Hi all,
Inside today’s main piece I’m looking at the best of Saturday’s action.
Not unsurprisingly Saturday’s Newbury was called off on Friday morning due to a waterlogged track. Doncaster couldn’t race on Friday but there’s a chance it’s Futurity Trophy fixture can take place if the track doesn’t get more than the forecast overnight rain.
No problems with Day 2 of Cheltenham’s Open Meeting. The raced at jump HQ’s yesterday and the only surprise to me was that going was good, good to soft in places. I was expecting it to be softer. I only got back from my break on Friday evening so haven’t had any chance to look at the Cheltenham action but the last two handicaps aside it looked a fairly punter friendly day.
ITV Racing are covering racing from three courses on Saturday. Four races from Cheltenham and three from Doncaster. The loss of the Newbury card means ITV are also taking the Edinburgh Gin Chase (A Limited Handicap) (1:29) live from Kelso this afternoon.
It’s good ground at Cheltenham, Heavy at Doncaster, if they survive a precautionary inspection at 7:30am and soft at Kelso.
Doncaster
2:10 – Kameko Futurity Trophy Stakes (Group 1) – 1m
The final Group 1 of the British Flat season sees six colt’s line-ups for a race which has been won for the last two seasons by Aidan O’Brien.
O’Brien saddles second favourite Diego Velazquez. The unbeaten colt looked like a smart prospect when landing a Group 2 at Leopardstown 49 days ago. He clearly has strong claims on form but on pedigree there must be a doubt as to his effectiveness on heavy ground. Mind you last year’s winner Auguste Rodin ploughed through the Doncaster mud win 12 months ago.
The Charlie Appleby trained Ancient Wisdom is on top on Official Ratings after his win the Group 2 Royal Lodge Stakes at Newmarket 14 days ago. A mile on soft ground suited him last time and the colt sets a high standard.
Dancing Gemini improved to comfortably win a Listed race here (soft) last month. The son of Camelot should be suited by today’s mile and can’t be discounted given he handles rain softened ground.
God’s Window knew his job when winning a C&D maiden last month. The ground was soft that day and the form his win is working out well. Thrown into the deep end on just his second career start. More progress can be expected from the colt and he’s one to keep on side.
Verdict: It looks a good renewal of the Futurity. Heavy ground would be an unknown for all the contenders. Of the front two in the betting Ancient Wisdom and Diego Velazquez at least we know the former handles soft. God's Window also handles soft well and he might prove the value play.
Kelso
1:29 – Edinburgh Gin Chase (A Limited Handicap) (Class 2) – 3m 2f
Grand National winner Corach Rambler carries top weight of 11-12 on his seasonal return. He’ the one to beat. However, he’s 13lb higher than when winning at Aintree and needed his seasonal return last season.
Empire Steel is a three time winner at Kelso and 4-8 on soft/heavy ground. He’s got a good record off a lay off and although he didn’t stay 4m in the Scottish Grand National this is more his trip. Gets 16lb from Corach Rambler and and if that one is short on race fitness could be the one to take advantage.
Elvis Mail is a four time winner at Kelso and proved his stamina for an extended 3m 2f when winning a handicap chase over C&D in March. Has a 5lb rise in the weights to contend with. However, he's unexposed over staying trips, goes well on soft ground and won on his seasonal return 12 months ago.
Verdict: Corach Rambler could make his class tell if fit enough on his seasonal return. If he does need the run then it could be C&D winner Elvis Mail who takes advantage.
Cheltenham
A lot depends how much rain they got at the course overnight. It was good on Friday at Cheltenham. If those underfoot conditions prevail today it wouldn't suit two of my fancies Haddex Des Obeaux and Red Rookie in 1:15. However, good ground is a positive to the chances of top-weight Kinondo Kwetu in the 2:25.
Saturday Selection:
2:15 – Gods Window – 8/1 @ Coral.
Good luck with your Saturday bets.
John
Hi John I see there’s 6 thousand students going to cheltenham today good luck with that at least they have put them all in the best mate is this the future do students have a bet a wonder has long has they drink and get pissed that’s ok then keep smiling