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  • Lingfield Derby Trial Day | King of Ascot

    Lingfield Derby Trial Day | King of Ascot

    After keeping our head above the water through the first two days of the Chester May Festival, I was hopeful that we could head into Lingfield Derby Trial Day in a nice position.

    However, yesterday didn’t go to the script as Boardman stayed on past horses in the opener, Mashhoor went too hard too soon in the Huxley Stakes, and both of the Chester Cup fancies (despite the late support for Too Friendly) failed to fire.

    To round up the day, Chillhi pulled four-and-a-half lengths clear of the third but found the Tony Carroll-trained Oman too good. That hurt.

    So, let’s pick ourselves up and dust ourselves off as here are my main plays for Saturday.

     

    1:30 Ascot – King Of The Plains @ 11/2 with William Hill (5 places) – 1pt EW

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    In the opener at Ascot, King Of The Plains holds plenty of intrigue on his first start for James Horton.

    Starting with his form, he ran into Banderas (a horse who was third to Saint George and Sweet William at Southwell in April 2023) at Chester on his debut before a solid second to Ghara when giving weight away.

    The winner that day now has a rating of 93 and finished fourth in the Listed Lingfield Oaks before that race, so that form looks solid.

    By Roaring Lion out of the two-time Group 1 winner Golden Lilac, he is entitled to improve massively now he is a four-year-old as he didn’t race at two and he looks like a big-framed gelding.

    However, one of the more interesting things is the fact that Qatar Racing sold him 47,000gns at the Tattersalls HIT Sale in October, though David Redvers – the racing manager to Qatar Racing – is still one of the part-owners.

    Redvers is also the racing manager to David Howden, one of the other part-owners, and today is the day that Oisin Murphy (one of the retained riders for Qatar Racing) is having his first ride for Horton.

    I’ll give a quick word to Tony Calvin who highlighted this first in his Betfair Racing column. He worked this all out and I’m just passing on the information here, but this is all very interesting nonetheless.

    Off a mark of 82, he should have some improvement to come and today’s assignment looks like an ideal place to start that progress.

     

    2:05 Ascot – Strong Impact @ 11/2 with SkyBet (5 places) – 1pt EW

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    Moving onto the second race at Ascot, Strong Impact is a horse that can improve past her mark of 81 in this £45,000 fillies’ handicap.

    The four-year-old by Saxon Warrior had a decent three-year-old campaign as she ran into Infinite Cosmos – the Group 3 Musidora Stakes third – on her second career start before a good second over 1m4f at Newmarket.

    That race got a form boost when Sumo Sam won the Group 2 Park Hill Fillies’ Stakes at Doncaster and even the fourth, Marmara Sea, won a handicap off 75 at Haydock in September.

    Since then, she bolted up at Epsom in a race she was entitled to win (though she clocked some fast sectionals this day) and then she blew off the cobwebs at Chelmsford in April.

    Although she’s unsuccessful in two handicap contests, she finished second in the first one at Sandown where she ran into a Sir Mark Prescott horse who had recently stepped up in trip.

    Strong Impact was also boxed in for a while and the winner got the first run on her, so his performance was better than the bare result.

    Back on the turf, the return to eight furlongs is interesting as her dam won on good to firm over a mile, so this change in distance doesn’t put me off.

     

    2:40 Ascot – The Wizard Of Eye @ 7/1 with Bet365 (6 places) – 1pt EW

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    In the Victoria Cup, the trainer change from Stan Moore to Charlie Fellowes makes The Wizard Of Eye extremely interesting off a career-low mark of 99.

    Still with the same connections as before (minus former trainer Stan Moore), the five-year-old is a Group-level performer who struggled to land a blow last season.

    The Galileo Gold chestnut has had a gelding operation since his last run in September 2023 and he has a good record when fresh as his two best performances on RPRs came when returning from a break.

