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ST. LEGER MEETING
DONCASTER - Day Four the Leger Meeting
Saturday 9th September
2:00 Great North Eastern Railway Conditions Stakes Class C
"The 4 Long Pole" ~The first on the St Leger day card appears to be a straight fight between Bram Stoker, and Down to the Woods (Freefourinternet, is a nice prospect but requires more time). Bram Stoker has solid form in similar events in England and most recently at Maison Lafitte, but Down To The Woods, left a lasting impression on me at the Curragh last time. He patently failed to stay seven furlongs but had his rivals on the stretch a furlong earlier. Wouldnt be the greatest surprise if he did so again today and gets the call
No*1 CHOICE ~Down To The Woods,
(E/W) Alt. ~
2:30 Beazer Homes Handicap Class B
"The 4 Long Pole" ~ Rich Vein, Fair Warning, Darariyna, Ormelie, Wasp Ranger, Luxor, Mowelga, Tantalus, Father Juninho, Takwin, Ethmaar, and Hannibal Lad, all have chances of sorts in an open looking handicap. Rich Vein and Fair Warning both have been running creditably and have good chances. I think though that this may be another for Michael Stoute here as joint bottom weight Darariyna. She is a typical late maturing Aga Khan progeny, who is at the very least interesting on some of her formline, how easy this game could seem if Talaash runs well in the St Leger.... Darariyna although well beaten didn't run that badly behind him early in her career, and her win at Beverly is possibly evidence of her continued progression. I hope she prevails
No*1 CHOICE ~Darariyna
(E/W) Alt. ~Ethmaar, very unexposed, but potentially interesting colt
3:00 Porcelanosa Rated Stakes Class B (Handicap)
"The 4 Long Pole" ~A Trappy handicap comes next. Atlantic Rhapsody, Black Silk, Peartree House, Mayaro Bay, Mossy Moor, Free Option, and Sir Ferbet, all are entitled to the closest inspection. Peartree House may be open to further improvement if he redeploys the front running tactics, which worked so well at York. I suspect though that he may have to give best to Mossy Moor who signalled a return to form when just being touch off by Ogilia last time out at Goodwood
No*1 CHOICE ~Mossy Moor
(E/W) Alt. ~Free Option
LONG*SHOT ~ Moon Emperor
3:35 Rothmans Royals St Leger Stakes Showcase Race Class A (Group 1)
14-221 Air Marshall ~ Trained by Sir Michael Stoute 3 9-0
131002 Chimes At Midnight ~ Trained by Luke Comer 3 9-0b
7113 Dalampour ~ Trained by Sir Michael Stoute 3 9-0
320694 Going Global ~ Trained by S P C Woods 3 9-0v1
318522 Kuwait Trooper ~ Trained by G A Butler 3 9-0b
1112 Marienbard ~ Trained by M A Jarvis 3 9-0
113713 Media Puzzle ~ Trained by D K Weld 3 9-0b
5-1181 Millenary ~ Trained by J L Dunlop 3 9-0
3135 Rostropovich ~ Trained by A P O´Brien 3 9-0v1
12 Savoire Vivre ~ Trained by J H M Gosden 3 9-0 (NON RUNNER)
1361 Talaash ~ Trained by M R Channon 3 9-0
1-3142 Littlepacepaddocks ~ Trained by M Johnston 3 8-9
"The 4 Long Pole" ~ I find it a little odd that a race of this magnitude could be spoiled through lack of pace. I have said repeatedly that the truest gauge of real class is achieved in truely run events, yet we repeatedly get served up potentially meaningless Group 1 events... when will trainers learn!!!. A point of interest, while I have the highest regard for Sir Michael Stoute, I find it hard to believe that say John Oxx would not have placed a pacemaker in the field for Dalampour... after all why place yourself at a disadvantage before the race even has started in earnest? There is a strong possibly that pace of this race equates to a 1 1/2mile race, which my view will not suit the true stayers in the field, and aids the speed horses. If you agree then Millenary and Air Marshal look the logical choices.
