DORT TRANQUILLE, 5.00 STRATFORD, a ‘bumper!’
Apparently this has worked well but how can anyone justify 1.9 BETDAQ/BETFAIR a newcomer on a track that is about as suitable for flat-racing as the Coliseum?
I’m taking my chance, especially as the jockey is nearly six-foot, TONY McCOY!
Philip Robinson remains one of the best jockeys around; his all-the-way success on Dunno at Sandown last week epitomised his professionalism, natural talent and superb judgement of pace.
Setting a pace on superior maidens is all about sorting out the wheat from the chaff, getting it right in handicaps is nigh impossible which is why ‘Robbo’ deserves ‘race of a lifetime’ award for this performance.
There are times when I’m convinced Philip is an hypnotist, certainly his rival jockeys continually tolerate him messing about with the pace, time after time, just as if under a spell. When Dunno set off, as expected, it looked a typical scenario.
On this occasion however Dunno really stretched out down the far side and was soon in rhythm bowling along in his ‘comfort zone’ but, just doing that bit more; Robinson then eased him round the top bend without any break or change in stride, at the same time getting a breather; once in the straight he resisted ‘going for it’, as so many do, and kept his mount in perfect rhythm; as they approached two furlongs out Clive Cox’s charge was absolutely flying, and contented.
All thoroughbreds are handicapped to dead-heat, Robinson knows that and so the secret of front-running is surely to race on a 90% stride, thus keeping back a percentage ‘bit’ in reserve; this was to prove the classic exhibition.
In the closing stages challengers loomed but Philip just kept pushing rhythmically, changed his hands, tapped with the whip and then, obviously to his immense satisfaction, a half-length victory.
For no reason whatsoever I’m fulfilled and satisfied watching this master-class, no wonder Philip Robinson was able to win the Hong Kong jockeys’ championship (twice!) against the very best jockeys in the World.
No ‘Robbo today, at Bath, where six of seven races are handicaps!
Only race of interest is the ten furlongs ‘aged’ handicap which offers course and distance winner, Gallego, a splendid opportunity under George Baker on my time-handicap.
Two jumps fixtures appeal more at Stratford and Perth where Graham Lee will be fancying his chance on Carsonstown Boy in the Novices’ Hurdle over two and a half miles.
‘Thrown in’ on the TH and at the Midlands venue Tandori must be backed for the Selling Hurdle over two miles; this is a bet!
Next week it’s the Epsom Derby, wonder what (of if!) ’Robbo will be riding!
Selections, Bath, 3.10 Gallego (e.w); Perth, 2.20 Carsonstown Boy (nap); 3.20 Crackerjack Lad (e.w); Stratford, 3.00 Tandori.
both have chances but are the ‘wrong’ prices; MAIN AIM, 3.05 HAYDOCK and FALLING ANGEL, 4.20 YORK.
Main Aim 2.3 BETDAQ/BETFAIR is really up against it going further, on soft ground and, according to ‘daily earner’ needs to improve.
The ‘Stoute-factor’ might influence the price but it shouldn’t and because juvenile ‘wizard’ Paul Cole saddles Falling Angel (2.1 B/B) this is another ‘poor-value’ shortie.
They are wonderful trainers but plenty of others their equal; time-handicapping rules my interpretation and I’ve laid them both.
York, Doncaster, Haydock all on the same afternoon…!
1/10 this game is being run by lunatics and wish it were possible to lay that price!
An absolute disgrace and waste of good prize-money that should be spread far better, to promote necessary interest for ’smaller’ not-so-lucky owners.
Alan Munro looks set for a ’special’ day at Haydock Park!
Both Tariq and Royal Rock are right up there on my time-handicap for prizes of more than £110000, collectively. Munro seems right back to his very best, thoroughly enjoying the status of a top jockey, following considerable time in the wilderness due to well-chronicled head injury problems. Good luck to him.
Tariq must be worth backing, each-way, in the ten-runner Timeform Jury Stakes over seven furlongs; on ground that will ride like a carpet, and from a yard massively in-form, this Peter Chapple-Hyam-trained five-year-old is all set to stake Royal Ascot claims.
Although a specialist miler Tariq shouldn’t be inconvenienced by a drop in trip for this excellent ’seventy-grand’ group three race; in fact it’s a slightly extended seven with a long straight that suits easy-flowing, long-striding thoroughbreds like Tariq.
On the TH Tariq is definitely the equal of forecast-favourite, Main Aim, unchallenged seven lengths winner of a six furlongs handicap on soft at Newbury last week; will he get further?
Chances are Main Aim wont have the slightest problem, Sir Michael Stoute’s charge certainly wasn’t stopping and what beats him will probably win. Hopefully it’s Tariq!
A tremendous six-race programme kicks-off with eleven going to post for the 3-y-o £40000 Achilles Stakes over five furlongs; find one to beat Royal Rock and you will have a good-priced winner.
It will be difficult judged on her splendid winning seasonal debut over six at this Lancashire venue, only three weeks ago; Royal Rock stormed clear to win by four lengths under George Baker.
Munro is, of course, an able deputy for this five-year-old Chris Wall-trained gelding which, interestingly, is tackling a minimum trip for the first time.
Wall learned his trade with Barry Hills, is a ’shrewdie’ and once again I’ll be playing the places, with three on offer!
Believe it or not Munro is also certain to be ‘on the premises’ with Sayif, one of nine ‘decs’ for the £40000 listed Sandy Lane Stakes over six furlongs; there are two stumbling blocks however, Spin Cycle and City Dancer.
Spin Cycle comes out best, judged on his Scottish success last month and, apparently, has thrived since.
Selections, Haydock, 2.05 Royal Rock (e.w); 3.05 Tariq (e.w); 4.10 Spin Cycle; Newbury, 7.50 Trading Nation.