    He also ran in last season’s Group 1 Lockinge Stakes and he was one of the last to come off the bridle, but Kieran Shoemark found himself in too much traffic, so ninth was the best he could secure.

    The conditions of a Victoria Cup (strong pace, good ground, straight seven furlongs) should play to his strengths and if Fellowes has got any improvement out of him, he has plenty of scope to do damage of a mark of 99.

     

    3:50 Haydock – Indian Run @ 13/2 with Boylesports – 1pt EW

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    Finally, in order not to make this an Ascot-exclusive betting column, I’m chancing the three-year-old Indian Run in the Listed Spring Trophy Stakes at Haydock.

    Although a three-year-old hasn’t scored in this race over the last 10 years, Holguin nearly won last year’s renewal and Happy Power ran a good race in 2019.

    Comparably, this year’s rendition looks like a winnable race and Indian Run made a good impression at York last year when he won the Group 3 Acomb Stakes.

    He beat Ballymount Boy that day, form that looks good as he won a Listed race on his next start and he was second to Vandeek in the Group 2 Richmond Stakes.

    Furthermore, his debut run has worked out well as the winner, Starlust, finished third in the Group 1 Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Turf Sprint behind Big Evs and the second, Array, subsequently won the Group 2 Mill Reef Stakes.

    With a few in here wanting slightly softer conditions, he’ll like the quick ground and he gets 12lbs from his elders.

  • Four To Follow: Pearle Of A Day

    Four To Follow: Pearle Of A Day

    Plenty going on today, with Lingfield Derby Trials and some great handicaps up and down the country. The first big seven furlong handicap at Ascot takes place, plus the unique mixed card at Haydock too. It’s a four to follow up and down the country.

     

    Lingfield

    Smile On My Face

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    2:25 – William Hill Oaks Trial (Listed) – Danielle @ 6/5 (William Hill)

    It’s not often a star is born on the flat at Wetherby, but it looks like it with Danielle. A big 12 length win to break a maiden is nothing short of impressive. And being by Derby winner Cracksman, and with black type running through the family, this Lingfield Oaks Trial looks like it could give us a massive clue for Epsom’s big race on Friday.

     

    The Prairie Horse

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    3:00 – William Hill Derby Trial (Listed) – Illinois @ 5/2 (General)

    This looks a more competitive trial for the fourth Classic of the season. The top two in the market are by Derby winners, but Illinois has the black type to put him over the edge. The better ground might suit him a little better after hitting the frame in a Group One in France. Only Aidan O’Brien has produced a Derby winner from this race in the last 10 years, but Illinois doesn’t look like Derby material on paper. But he looks a good winner of this contest.

     

    Ascot

    A Pearle Of A Bet

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    2:40 – Victoria Cup (Premier Handicap) – Pearle D’Or @ 8/1 (Boylesports)

    David O’Meara might not have the best record in the race, but Pearle D’Or looks brilliantly suited. He had two goes at C&D last year and was beaten by a neck and won by three-quarters of a length. He’s up nine pounds in four runs, which is the sign of a nicely improving horse. But then looking at the weights, Pearle D’or is near the bottom. Middle might not be the best draw, but a good break and track to the far side will give Pearle D’or the best option of latching onto the pace.

    Ramazan hasn’t been outside the top two in four runs. And whilst 105 might be a bit too high, he has a five pound claimer on board. This brings him down to a similar mark when he was narrowly beaten in the Ayr Gold Cup. Richard Fahey’s stable is always one that doesn’t go off the boil and Northern raiders are always ones to watch at Ascot meetings. Nice each-way value 12/1 (General).

    Another O’Meara horse that might give a good showing is Rhoscolyn. He’s up a pound from last year’s run, which isn’t in his favour. But he’ll appreciate the cut in the ground and can improve from a close fourth last time out. Small stakes at 25/1 (Boylesports).