I am howevr going to take a chance that this fact is realised and that one of these trainers will ensure that the emphasis of this race is placed on stamina. I suspect that Going Global is the most likely. If that occurs recent form between these may turn out to be meaningless. The Great Voltigeur form in particular suspect, if you appreciate that Marienbard was not 100% fit that day and that Dalampour is better coming off of the pace rather than making it. I wouldnt be certain that Air Marshal would beat these two with in a true stamina test. As Millenary only got past Air Marshal last time, he may also have the same problem, though I think he'll prove a bigger threat... I think these are the likeliest to win. I'll be praying for a fast pace because if there is Dalampour looks the one to be on.... at Marienbad's expense. He can combine speed with stamina, and I can see him making this hurt in the final quarter. He's my choice but because of the makeup of the field, I'm not as confident as I could be
No*1 CHOICE ~Dalampour
(E/W) Alt. ~Marienbad
LONG*SHOT ~Talaash
4:15 www.ladbrokes.co.uk Stakes (Handicap) Class C
"The 4 Long Pole" ~Whatever my fate in the St Leger, I feel more certain about the chances of Bound for Pleasure, who hacked up at Goodwood a fortnight ago. So easily did he win that day, that as long as he gets the run of the race, his 19 opponents are going to have problems containing him
No*1 CHOICE ~Bound for Pleasure [R*ecommended],
(E/W) Alt. ~Mini Lodge
4:45 Polypipe Flying Childers Stakes Class A (Group 2)
"The 4 Long Pole" ~ Superstar Leo, Romantic Myth, Misty Eyed, Zilch, Proceed With Care, and Joplin, are the likeliest winners of the penultimate event. Superstar Leo, humbled by Minardi last time out, holds some of these on previous meetings, and is likely to confirm those placings again.... it may though be worth taking a chance with Zilch who maybe was unlucky to be caught in the Gimcrack Stakes last time out, and may be suited by the minimum trip
No*1 CHOICE ~Zilch
(E/W) Alt. ~Joplin
5:20 Pegler Nursery Class D
"The 4 Long Pole" ~Lil's Jessy, Aker Wood, Mythical Jinks, Whale Beach, Boisdale, Clanbroad, Knock, and Uhoomagoo figure in one last jigsaw for punters to solve at this meeting. I don't have strong views on the event however of these Aker Wood, and Uhoomagoo make the most appeal. Aker Wood unlucky in running in a similar event at York 18 days ago is marginally preferred
No*1 CHOICE ~Aker Wood
(E/W) Alt. ~Uhoomagoo
The Flatman's Selections
2:00 Great North Eastern Railway Conditions Stakes Class C
"The Flatman" ~ Bram Stoker
(E/W) Alt. ~
2:30 Beazer Homes Handicap Class B
"The Flatman" ~Darariyna
(E/W) Alt. ~ Ethmaar
3:00 Porcelanosa Rated Stakes Class B (Handicap)
"The Flatman" ~Black Silk
(E/W) Alt. ~
3:35 Rothmans Royals St Leger Stakes Showcase Race Class A (Group 1)
"The Flatman" ~Millenary
(E/W) Alt. ~
4:15 www.ladbrokes.co.uk Stakes (Handicap) Class C
"The Flatman" ~Mini Lodge
(E/W) Alt. ~Westgate Run
4:45 Polypipe Flying Childers Stakes Class A (Group 2)
"The Flatman" ~Misty Eyed
(E/W) Alt. ~
5:20 Pegler Nursery Class D
"The Flatman" ~Borders Belle (E/W)
(E/W) Alt. ~
DONCASTER - Day Three of the Leger Meeting
Friday 8th September
1:30 DBS St Leger Yearling Stakes Class B
"The 4 Long Pole" ~ Blue Reigns, Fair Princess, Cedar Du Liban, Scottish Law, Carnot, Forever My Lord, Milly's Lass, Sharp Secret, Double Brew, Flying Turk, Fenwicks Pride, Foley Millennium, and Lion In The Course, are some of those with chances in this awful race to open the card with. Whilst 1 Blue Reigns, Fair Princess, and Scottish Law, are likely to prove popular, i'm going to take a chance with Forever My Lord. He has been in good heart of late, and I'd forgive him his last run when only 7th of 17, 12l behind Perfect Plum at Newcastle.... the monsoon like conditions on the day were against him. Dermot Weld's challenger from Ireland, Cedar Du Liban is the one I fear the most of his rivals
