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Classic Form Boosted

Hi all,

Inside today’s main piece, I’m looking back at Saturday’s big race action at the Curragh and Haydock.

I’m writing Monday’s column after watching my team, Leeds United, fail in the playoffs once again. It was painful to see us fall short at Wembley, especially after having such high hopes.

On the betting front, I had mixed fortunes. On Friday, I scored a 12/1 winner at the Curragh, raising my hopes that my recent slump had ended. Unfortunately, ten points lost over Saturday and Sunday proved otherwise. However, like the Mighty Whites, I'm down but certainly not out. We move forward with renewed focus towards the Epsom Derby Festival.

Weekend Review – Part 1

The big race action over the weekend was at the Curragh, with some interesting racing also taking place at Haydock. Last week, I mentioned how the season's form hadn't quite settled down. However, the weekend's races, including both Irish Classics, showed signs that things might finally be falling into place.

There’s only one place to start and it's at the Curragh and Irish 2000 Guineas Day.

Rosallion Triumphs in Irish Classic, Edges Out Haatem

Rosallion, runner-up in the 2000 Guineas at Newmarket, boosted that form with a victory in the Saturday's Irish 2000 Guineas. Stablemate Haatem, well-positioned by Jamie Spencer, looked like he might have stolen the race when he took the lead between the final two furlongs. However, he was caught at the post by Rosallion.

Jockey Sean Levey had Rosallion positioned further back than ideal, but the horse needs to be covered up to settle properly. Once asked for his effort, he responded well to win, though it was close. Given his position in the race, you can mark up the winner's effort. In a more truly run race, I believe Rosallion would have beaten Haatem more convincingly. You can see Rosallion fly home here.

On Course Profits free Horse Racing magazine

It will be interesting to see how the handicapper reacts to this result. I think Haatem ran up to his Newmarket form, but Rosallion was a couple of pounds below his best.

River Tiber finished third, 1 ¼ lengths behind the winner. Some pundits suggested he didn’t stay the mile, but I think he simply couldn't match the race fitness of the two colts ahead of him. It was a good effort, and hopefully, Aidan O’Brien will keep River Tiber to a mile. He will likely renew rivalry with Rosallion and Newmarket 2000 Guineas winner Notable Speech in the St James' Palace Stakes at Royal Ascot. That could be an exciting race.

Inisherin Triumphs in Haydock's Sandy Lane Stakes, Vandeek Disappoints

At Haydock, there might not have been Classic action, but there were two notable Group 2 contests.

Last season’s top juvenile sprinter, Vandeek, made his eagerly awaited seasonal return in the Sandy Lane Stakes. Despite strong market support, he couldn’t secure a winning return. He looked fit before the race but was too keen, which weakened his finishing effort. It's too early to dismiss his Commonwealth Cup chances after this one poor performance, but he'll need a significant rebound to win at Royal Ascot.

The race went to Inisherin, who also franked the 2000 Guineas form. I had doubts about the 2000 Guineas sixth handling the soft ground, but he managed it well. Inisherin disputed the early lead and pulled clear inside the final furlong. It will be interesting to see if his owner supplements him for the Commonwealth Cup, considering he already has a leading contender in Elite Status.

Kerdos Wins Temple Stakes; Rogue Lightning Looms Large for Royal Ascot

Kerdos pulled off a surprise victory in the Group 2 Temple Stakes, showcasing the potential he had hinted at previously. Despite Live In The Dream's early lead, the soft ground blunted his speed, allowing Kerdos to seize advantage and secure victory by half a length.

Following his strong past performance at Royal Ascot, Kerdos emerges as a contender for the King Charles III. Asfoora, although finishing fourth, remains a threat back on quicker ground. Live In The Dream isn’t entered in the King Charles III but he’ll be prepared for the another win in the Nunthorpe Stakes at York Ebor Meeting.

I’m not giving up on Rogue Lightning. He raced like the run was needed and hated the sticky ground. He was only beaten 3 ½ lengths by the winner and with this race under his belt and back on fast ground can finish in front of both Kerdos and Asfoora at Royal Ascot.

I’ll look back at Sunday’s action at the Curragh in tomorrow’s column. Plus. There’ll be a couple of future winners for the tracker.

Monday Racing

It’s a Bank Holiday in the UK today and there’s four meetings in Britain and two in Ireland. The most valuable race this side of the Irish Sea is Redcar’s Zetland Gold Cup (4:35). However, the recent heavy rain means the course has to pass a precautionary morning inspection.

The Zetland Gold Cup isn’t the most valuable race of the Bank Holiday; that honour belongs to Ballinrobe's Mayo National Handicap Chase (6:30), boasting a hefty €59,000 prize for the winner. Romeo Magico, a dual Hunter Chase winner, makes his handicap chase debut with Rachel Blackmore in the saddle. The lightweight, sporting a first-time hood, warrants consideration, especially if more rain arrives, as it won't faze the 6-year-old. Last year's winner, Tullybeg, enters the race 7lb higher than12 months ago. Despite his increase in the ratings, the 9-year-old showed promise with a solid fourth-place finish in the Ulster National last month. Having returned to action after a five-month break, Tullybeg should be in prime fitness today. If the rain stays away he's got a great chance of following up last year's win.

Redcar

Source: Racing Post

4:35 – Zetland Gold Cup – 1m 2f

Maghlaak returned from an 11-month absence to secure victory in a Goodwood handicap earlier this month, bringing his record to 3 wins from 6 starts. With just a 3lb increase for his recent success, the 5-year-old may have more to offer. Qitaal, Alpha Crucis, and Bill Silvers, who finished second, third, and fourth respectively in that Goodwood race, are set to compete again. Qitaal has since followed up with a fourth-place finish in a big field handicap at York on quick ground and will prefer today’s underfoot conditions. Bill Silvers, 2 ¾ lengths behind Maghlaak, benefits from a 5lb pull with the winner and the application of first-time cheekpieces.

Bystander, victorious at Lingfield in March, improved from a lesser performance to finish 4th of 16 at Newmarket (1m) recently. Returning to 1m 2f will suit, although his performance on testing ground remains uncertain.

Verdict: Not a bad race if it takes place. Bystander is weighted to go close but is unproven on testing ground. Maghlaak has a favourites chance, but Bill Silvers is better off at the weights and the addition of the first time headgear could help him to the win.

Bill Silvers – 11/2 @ William Hill.

Good luck with your Monday bets.

John

1 thought on “Classic Form Boosted”

  1. There is ONLY ONE THING To Say John.
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    “Go on you LION’S”…………
    Phil B. ster63©™…….

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