Flat racing 9th May

[bowles10]

Another good midweek fayre tomorrow This is what i wrote on my windsor thread about STARWATCH 7.10 A handicap at last to look at! DUKE OF CLARENCE will not get the race run to suit tonight with its victory here on soft ground, the ground is drying out after a couple of decent sunny days in these parts. You need to be leading here or in front rank as the leaders dont come back to the field. Those prominent runners are STARWATCH and ISHIKAWA and these 2 could lead the others throughout. Ishikawa trained by Alan King who does ok here when he visits, has never won on turf (0 from 7) but won 5 times on the AW from 16 races, lastly off a mark of 74. Jockey SWEENEY has been in the saddle for all 5 wins and rides tonight. STARWATCH is stepping up in trip and has only won up to a mile. Last win was at Goodwood off OR 84 last june and with the claim tonight, the horse runs off OR79 so certainly capable of winning this off 5lb less. The young jockey Twiston-Davies is also having a decent start to the season so wont be surprised if this one goes close. The ground suits also but i wonder if they may take this one to either Epsom or Goodwood next as it acts on undulating tracks so keep an eye out. Runs in the 2.30 at Goodwood tomorrow off the OR79 as WTD again takes the ride. Deffo suited by these sort of tracks. Epsom 31116 Goodwood 455117 Brighton 42338 Thats 16 runs in total at 3 undulating tracks giving a return of 5 wins (31%) and 4 places (25%), whereas career total is 8 from 50 (16%) with 8 places (16%) Squeeze out a couple of extra points with 22/1 Betvictor (mainly 20's)

[bowles10]

Re: Flat racing 9th May 2.15 Chester GABRIAL @ 11/4 PP appeals as well tomorrow. Owner stated at the weekend that the horse is possibly the best he has owned, already a course winner over 7f, now needs to prove it will stay 10f, i have a slight concern if the ground does change but i think the horse will get the trip here

[Stevet1859]

Re: Flat racing 9th May 1:45 Chester: Assizes 1pt win 12/1 Paddy Power & Halfsin 1pt win 16/1 Bet Victor Assizes had a fairly moderate season last time around and as a result gets a little respite from the handicapper. Also this firmer going may suit better today. With Mark Johnston going well his horses can often spring back to form and a handy draw will help his cause. Halfsin has a very similar profile having had a modest season in 2012. He has been acquired by Dr Marwan Koukash who makes some shrewd purchases, so presumably Halfsin has been showing enough to convince him and his advisers he is worth the money. Could pop up at a biggish price if recapturing his old form. 3:15 Chester: Breton Rock 1pt win 6/1 Bet365 Breton Rock is out of the handicap and races on different ground to his previous two wins. However, it would be reasonable to think that he can go better on this sounder surface and with David Simcock in fine form a good run looks on the cards.

[BillyHills]

Re: Flat racing 9th May

2.15 Chester: Stella Artois Huxley Stakes (Group 3) (1m2f75y) Interesting renewal of the Huxley Stakes and one or two need to prove their stamina at this trip including favourite Gabrial, he did win well last time and this track is more about speed so could well be up to the task but I prefer the Balding horse Bonfire on the form book. He made a fair seasonal reappearance and if he can step up on that he should be good enough. Danadana improved throughout last season and will surely make sure this is a proper test and will take advantage of any frailties the others may show and is worth a saver at the prices. Selections: 3pts Bonfire 100/30

Stan James 1pt Danadana 9/2 >William Hill

Full Preview; http://www.punterslounge.com/chester-betting-bonfire-can-bounce-back-to-form-in-huxley-stakes-at-chester-20130509

[robertob]