No*1 CHOICE ~ Forever My Lord
(E/W) Alt ~ Cedar Du Liban,
2:05 Joy UK Conditions Stakes Class B
"The 4 Long Pole" ~ Assuming this is run at a sensible gallop, this should develop into a straight battle between Kookaburra, and Man O'Mystery. Kookaburra is currently rated higher of these, and a 4l win at Newbury proves that he is in good heart, howevr Man O Mystery's head defeat by Sobriety in the John Smiths Magnet Cup at York reads better in my humble view, and if wouldnt surprise me if he improved on that effort, enough to take the spoils
No*1 CHOICE ~ Man O Mystery
(E/W) Alt ~
2:35 Rothmans Royals Mallard Stakes Showcase Handicap Class B
"The 4 Long Pole" ~ Romantic Affair, Afterjacko, Eminence Grise, Temple Way, Bay Of Islands, Mowbray, Virgin Soldier, Cover Up, and Kennet, appeal to me in this open staying handicap. I'll be hoping that Richard Hughes jumps out and attempts to replicate Tempest Way's winning performance at Glorious Goodwood. The form of that race was boosted with Jardines Outlook's unfortunate win/disqualification at the Ebor Meeting. If you ignore the bad effort, he goes into this with great credentials... worth chancing anyway
No*1 CHOICE ~ Temple Way
(E/W) Alt ~ Afterjacko
3:05 thehorsesmouth.co.uk Champagne Stakes Class A (Group 2)
"The 4 Long Pole" ~ Those of who read the Ebor summary, will no doubt remember me eulogising over Ghayth, after his unlucky in running effort at Ascot. He put matters right at York with a smooth success, and whilst this is more competitive I take him to win this from Chianti, Noverre, and Cd Europe. Cd Europe is the most interesting of these and a bold bid is expected from this Royal Ascot winner
No*1 CHOICE ~ Ghayth [R*ecommended],
(E/W) Alt ~ Cd Europe
3:40 Amco Corporation Troy Stakes Class A (Listed Race)
"The 4 Long Pole" ~ Blue Gold, King of the Mana, Lear Spear, and Maylane arte the only horses that appeal to me in the fifth on the card. If Lear's Spear's third behind Giants Causeway and Kalanisi is interpreted literally, he is going to be extremely hard to beat. My personal view is that the first two were a lot better than the others, and there are dangers in taking it literally. That said though he should score and therefore is the selection, however i'm not brimful with confidence, and it wouldnt surprise me if Blue Gold, or the Rogue supreme, Maylane "Did Him" close home
No*1 CHOICE ~ Lear Spear
(E/W) Alt ~ Maylane
4:10 Fenner Conveyor Belting Challenge Trophy (Conditions Stakes) Class C
"The 4 Long Pole" ~ Despite the presence of useful handicapper El Gran Papa, and Spencers Wood, I have been impressed with Summer View in both of his starts this term, and I think he is potentially a grade better than these two. That's long term, but I still believe he is good enough to give weight and a beating to these
No*1 CHOICE ~ Summer View [R*ecommended],
(E/W) Alt ~ Dramatic Quest
4:40 CPL Industries Handicap Stakes Class D
"The 4 Long Pole" ~ There may be 22 runners in the last, however Labrett, Bodfari Komaite, Palawan, Statoyork, and Anthony Mon Amour, all are in good form and I'd expect the winner to be amongst them. Statoyork, a 3/4 of a length winner over Sharp Hat at Haydock last time, is in the middle of a good run, and marginally gets the call over Labrett and Anthony Mon Amour, who may not have appreciate Epsom's undulations last time out
No*1 CHOICE ~ Statoyork
(E/W) Alt ~ Anthony Mon Amour
DONCASTER - Day Two of the Leger Meeting
Thursday 7th September
1:30 Kyoto Scarbrough Stakes (Class A) (Listed Race) (2yo+) Winner £14,508.00 5f
"The Flat Man" ~ Astonished has done nothing wrong this season (even in defeat at Sandown) and as he is still open to some improvement is a confident choice to land this. Lord Kintyre and Perryston View both appear to have something to find even at their best and may cut each other's throats in this. Rambling Bear is selected therefore for the forecast.
