Hi all,
Everyone is going to be focusing on Newmarket today but in today’s main piece I have some pointers for Longchamp.
Newmarket Cambridgeshire Meeting – Day 3
It's all about juveniles at Newmarket with two Group 1’s on the final day of the Cambridgeshire Meeting.
Juddmonte are sponsoring the Group 2 Royal Lodge (1.50) and both Group 1’s – Cheveley Park Stakes (2.25) and Middle Park Stakes (3.00).
Recent Lowther winner Relief Rally takes on the twice unbeaten French challenger Jasna's Secret in the Cheveley Park.
In the Middle Park Stakes Group 1 Prix Morny winner Vandeek takes on River Tiber who finished 2 ¼ lengths back in third. The sponsors run recent Ripon Listed winner Task Force and he’s a colt I really like.
Juddmonte saddle unbeaten colt Task Force in the Middle Park Stakes. And they also have ante post favourite Greek Order in the Cambridgeshire (3:40). Greek Order is plenty short enough, but it looks like he’s got a good draw (25) and could be well ahead of his mark.
bet365 Cambridgeshire (Heritage Handicap)
Greek Order will take the beating and is a rock solid favourite. Except for bad luck in the run, I think he wins. Even at 4/1 he might turn out be a good price. If you fancy, him I’m not going to put you off and the yard had a winner here yesterday.
If the ground was easier, I would be with Liberty Lane. Another I liked is Oviedo but stall 1 means he’s not one for me.
Besides Greek Order I’m expecting another big run from last year’s winner Majestic who will like the ground. Saga isn’t the most consistent of horses and looks a tricky ride, but this race could really suit him.
Longchamp Pointers
Arc Weekend gets underway at Longchamp with two Group 1’s the highlights of the card. Sumo Sam bids for a Group 1 success after winning Group 2’s at Goodwood and Doncaster in the Prix de Royallieu (3:33). Mind you she faces several useful rivals including Melo Melo.
Just six have been declared for the other Group 1 the marathon Prix Du Cadran (1:33) and it looks between a revitalised Trueshan and staying mare Emily Dickinson.
12:23 – Qatar Prix Chaudenay (Group 2) – 1m 7f
Shembala seems to be progressing with racing and ran out a comfortable winner of a steadily run Listed race (1m 6f) here 22 days ago. Drying ground will suit the 3-year-old who has strong claims.
Irish challenger Harbour Wind, a winner at Navan in July, seemed to relish the step up to 1m 6f when winning a Listed race at Leopardstown 37 days ago. He’s an improving stayer and today’s extra furlong should suit the 3-year-old.
3:33 – Qatar Prix de Royallieu (Group 1) – 1m 6f
Melo Melo returned from a 3 month layoff to win a Deauville Group 2 in August and improved again when a short-neck 2nd of 8 to Warm Heart in the Group 1 Prix Vermeille (1m 4f) here 20 days ago. The return to 1m 6f will suit the filly as she won a Listed race over C&D in May. Has a favourites chance but isn’t likely to reach my 4/1 threshold.
Ottery won a Group 3 Chantilly in June and ran just as well when a length 3rd of 10 to Melo Melo at Deauville in August. The winner has improved in defeat since, but Ottery didn’t get the best of runs when making her effort inside the final furlong at Deauville and would have finished closer. Looks worth a try at 1m 6f and could be value against the favourite.
Irish challenger Shamida has improved to win her last three starts and posted a career best on RPR’s when winning the Group 3 Irish St Leger Trial (1m 6f) at the Curragh last time. This is a better race than last time, but the daughter of Australia is on a upward curve and is open to further improvement.
4:08 – Qatar Prix Daniel Wildenstein (Group 2) – 1m
Isaac Shelby won the Greenham at Newbury on his seasonal return and produced a career best when a short neck 2nd of 9 in the French 2,000 Guineas over C&D in May. Hasn’t been disgraced on three starts since, last two over 7f, and a return to softer ground should see him go close back up to a mile.
4:43 – Qatar Prix Dollar (Group 2) – 1m 2f
Erevann won the Group 2 Prix Daniel Wildenstein (1m) on this card 12 months ago. The 4-year-old hasn’t been at his best so far this season in Group 1 company. However, there was more to like about 1 ½ length 4th of 8 in the Group 1 Prix du Moulin here (1m). First start at 1m 2f and his inform trainer add the first time cheekpieces.
Sammarco, a double Group 1 winner in Germany in 2022 including the German Derby, hadn’t been in the same form this season but posted a career best effort last time when a ¾ length 3rd of 5 to Place du Carrousel in the Group 2 Prix Foy (1m 4f) here 20 days ago. Not sure to get the strong pace he needs dropped back to 1m 2f but has strong claims if he does.
Saturday Selection:
Isaac Shelby has a big chance in the Prix Daniel Wildenstein. However, I’m going for one earlier on the Longchamp card and its Shembala who looks overpriced at 9/1.
Longchamp
12:23 – Shembala – 9/1 @ Paddy Power & Betfair Sportsbook.
Good luck with your Saturday bets.
John