Friday’s Action

Hi all,

Inside today’s main piece, I’m looking at the best of Friday’s action at Newbury and Cork.

I’m still reeling from Leeds United’s poor start to the season and the news that Georginio Rutter looks to be heading to Brighton. That, combined with a lack of good races to get stuck into this week, hasn’t helped my mood.

On a brighter note, York’s Ebor Festival gets underway on Wednesday. I’m really looking forward to it. Before all the good stuff on the Knavesmire, we have a competitive-looking Great St Wilfrid Handicap at Ripon on Saturday. I have three fancies for the race. For two of them, I’m hoping the ground doesn’t ease too much.

Fortunately, I didn’t get involved with Lake Forest in the Hungerford Stakes. As it turns out, he wasn’t declared for the race on Thursday. It seems William Haggas has decided to aim the 3-year-old at York instead. Haggas now relies on Tiber Flow who was among the seven declared runners that include Kikuli and English Oak.

Friday Racing

Let’s shift our focus to Friday’s action. The best race of the day is the Group 3 Give Thanks Stakes at Cork (6:22). There’s also Listed action at Newbury, with the St Hugh's Stakes (3:45) being the highlight of the card.

Newbury

Initially, I was going to back the progressive Magic Mild in the St Hugh's Stakes. Unfortunately, she’s now a non-runner. Lady Of Andros, a rare runner at Newbury for Andre Fabre, is now in the spotlight. Fabre has booked Ryan Moore for the ride, and she should perform well. However, with Magic Mild out, she might be over-bet. With Magic Mild out, I’m happy to avoid betting on the race.

Moving on, Game Set has been consistent in his last two starts without looking like winning. He’s getting first-time blinkers, though. If this headgear helps improve his performance, he could be a strong contender in the Christopher Smith Associates LLP Handicap (4:20). He does need good or quicker ground so it might be advisable to keep an eye on the weather.  Lyndon B has dropped down to a good mark and he was just ¼ length behind Game Set last time. The drop back to 7f is a positive but he’s another who’s most effective on quick ground.

Cork

At Cork, Paddy Twomey saddled the winner of the Group 3 Give Thanks Stakes in 2021 and 2022. He has a good chance of landing a third win with La Isla Mujeres. La Isla Mujeres bounced back to winning form in a Roscommon Listed race last month. That was just her second start since joining the yard. She looks capable of an even better performance.

Next, let’s consider Jumbly, a short-priced favorite for the Listed Platinum Stakes (5:22). She’ll benefit from better ground and a 102-day layoff might have freshened her up. However, her losing streak, which goes back two years, is concerning. Dance Night Andday, a winner of a Curragh handicap in May, has stayed in form in her last two starts. She wasn’t out of place in Listed company when a 3 ¼ length 4th of 13 at Naas (6f) 23 days ago. She finished her race off well that day, suggesting that a return to 7f would suit her. William Hill offered 20/1 odds when betting opened on the race. If you can get 16/1 or better, she might be worth a modest each-way play with Colin Keane booked.

That’s my quick look at Friday’s action completed.

Friday’s ‘Lay or Play’

Thursday’s ‘lay or play’ Lieber Power (9/4 fav) finished runner-up at the Racing League.

There are two ‘lay or play’ qualifiers on Friday.

Good luck with your Thursday bets.

John