No*1 CHOICE ~ Astonished
(E/W) Alt ~ Rambling Bear
"The 4 Long Pole" ~ Perryston View's good early pace will ensure the race is run to suit Astonished. This recent winner of a listed event at Deauville, looks to possess too much armoury for these, and if he gets the run of the race he should score.... it wouldnt surprise me if Perryston View followed him home
No*1 CHOICE ~ Astonished
(E/W) Alt ~
2:05 G.N.E.R. White Rose Park Stakes (Class A) (Group 3) (3yo+) Winner £21,000.00 1m
"The Flat Man" ~ Not an easy call here. Swallow Flight has come on a bundle this year and deserves a Group success. He has a good opportunity here. However, I suspect Valentino may thwart him if he can produce his close second to Giants Causeway in the St James's Palace Stakes - that is smart Group 1 form and should be good enough to suffice. O the others, On the Ridge definitely needs soft to show his best, Distant Music (I have heard nothing that he is back to his 2 year old best) and Barathea Guest is tried back over a mile - connections seem to be getting desperate. This leaves Cape Town who may go close - certainly up to winning this - but again he may prefer some ease in the ground.
No*1 CHOICE ~ Valentino
(E/W) Alt ~
"The 4 Long Pole" ~ A very trappy event for punters. No certain pace on here, so either On the Ridge, or Swallow Flight may be forced to take on the responsibility. Even harder to determine what comes next? ... Distant Music arguably the best two year old of last term hasn't in truth lived up to that billing. He could win at his best but is not one you'd back with confidence after his long absence due to injury. Barathea Guest, and Cape Town have disapointed recently, and you don't know what level of performance you'll get from them. This leaves the other two Swallow Flight and Valentino are the preferred by default. The Flatman rightly argues that Valentino's close defeat is good form however one career win is very off-putting. Swallow Flight who in his last time starts have finished just behind Observatory and Kalanisi is the more resolute... he's a 'winner'. If this comes down to this factor, the doubts about Valentino is enough for me to oppose him... Swallow Flight gets the call over Valentino and Distant Music
No*1 CHOICE ~ Swallow Flight
(E/W) Alt ~
2:35 Rothmans Royals May Hill Stakes (Class A) (Group 3) (2yo) Winner £24,000.00 1m GOOD
"The Flat Man" ~ Very good contest. I was impressed by Esyyoueffcee at Beverley and similarly by Ameerat's maiden win at Goodwood but this is tougher and they will need to improve. This is likely, however. I can also see Elrehaan and Bring Plenty putting up good shows. But, such was the manner of Karasta's demolition job at Newmarket (only a maiden) that I will have to stick with this one until she is beaten.
No*1 CHOICE ~ Karasta
(E/W) Alt ~ Bring Plenty
"The 4 Long Pole" ~ In total agreement with my colleague on the selection.... Karasta looked an extremely useful 'tool' when she won at Newmarket and you'd be disapointed if she lost. I was impressed with Amareet and I'm certain she'll be placed. Candice is apparently still improving with racing and like the principles should appreciate a step up to a mile... wouldnt surprise me if she went well
No*1 CHOICE ~ Karasta
(E/W) Alt ~ Candice
3:10 Great North Eastern Railway Doncaster Cup (Class A) (Group 3) (3yo+) Winner £24,000.00 2m2f
"The Flat Man" ~ Take Enzeli to redeem his reputation here after his Gold Cup flop at the main expense of Rainbow High who has come right back to his best recently. Cannot see there will be much in it but I just prefer the Irish raider. Dominant Duchess is unbeaten this year but probably needs further improvement to win this. San Sebestian will appreciate this step up in trip but will probably not quite be good enough.
No*1 CHOICE ~ Enzeli
(E/W) Alt ~
"The 4 Long Pole" ~ For differing reasons you can argue a case of sorts for San Sebastian, Rainbow High, Churlish Charm, Persian Punch, Enzeli, Dominant Duchess, Eilean Shona, Spirit Of Love, and Three Cheers... I think that's the problem. Enzeli has to be the best on form, but do you forgive him after his poor run in the Gold Cup... (Not sure blinkers are a good sign). That said, nothing equals that form he will be hard to beat. Rainbow High at his best would win and his recent runs suggest that he is the current form horse... again a reproduction of his Goodwood Cup effort gives him strong claims... strong enough to oppose Enzeli... but without any real conviction. Of the others Eilean Shona, was extremely unlucky in running last time and if she got the run of the race, it wouldn't surprise me if she made a bold bid, i'm fairly certain she would have beaten Dominant Duchess, who reopposes again today
No*1 CHOICE ~ Rainbow High
(E/W) Alt ~ Eilean Shona,
3:40 Play Scoop6 On totalbet.com Sceptre Stakes Showcase Race (Class A) (Listed) (3yo+) Winner £15,151.50 7f
"The Flat Man" ~ Cantina is in good nick this year but you would have to doubt her ability to take this. Last Resort is likely to set the pace and could set this up for a finisher. Verbose is sure to go close (has listed form) but I'll stick with Littlefeather to confirm the impression she gave me last time that she is very much one to follow from now on and is capable of plenty of improvement yet (which does not apply to many of these frankly).