Re: Flat racing 9th May 15.15 Chester: Flashlight @ 15/1 betfair - 1pt win This Mark Johnston colt looks pretty exposed but I thought he ran a race full of credit and way better than the bare result suggested last time at Newmarket in a competitive Handicap. He travelled in rear that day, what was a change in tactics compared to most of his races, and not the best position in a slowly run race. From 4f out he looked to be under pressure, very much so when the pace increased. He lost ground and found it difficult to get back on terms but he battled really hard showing a lovely attitude and finished in good style in the closing stages eventually. He didn't run too bad in all his races before this year I feel as at Sandown he made all, travelled strongly and had the field on the stretch from 3f out, he fought on gamely but didn't have more to offer when headed over 1/2f out. This came over 1m as well the most recent performance, a distance that should suit on pedigree. More than sharp 6f at Pontefract, where he ran in early April, when he missed the break, was under pressure early on as a result and didn't have the speed to cope with the eventual winner but staying on well in 2nd place. Before that he won easily and in style a decent handicap at Southwell. Overall I think he's pretty much overlooked here, because he's certainly not a sexy horse, but it looks an open race and I would assume he'll go from the front again tomorrow, which should be about the right thing at Chester, and with ground to suit and distance fine and also some good performance in recent weeks in the form book I think he can run a big race.

[Aidymac]

Re: Flat racing 9th May *Bonfire > Chester 2:15 > WIN @ 10/3 VC BOG* Won the Dante at York back in May 2012. Not been at his best since, and rather disappointed me last time out in a Group 3 behind Mull Of Kinlough, but this horse has by far the best form in the book when winning the Dante, and could have possibly needed the run last time out. Balding yard are in good form, and I think we will see a much better run tomorrow under the Fortune drive. *Mister Impatience > Chester 2:45 > WIN @ 12/1 VC BOG* Looks a very attractive price here. Sometimes pays off to be prominent at Chester, and I can see this Mark Johnston horse taking up the early lead and will try to get the rest off the bridle. Won a maiden at Nottingham by 6 lengths and followed that up with a very impressive 9 length win at Doncaster in a handicap. Wasn't at his best last time out, but went off 11/10 so better was expected. Looks overpriced here to me.

[StuSimmy]

Re: Flat racing 9th May

17:00 Chester

David Barron sends just the one runner to Chester today and having trained a couple of winners at the venue last year, he will be looking for more this year. The 6 year old

Tres Coronas

is his only runner on the card today, a consistent enough gelding who has won 6 times from 39 races. He has won from distances from 5 furlongs up to 10 furlongs, the majority of which over 10 furlongs (3 wins) which is the distance he runs over today. He has now gone 12 races since his last turn in the winners enclosure where he ran out a one length winner in a 16 runner handicap at Newcastle in April 2012 off a mark of 84. He was well beaten in the remainder of his races last year, competing in handicaps off marks of high as 88 and ending the year on a mark of 78. He made his reappearance back at Newcastle off a mark of 76 and although he finished 4/8 and was beaten by 4 and a quarter lengths, he did make some headway late on which caight the eye. He was then 2nd to the horse who won the race at Newcastle in his next race at Doncaster, again over 10 furlongs ( the winner,

Beaumont's Party

who runs earlier in the card so could boost that form further depending on how he fares). He was then sent to Haydock off a mark of 78 where he was caught very late on to lose the race by a head (3 lengths clear of the remainder). He has been raised 5lbs for that which is a bit of a worry but he is still below his last winning mark and looks to have hit back to form this season. He has visited the course twice, both over course and distance, beaten by a short head in 2nd in 2011 here off a mark of 83 (today's mark) and 5/11 off a mark of 87 so his course form isn't too bad and this is a bit of a specialist track so the fact he has shown a bit of liking to the course is a positive. He is drawn high in stall 11 but over this 10 furlong trip I don't feel the draw is that big a factor but will go each way due to this.

2pts E/W Tres Coronas @ 15/2 (

>Paddy Power

- BOG)

[StuSimmy]

Re: Flat racing 9th May

14:30 Goodwood

Mark Johnston has a 36% strike rate with his 3 year olds so far this season which is a remarkable record and he has a chance of improving that % today in this race with the lightly raced

Enzaal

. This colt makes the switch to turf for the first time having ran in four maiden races on the all weather. His first 3 races were all over 6-7 furlongs and werenm't much to shout about but he was upped in trip to 9 furlongs for the first time last time out where he finally got his head in front when staying on really well to land his race by a head. He certainly thrived on the extra distance and should be in with a great chance to go in again over the same distance in his first race in handicap company. May have got in lightly off a mark of 79 and I expect him to come into his own a bit in handicap company. There are several other interesting contenders in the race so this is by no means an easy task but it certainly is a good opportunity for him to win again.

