official rating over 115. The two joint highest rated in the field are Just A Way and The Fugue. Just A Way comes from the Naosuke Sugai yard from Japan. It is very hard to weigh up the Asian form when trying to compare it to the European form of The Fugue. However, I believe the handicapper has done a good job of giving her 123 as the thrashing of Gentildonna was a superstar performance. It was stated that Gentildonna was having a prep run that day but it was still a devastating performance. I do feel that The Fugue will be one of the best performers in Europe this season and over her perferred distance of 1m1f I believe she could be hard to beat. If there was an each way price of 4/1 on The Fugue I would gobble it up but at 7/2 she is still good value.

Win The Fugue 7/2

 

5.17 Dubai Sheema Classic

Another close affair between the top two in the market. The Japenese vs The Irish. Gentildonna vs Magician. Champion vs Rising Star. This time 12 months ago we got to see St. Nicholas Abbey at his very best when getting the best of Gentildonna. I believe Magician will do the same. His incredible performance in the Breeders Cup last year was a sensational race to have witnessed. His storming late run will hopefully get the better of Gentildonna.

Win Magician 3/1

 

6.05 Dubai World Cup

With no stand out superstar in this years World Cup it is an incredibly open affair. English Derby winner Ruler Of The World is ante post favorite but connections got dealt a blow when drawn 12/16. Once again it is quite difficult to way up the Asian form. (Hong Kong and Japan) A lot of these horses also don’t have a proven track record on this Tapeta surface either. It is for this reason that I think Prince Bishop offers the best value in the race. He has won his previous two starts here at Meydan this season and even as a 7 year old he seems to be improving. Kieran Fallon gets on extremely well with the horse having been 3/3 on him and I think he could run a big race and is way overpriced at 10/1 seen as there are a lot of questions to be answered about the surface for a lot of the others in the field.

E/W Prince Bishop 10/1

Best of Luck!

JR

So there you have it folks! Straight from the nag’s gob. Hopefully Jimmy will put us right!

Hope all is well! Things are quiet here at Turf Talk for the foreseeable future as lambing is in full swing with us at the minute! Talk to you on the other side. Regards to the family.

Slán tamaillín,

T