No*1 CHOICE ~ Littlefeather
(E/W) Alt ~
"The 4 Long Pole" ~ I suspect if she stays the trip Littlefeather will sluice in, but whether I would want to take the odds on that is a different issue. If you get offered eachway odds, then I'd have a bet on Vale of Avalon whose guaranteed to get the trip and more importantly didn't run badly against Nicobar last time out at Epsom in a listed event
No*1 CHOICE ~ Vale of Avalon (E/W if offered)
Alt ~ Littlefeather
LONG*SHOT ~ Kalindi
4:10 Prince of Wales Cup (Nursery Handicap) (Class B) (2yo) Winner £15,015.00 1m GOOD
"The Flat Man" ~ Peregian, Black Knight, Northfields Dancer and Snowstorm should be looked at very closely. But I think Specific Sorceror is on such an upward curve at the moment that he will take some stopping here and can complete his hat trick with the minimum of fuss.
No*1 CHOICE ~ Specific Sorceror
(E/W) Alt ~ Northfields Dancer
"The 4 Long Pole" ~ Peregian, Snow Storm, Black Knight, Specific Sorceror, Northfields Dancer, Pasithea, look the likeliest winners of the sixth race on the card. If you follow FURLONG TO GO's Selections closely you'll note that I have given positive comments/write-ups about Black Knight each time he ran. It was therefore something of a surprise that he disapointed so badly last time out at Ascot behind Saratov. It is comforting to now know that he picked up a virus before the race, and was ill afterwards. As he's now been given time to get over that. He is selected in the hope that he puts his best foot forward again here. Noble Doble, Snow Storm, and Specific Sorceror, are the horses I fear most
No*1 CHOICE ~ Black Knight
(E/W) Alt ~ Noble Doble
4:40 Doncaster Free Press Ladies Day Handicap (Class C) (3yo+, 0-90) Winner £7,605.00 7f
"The Flat Man" ~ Likely to be run at a good pace courtesy of Zucchero, Mister Mal, and Pays D'Amour. I would have felt strongly about Mister Mal's chances here but for all this pace in the race. Although, perhaps not entirely trustworthy or an easy ride, I think the race is ideal for Volontiers to show his best and he is a tentative selection. Branston Fizz may go well.
No*1 CHOICE ~ Volontiers
(E/W) Alt ~
"The 4 Long Pole" ~ A ridiculously open race to end the card... Arpeggio, Boldly Goes, Mister Mal, Peacock Alley, Volontiers, Al Muallim, Branston Fizz, Topton, Mantles Pride, Pips Magic, Supreme Salutation, Barabaschi, China Red, Emerging Market, and Pays D'Amour, all have good chances. It's a race I'd give a wide berth to really but FURLONG TO GO give selections for every race… Therefore if he gets the run of the race Arpeggio who could not have been more impressive at Lingfield on Monday must go close. I'll side with him, but also think that Barabaschi, and Supreme Salutation both could go well at large prices
No*1 CHOICE ~ Arpeggio
(E/W) Alt ~ Barabaschi,
LONG*SHOT ~ Supreme Salutation
DONCASTER - Day One of the Leger Meeting
Wednesday 6th September
1:30 sport4cast.com Conditions Stakes Class C Winner £7,020.00 to be run over 7furlongs
The Flat Man ~ The well-regarded Tempest is likely to go off favourite here despite Overspect being the form selection. While I can understand that stance, I believe that Healey despite the race conditions being against him - he has to give 6 pounds and more to his rivals - has displayed such a devastating turn of foot in both his starts to date that this asset can prove decisive in this contest.
