Field Of Gold Stings Solario Rivals

Hi all,

Today’s main piece covers my thoughts on Saturday’s action.

Though Saturday wasn’t the best in terms of quality, it was an enjoyable day of racing. Victor Value subscribers saw big profits thanks to Two Tempting’s win at Chester (advised at 14/1) and Flying Frontier’s win at Sandown (advised at 12/1, with a 10p Rule 4 deduction). This was a good end to what I mentioned in Friday’s column that has been a challenging month of punting. Additionally, I avoided Lyndon B, unlike Dave Nevison, so that was another win for me.

Despite the successes from just seven bets, I wasn’t entirely satisfied with my performance. Reflecting on the day, I believe it’s crucial to always seek areas for improvement, even after a profitable day. In this game, staying critical and continuously aiming to do better is key.

The most intriguing race of the day was the Sky Bet Solario Stakes at Sandown, featuring three impressive last-time-out winners: Field Of Gold, Royal Playwright, and Matauri Bay.

Field Takes Gold

Field of Gold, trained by the Gosden’s, secured a seventh win for the yard in the Solario Stakes. Positioned well by Kieran Shoemark, Field of Gold picked up momentum, holding off a fast-finishing Matauri Bay. He’s a big horse with a long stride and overcame early keenness to win. A work in progress he looks set for a high-class 3-year-old campaign over a mile next season.

Raven’s Pass, Kingman and Too Darn Hot were previous winners of the Solario Stakes for the Gosden’s who went onto much better things.  Field of Gold is now 7/1 for the Group 1 Dewhurst Stakes and it will be interesting to see if connections go to that race or take it more slowly with the colt this season.

Matauri Bay didn’t get a clear passage and got outpaced two furlongs out but finished well once in the clear. He looked in need of a mile and easier ground will also likely suit. He’s another nice colt and there’s races to be won with him.

Royal Playwright, on the other hand, had no clear excuses. He had the run of the race out in front and was simply outclassed by the winner and runner-up.

Tamfana Set for a Fruitful Autumn

Earlier, Tamfana, dropping in class, comfortably won the Listed Atalanta Stakes. Despite a modestly run race, she displayed her class and looks set for a good autumn campaign. The Group 1 Sun Chariot Stakes at Newmarket looks a likely target for her.

Runner-up Doha remains in form. She was outpaced 2f out and looks to need a return to 1m 2f. There’s a Listed or even a Group 3 in the daughter of Treve in the coming weeks.

Other Notable Performances

Absurde claimed victory in the Listed Virgin Bet Chester Stakes with a patient ride by Danny Tudhope. His good turn of foot proved too much for Caius Chorister in the closing stages. For a stayer he has a good change of gear, but he needs to be delivered at the right time to produce it. Another tilt at the Melbourne Cup beckons for Absurde, a race he finished 7^th in last year.

Democracy Dilemma won his first Listed race when making all in the Beverley Bullet, holding off a fast-finishing Albasheer. Unfortunately, my pick, Clarendon House, fluffed the start for the third time and seems to have lost interest in racing. He’s earned his Timeform squiggle. He was one of three poor picks for yours truly on Saturday and I need to avoid them in the coming weeks.

Monday Racing

There’s one ‘lay or play’ on Monday and It’s Nibras Rainbow at Roscommon (4:45).

Good luck with your Monday bets.

John