     

    Haydock

    Singing Along

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    3:15 – Swinton Handicap Hurdle (Premier) – Lark In The Mornin @ 9/4 (William Hill, BetVictor, Betfred)

    Despite being a little over 2/1, Lark In The Mornin possibly has the best value in the race. After winning the Juvenile Handicap Hurdle at Cheltenham, he’s been risen only eight pounds but is low in the weights for this race. And despite winning on heavy ground, he appreciates better ground, having been pulled twice before Cheltenham. Watch his price as he could go odds-on.

    Other nice prices, Mr Freedom will prefer the good ground and has represented some good form throughout the season. He was a long way behind Our Champ in the Sussex Champion Hurdle but finished well ahead of the third. For that, he’s been dropped a pound. Dropping in the weights for finishing second is something I can really get behind and expect a good performance at 16/1 (Betfred).

    Last year’s winner Ngolo might not be to the level Lark In The Mornin is. But he’s back to the same winning mark he was in 2022. It should be similar ground as well, but he has only come back from a break of 475 days. He’s also a similar price to his win in 2022 so it could be a case of déjà vu. 25/1 (William Hill).

    The very best of luck!

  • Four To Follow: Presse-ing On

    Four To Follow: Presse-ing On

    With a big freeze in the UK wiping out the much anticipated Clarence House, it’s a relief to have a good jumps card live at Lingfield for their Winter Million meeting. L’Homme Presse makes his seasonal comeback and could shake up the Gold Cup market with a statement win. Plus action over at Thurles too.

     

    Lingfield

    Hakuna…

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    1:15 – Lightning Novices’ Chase (Grade Two) – Matata @ 5/2 (General)

    This race has been switched from Doncaster to Lingfield, and yesterday confirmed the news that this race could be going to either Windsor or Ascot in 2025. But it can be an informative race for the Arkle, but this doesn’t look like a renewal that will cause any problems to ante-post favourite Marine Nationale.

    Having said that, it’s a competitive race and my money’s on the mare Matata. She performed admirably at Cheltenham on New Year’s Day in Handicap Company, only down by a length at the line. Her allowance puts her up as the best rated horse in the race and conditions will suit too.

     

    Presse Or Protekt?

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    3:00 – Fleur De Lys Chase – L’Homme Presse @ 8/11 (William Hill, BetVictor)

    Only established as a race last year, this could be a graded race in the near future and answer some questions in the Gold Cup puzzle. The intermediate trip could be a good proving ground for those who have the potential to stay and those who needs to drop back.

    One horse who doesn’t have that problem is L’Homme Presse. He hasn’t been seen since the 2022 King George and has bided his time to work his way back into the fray. Going on his novice form, he should outclass the struggling Protektorat, who has had a dismal season. Kim Bailey’s Does He Know hated the ground at Wetherby, and is overpriced to finish behind L’Homme Presse for me at 22/1 (BetVictor, Betfred, Boylesports).

     

    Thurles

    Haughty Taughty

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    1:05 – Irish EBF Mares Novice Chase (Grade Two) – Hauturiere @ Evs (William Hill)

    It may not look the most attractive race, but when you dig a bit deeper it’s a two-horse race. Hauturiere doesn’t just have the Mullins advantage, but acts better on yielding ground than most of the field, who act better on softer ground. Silent Approach will make it a test after her efforts in a similar race at Cork in November. But Hauturiere should have the edge here

     

    Hattrick Hero?

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    1:35 – Horse & Jockey Hotel Chase (Grade Two) – Allaho @ Evs (William Hill, Betfred)

    After Allaho’s disappointment in the King George, it makes sense to drop him back in trip in a race he’s won twice before. It’s a clear sign that Allaho will go to the Ryanair, but it’s no guarantee he’ll be favourite, or have the race at his mercy.

    Appreciate It looks best place to give him a tough challenge. Despite having not won over fences since January 2023, it’s been tricky to find Appreciate It’s true calling card. This, however, looks his perfect trip, giving how well he battled Fastorslow in the John Durkan. He can cause a little upset, against an Allaho who has question marks over him. Best price 4/1 (William Hill, BetUK).