No*1 CHOICE ~ Healey
(E/W) Alt. ~
The 4 Long Pole ~ Not going to disagree with my learned colleague. Having selected Healey to win last time out at Ripon, I was impressed, if not surprised by the acceleration he showed inside the final quarter. An additional furlong is ideal and whilst 6-1 will not be offered about him today, hopefully he gets us off onto a good start
No*1 CHOICE ~Healey
(E/W) Alt. ~
2:05 European Breeders Fund Carrie Red Fillies' Nursery Stakes (Handicap) (Class B) for two-year-olds
Winner £22,620.00 to be run over 61/2f furlongs
The Flat Man ~ A varying case can be made for any number of these. From the lower end of the handicap, I can see Silken Wings running well and improving over this more suitable trip, but overall, I see those at the top of the weight range dominating. Of those, top of the shot Becky Simmons can go close as can the consistent trio Silk Law, Innit and the penalised Samadilla. The penalised Samadilla gets the nod, as she is likely to show further improvement as she goes up in trip and will relish this extended 6F and is clearly in good heart at present.
No*1 CHOICE ~Samadilla
(E/W) Alt. ~Silken Wings
The 4 Long Pole ~ Samadilla, M´Auld Segoisha, Innit, Becky Simmons Injaaz, Silk Law, Silken Wings, Komena and Strumpet, look the likeliest to succeed in the second. Samadilla, a half length success over Face D Facts in a Class D Nursery, and Injaaz a winner at Nottingham are likely to be well supported but arguably requires to improve over this extended trip to succeed. Silk Law's 3rd to Saratov in a Class B conditions event stands out, and over this slightly shorter trip may prevail over Strumpet, and the relatively unexposed M´Auld Segoisha, who ran well at Haydock last time out
No*1 CHOICE ~ Silk Law
(E/W) Alt. ~ M´Auld Segoisha
2:35 Tote Trifecta Portland Showcase Handicap (Class B) (3yo+, 0-110) Winner £22,327.50 to be run over 51/2f furlongs
The Flat Man ~
Azizzi may well have been laid out for this but looks to have a stiff task nonetheless after his unplaced effort earlier this week. But it has the whiff of a plot and I suspect he may go well. I am not a fan of Compton Banker who always seems to find trouble but on a point of handicapping must go well. The class sprinter in the race with the most potential is Pepperdine (witness his first time out effort this year) and in a race that is not that special I'll take a chance he can recapture that form off a reasonable weight here. His run last time can be ignored as he was appallingly drawn and he ran ok in listed company before that. Representing master sprint trainer Dandy Nicholls, he can oblige at the main expense of Smart Predator and Majic Rainbow.
No*1 CHOICE ~Pepperdine
(E/W) Alt. ~
The 4 Long Pole ~ 22 runner sprint, plenty of whom can be given chances. Brecongill Lad, Compton Banker, Dorchester, Cadeaux Cher, Pepperdine, Smart Predator, Magic Rainbow, Sheer Viking, Ellens Lad, Ho Leng, Lago Di Varano, Azizzi, Bold Effort, and Further Outlook, all have either run well or knock on fortune's door... whose turn will it be today? I'll be brave and suggest Sheer Viking, 5th of 18, 3l behind Ivory's Joy at Haydock last time out after meeting interference in running. Barry Hills yard is in probably the best level of form it's been in of late, and if he gets the run of the race he should prevail at the expense of Brecongill Lad, Dorchester, and Further Outlook
No*1 CHOICE ~ Sheer Viking
(E/W) Alt. ~ Further Outlook
3:10 £200000 St Leger Yearling Stakes (Class B) (2yo) Winner £155,950.00 to be run over 6furlongs
The Flat Man ~ Race four is another contest for the optimists amongst you. My few against the field would include Mujado, Elsie Plunkett, Pan Jammer and Reel Buddy (but many more can be given chances). I think Elsie Plunkett may be better at 5F and Pan Jammer might prove best at 7F. With Reel Buddy and the Hannon team striking form with a vengeance he may take some stopping from now on in, but I'll give the vote to Mujado who after a couple of promising efforts in maidens came good last time and can make the most of the weight concession here.
