Going To The Dogs

Good morning all,

Very excited already about my working excursion to the Greyhound Derby tonight. Got my orders yesterday, and my God, if he's right about the figures we're going to take later my feet won't touch the floor for four hours.

Anyway, racing first, and yesterday I looked at the Newcastle TV races, plus one I'm quite keen on at Newmarket.

Enjoy your Saturday! 

Newcastle 1.50 – 6f Handicap

Terentium Star (Kevin Ryan)

Comes with all sorts of risks attached and is all or nothing, but won first time up last season (before form got progressively worse) and is only 1lb higher here. Change to this surface might buck his ideas up. Wins at a big price, so that wouldn’t put me off either.

Northgate Lad (Brian Ellison)

Placed on both starts here and 2lb lower than when beaten a short head (over 7f) last July. Just as effective at 6f when getting a gallop to aim at (which he should here) and could go well at at price.

 

Newcastle 2.25 – 6f (Group 3)

Perfect Pasture (Mick Easterby)

Gets the ideal set up here with pace in stalls 5 and 6 to drag him into the race from stall 4, improved his form when taking a Listed contest at Windsor last time out, has form on artificial surfaces and has to go close if in same form.

 

Newcastle 3.00 – 2m Handicap

London Prize (Ian Williams)

Stunningly obvious but remiss not to point out what an excellent chance he has with just a 5lb penalty to carry for an easy win at Goodwood earlier in the month. Has done well over hurdles last season as well and a horse that just seems to keep improving. Had a sighter here in February and the one to beat.

I Am Not Here (Brian Ellison)

If there’s to be a surprise then I Am Not Here makes some appeal. He’s got to prove himself at this trip, which is the main worry, but the fact he’s being turned out again quickly is interesting – two of his wins have come within a week of his previous run. 2-2 on Tapeta and if getting the trip (has won over 1m5f) wouldn’t be without hope.

 

3.30 Newcastle – 2m Handicap

Higher Power (James Fanshawe)

Hard to knock as he’s progressive, and there’s nothing wrong with his second to Gold Cup winner Big Orange last time out. Goes well on artificial surfaces, style of running should be suited to this track and record at Class 2 reads 212. Must be on the premises if running his race.

Natural Scenery (Saeed Bin Suroor)

All went wrong for him at Lingfield last time, got a bump and found the leaders gone before he got going, but possible he lacked tactical speed for that track and Newcastle suits much better as he showed when denying London Prize here the time before. Bit to prove now, but Josephine Gordon is unbeaten on him and a bounce back to form wouldn’t be the biggest surprise.

 

Newmarket

2.05 – 1m4f Listed Race

Lord Yeats (Jedd O’Keeffe)

Masses to find on the book but has his plus points – should get an easy lead here (possible Diamonds Pour Moi might keep him company early, but she’ll be just as happy to tuck in), goes well on soft ground and is clearly improving, which you’d be hard pushed to say is the case with the “proven” performers here. Holds an entry in the Irish Leger later in the year and trainer not one to throw fanciful entries around. Looks a back-to-lay at least after an easy York victory and if he can improve another 10lb here (as he did last time) isn’t the lost cause the figures make him out to be.

(Update – I wrote this before Jedd's 4-timer yesterday, so it's fair to say the yard are in good nick! Plus, Diamonds Pour Moi is a non-runner, so he really should get an easy lead now.)

Today's selection – Lord Yeats 2.05 Newmarket

Good luck with all your bets today,

David.