Flat Racing: 4th May 2011

[RussP]

3.30 Chester Class 2, 13 runner handicap over a very sharp 5f here and you need to be a speedster with a low draw. No horse has been placed from stall 9 or above in the last 10 years so I'm discounting those drawn above 8. Of the others, Green Park should be outclassed, Noverre To Go needs another furlong, Fathom Five is stable 2nd string, Doctor Parkes & Falasteen may struggle off their revised marks, Blue Jack may not get the run of the race with its hold up style and Breathless Kiss is flattered by its run in a Group race at the weekend where the first 11 finished in a heap. The one I like is: Moorhouse Lad (9/1 Betfred BOG) - The fancy double figure prices have now gone but, at 9's, it's still tremendous value. Goes very well for the jockey, hails from a stable in form, is a fast starting front runner and has the plumb draw in box 1. Admittedly, finished down the field at Newbury on reappearance but has never shown anything after 100 day absence or more, but did show loads of speed for the first 3f or so. Also, didn't race on the best ground. Will come on a bundle for that run and is stable's only entered runner at the Chester meeting this week. Hasn't run off a mark this low for almost 4 years, in fact it's been racing mainly in Group races including several Group 1's. Shown enough last year to suggest this horse still retains its ability and can cut it at the top level. Back in a handicap, on ideal ground and from the best draw, this one will shorten in the betting and should live up to its ever decreasing odds by taking this en route to more races in Group company this season. Big chance.

[Stevet1859]

Re: Flat Racing: 4th May 2011 2:55 Chester: Admiral Barry 1pt win 12/1 Paddy Power & Blue Bajan 1pt win 25/1 Victor Chandler Admiral Barry was well fancied for the Cesarewitch last year, however that did not work out. He looks worth giving another chance, especialy as Johnny Murtagh takes over in the sadlle. Previously Admiral Barry had run some decent races in Ireland most noteably when picking up staying handicaps at The Curragh and Galway. He has not raced over hurdles this winter yet he goes pretty well fresh, so this could have been the plan since last October. Trainer Eoin Griffin has his smallish string in good order and when he books a big name jockey in Ireland it looks to be Johnny Murtagh. Blue Bajan could spring a surprise at a big price after being off for over a year. That's not necessarily a reason to write a horse off these days. His last run on the flat was a fourth in the Jockey Club cup a Group 3 at Newmarket. Going in to that race he was rated 111. He is eleven pounds lower today and has won a handicap off 100 in the past. Blue Bajan has since joined David O'Meara and he has a good record with horses transferred to him. The going will not be a problem and Blue Bajan will stay.The question is whether he retains his ability, and on balance could be worth chancing at the odds. Prices available at time of original post