No*1 CHOICE ~ Mujado
(E/W) Alt. ~Reel Buddy
The 4 Long Pole ~ Several with chances and I couldn't leave Mujado, Pan Jammer, Elsie Plunkett, Reel Buddy, Galapagos Girl, Stregone, Where's Jasper, Double Fantasy, Final Pursuit, Goggles, Imperial Measure, Takaroa, and Threezedzz, out of calculations. Mujado could be anything, but I prefer to stick with the proven form, and it's the weight that stops me selecting Pan Jammer. His form with Endless Summer is solid Grade A form, and there little in evidence here. One exception is Elsie Plunkett and it may be worth trusting her stamina in receipt of 9lbs from him
No*1 CHOICE ~ Elsie Plunkett
(E/W) Alt. ~ Threezedzz,
3:40 Rothmans Royals Park Hill Stakes (Class A) (Group 3) (3yo+ fillies & mares) Winner £24,000.00 to be run over 1m61/2furlongs
The Flat Man ~I think the hats will be flying after this event for the Queen. But not with the better fancied Interlude but with Film Script who I have been waiting for to step up to this sort of trip for a little while now. I think she can find the necessary improvement (not a great deal required in any case) to take this. She is a most consistent and likeable sort. Cephalonia has a bit to find and Interlude can run well but the each way choice is Inforapenny.
No*1 CHOICE ~ Film Script
(E/W) Alt. ~ Inforapenny
The 4 Long Pole ~ Cephalonia is a strong choice for the Park Hill. Her game plan is simple. Make all, and make it hurt... and she does that to good effect, even making Samsaam suffer defeat at her hands at Newmarket by a neck last time. She is guaranteed to get he trip, and this equine metronome should set a pace too strong for these. I do agree with The Flatman that the Royal runners are to be feared, and either one should give you a good eachway run for your money...... I'll side with Interlude
No*1 CHOICE ~Cephalonia [R*ecommended],
(E/W) Alt. ~Interlude
4:10 Thoroughbred Breeders' Association Maiden Stakes (Class D) (2yo) Winner £4,251.00 to be run over 1mile
The Flat Man ~ I think it is important to side with those with experience. This presents a stiff test for those making their debuts. On that basis, I would look no further than Mosaahim to put his pleasing first effort to good use at the expense of likely favourite Perfect Sunday and Thundermill.
No*1 CHOICE ~ Mosaahim
(E/W) Alt. ~
The 4 Long Pole ~ Mosaahim was going to be my choice over Perfect Sunday, but I am extremely attracted to Dawari on breeding (half-brother to flat and hurdles winner Darapour). The fact he is well entered up (only runner with a Group 1 entry) suggests he's pleasing connections at home. If I could see him in the preliminaries I'd know whether he is best left alone or not, unfortunately I cant so I'm suggesting him but suggest that if you agree with The Flatman that you'll side with Mosaahim
No*1 CHOICE ~ Dawari
(E/W) Alt. ~Theatre Script
4:40 Queen's Own Yorkshire Dragoons Classified Stakes (Class C) (3yo+, 0-85) Winner £7,377.50 to be run over 1m21/2furlongs
The Flat Man ~ Modest handicap to end the day. Radio Star and Scheming are lightly raced and open to improvement but have plenty to do particularly the former (won 4 runner event over much shorter on debut). With most of the others either difficult to win with or simply not good enough I think Via Camp, who is going the right way and from the in form Dunlop yard has a little bit in hand at the weights. The slightly disappointing Stage Direction may give this one most to do.
No*1 CHOICE ~ Via Camp [R*ecommended],
(E/W) Alt. ~
The 4 Long Pole ~ Don't like most of these at all, and if I had to have a wager, Scheming and Culzean would be my choices. There was a lot to like about Scheming's win at Haydock over Shair, and whilst that horse maybe isn't the best horse ever to don Sheik Mohammed's colours, he is a useful yardstick who he beat fair and square. I'll hope that Green Card rejuvenated by two wins over hurdles puts his best foot forward and sets a strong pace... strong enough for Culzean, a respectable 6lengths behind the well backed Blue Sugar at Newmarket last time, to put his reluctant head in front... its that sort of race folks!!!
No*1 CHOICE ~ Culzean
(E/W) Alt. ~ Scheming (Almost an equal choice if I'm frank)
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