    The very best of luck!

  • Four To Follow Derby Trials & Victoria Cup

    Four To Follow Derby Trials & Victoria Cup

    Four To Follow takes us all around the country this week, as we get more Derby and Oaks trials from Lingfield. Big field handicap action comes from Ascot, and a trip up North for a Premier Handicap Hurdle. Here are my four selections for Saturday’s racing.

    ASCOT – 2:40, Victoria Cup (Premier Handicap) – Safe Voyage @ 14/1 (William Hill)

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    The Victoria Cup is one of many seven-furlong handicaps throughout the season, and somehow always favours those drawn high. Safe Voyage is one of those, and despite being a 10-year-old he seems to be running alright. He ran in the Thirsk Hunt Cup last week and came a respectable third. It shows he hasn’t lost any pace and can mix in with the best. The ground is soft after torrential rain, and should remain that way through Saturday, so ground isn’t a problem. He checks all the boxes, despite being an old boy.

    Spycatcher is another I quite like. Like Safe Voyage he ran last week at Thirsk, and ran to form. He stays at the same mark, with the same jockey on board and fits the profile of many of the previous winners of the race. He has had one run at Ascot, but was way above his level in Group Three company. This is more to his level and can overcome a low draw to be in the mix at the finish line. A decent each-way pick at 16/1 (Boylesports)

    One at a price I really like is Darkness for David O’Meara. Never count out O’Meara in any Ascot handicap, particularly later on in the season. He’s never managed to win this race, but Darkness is one who looks like he needs the soft ground. Given that he’s fully into his season, there isn’t a question about fitness, and his last run at Newmarket wasn’t bad at all, losing by two lengths into fourth. I’ll have a small wager at 33/1 (BetVictor)

    LINGFIELD – 3:00, Lingfield Oaks Trial – Eternal Hope @ 7/2 (William Hill)

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    Lingfield’s card on Saturday is now switched to the all-weather, which means it’s a little more of a level playing field. One who could benefit is the Godolphin runner Eternal Hope. She’s by Teofilo, who hasn’t yet sired an Oaks or Derby winner, but has sired many Group One winners. The damsire for this horse is Dubawi, so there is some staying form in the bloodline. She’s had two runs on the all-weather, and the form from her last run at Chelmsford was backed up by the second. However, on paper, this doesn’t look the strongest Oaks trial we’ve had.

    HAYDOCK – 3:15, Swinton Handicap Hurdle (Premier Handicap) – Onemorefortheroad @ 11/1 (William Hill, Boylesports)

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    Onemorefortheroad is finally below a mark of 130. What’s more, he’s at a winning mark of 127. And, despite a deluge of rain at Chester, the rain hasn’t hit Haydock and is set to go off good to soft which means that he’s got his ground. He’s had a slight layoff, and this race feels like it’s been targeted by Neil King. Jack Quinlan is back on board, and should deliver for the lightly raced Onemorefortheroad.

    Hurricane Ali takes the eye further down the market. He hasn’t been seen since November 2022, and reappears fresh and with plenty of form to perform on. He finished behind Filey Bay, who franked the form, as did El Borracho on the flat at Thirsk. Hurricane Ali is at the start of his season and isn’t too bad at this time of the year either. He’s on a good mark with 5lbs been taken off by Alan Doyle. Watch out for him at 25/1 (William Hill, Boylesports)

    LINGFIELD – 3:35, Lingfield Derby Trial – Military Order @ 11/10 (General)

    Once again, it doesn’t look the strongest trial on paper. But, Military Order is a deserved favourite after winning brilliantly on reappearance at Newbury. The breeding is unquestionable, by Frankel and a brother to Derby winner Adayar. There doesn’t look to be any challenge, and the real test for Military Order will be on the Downs in June.

    The very best of luck!