Yesterday, there wasn’t much point to get stuck into, in terms of both quality and value, but we saw some terrific finishes. Today is much more competitive with some nice-looking handicaps, as well as a tricky Ormonde Stakes as the feature.
Fire In The Belly
1:30 – CAA Stellar Handicap – Roman Dragon @ 9/2 (William Hill)
A quick race to get us started with, and, as ever, draw is key. But course specialists are also a key factor, and Roman Dragon knows the Roodee better than any horse in the field. He’s raced round the round track 15 times, winning five times. He’s won from multiple positions, including outside stalls, but he’s in stall one today. Also, recent form in Bahrain has seen his mark gone up four pounds, but he’s an improver for the local Hugo Palmer yard.
In the last ten years, this race has been won out of only three stalls; 1, 3, 4. Clearpoint fills stall number four, and looks nicely handicapped. He was dropped a pound for finishing fourth at Epsom last time out, which puts him on the same mark for a close third at Lingfield. The three pounds that William Craver takes off also brings him down to a recent winning mark. Nice each-way value at 8/1 (Betfred).
Michaela’s Boy looks to put right so many wrongs. He hasn’t won since December 2022, and came close at the Curragh last Summer. He’s been dropped a massive four pounds from his last start at Musselburgh and his new weight makes him look appealing in the market. 12/1 (BetVictor).
Rash To Judgement
2:05 – British Stallion Studs Maiden Stakes – Rashabar @ 3/1 (William Hill, Unibet)
This horse’s form is gold dust. Rashbar finished third at Newbury, but ahead of him the second won next time out at Bath. He also beat a winner at Salisbury and a neck second at Newmarket. With three winners in the field, it should only be a matter of time before he goes odds-on. Despite drawn wide, this is about the talent of the two-year-olds, so draw isn’t as important as it is in handicaps.
When God Closes a Door…
3:05 – Dee Stakes (Listed) – God’s Window @ 9/4 (William Hill, Unibet)
The Dee Stakes is the lesser-known Derby trial. It hasn’t produced a Derby winner recently, but nearly did with Cliffs Of Moher in 2017. It did produce multiple Grade One winning hurdler Not So Sleepy, so it’s got some depth.
God’s Window is the highest rated horse out of the lot and was an eight-and-a-half length winner at Nottingham on reappearance. Jayarebe has his form boosted by both Whip Cracker and Caviar Heights. But God’s Window has entries in three big Group One’s, including the Derby and the Eclipse. This is the litmus test for his season.
Lonsdale Has A Point
3:40 – Ormonde Stakes (Group Three) – Point Lonsdale @ 9/4 (Boylesports)
Point Lonsdale is often looked over as a forgotten horse, but he can act when he is brought to his level. He didn’t win at all over the Winter, which blots his copybook. But a big tick in his book is that he won the Huxley Stakes last year, so he knows the course. Combined with the fact he is the highest-rated horse in the field, and Arrest was deeply disappointing on reappearance, the door might just be shown for Point Lonsdale.