1pt win Enzaal @ 6/1 (

>Paddy Power

- BOG)

[Trotter]

Re: Flat racing 9th May I've been looking at Highland Knight for the Huxley stakes, 2.15 Chester He's a group 2 winner in a group 3 with no penalty. He has to go left handed and he lugs to his left, he's a front runner so should get the rail, the track suits front runners and the small field should as well He's also a horse that usually needs a run or two to get race fit and he's had his 2 runs He nearly won a group 2 a couple of weeks ago but went left near the finish and Trumpet major nipped up his inside to pip him Everything looks great except for the trip.............extended 10 furlongs. He's 6 years old and suddenly he's upped in trip. This is a worry as you have to wonder why they've never tried it before Oh well.............I'm off to the Dentist.............:cry.................I'll have another look when i get back

[The Saint]

Re: Flat racing 9th May 215 Chester [ATTACH]4776[/ATTACH] Think I will be siding with Trotter above @ the current prices. Highland Knight has to prove he stays but has performed well around Epsom over 9f which bodes well for todays mission. Has already won a Group 2 in Germany and to my eye and figures improved massivly from his seasonal debut when chasing home Trumpet Major in a Group 2 @ Sandown last time out. Was beaten 2.5l by Stand My Ground @ Doncaster yet beat the same animal 9l @ Sandown. Obviously, that's too simplistic but I do make him the best horse in the race and @ 9/2 has to be the bet. If you did play and are lucky enough to have a £3.65 account then crack on with them because they'll afford you a freebie on the next C4 race up to £50 if it wins. If you happen to know Dandana is turning up fit n ready I couldn't put you off that either but am happy to watch Gabrial at under 3/1 given that the recent gelding does not seem to have robbed the animal of a quirky personality. Reported as the good Dr's best chance of the week but I can let it go at 11/4. Bonfire was massivly dissappointing after last years Dante where he looked to have loads of class. Think he has been gelded too and for me, he'd have to come on a bundle for his seasonal debut where he was(to my eye) very dissappointing. Good Luck to all involved today :ok

[Bathtime For Rupert]

Re: Flat racing 9th May 1.45 Chester - 3pts win Eshtibaak @ 11/2 (Bet365) Been waiting for this horse to return to action following a promising reappearance in the Lincoln at Doncaster last month. I really fancied him that day as a potential group horse in a handicap and although he flattered to deceive ultimately, there was plenty to like about his effort. He travelled into the race like a potential winner but didn't pick up quite as expected and ended up beaten 4 lengths. It just looked like he was in need of the outing for a yard whose horses were tending to do so at the time but they're flying now and this one certainly has handicaps in him off this mark. Was very unlucky on his final start of last year in July when finishing full of running but had no passage and now with the run under his belt on his reappearance he can prove tough to beat back up in trip whilst not lacking the pace to handle the track. 2.15 Chester - 3pts win Gabrial @ 11/4 (Bet365) Richard Fahey's runner is a nutcase without a shadow of a doubt but has bundles of ability and looks more than capable of landing this race. From two runs at this unique venue have resulted in a win and a close second and it's probable that the course helps to minimise the potential carnage that he can create. So long as he handles the bends okay - which he seems to - then what he does up the straight may be immaterial. He has a tendency to hang but the tight nature of the track means he can't hang for miles and miles which is an obvious plus should he bring out his party trick. Although he has to prove himself over this trip, if he's going to stay it then he'll do it here and he sees out a mile strongly on more galloping courses and the quick ground will also help him get home and boost his chances as he loves to hear his hooves rattle. Comes here off the back of a good win last time at Doncaster and has a cracking chance at the weights. 4.25 Chester - 1pt win You Da One @ 15/2 (VC) Andrew Balding's horses are in decent form at the moment and in sprints at Chester it is often pivotal to be drawn low. Especially in a field of 15 like this. My selection comes out of stall 3 this afternoon which is obviously ideal and has utilised his early pace in the past. He's lightly raced but loves to be up with the gallop and that really should play to his strengths this afternoon. If you have a wall of horses in front of you around here it's often very difficult but so long as David Probert can bounce this one out from his draw and get into a handy position, he has the form to go close. It took him five starts to get off the mark in a poor race at Lingfield last time out when a 7l winner but was regularly running well before that. Ran well twice at the back-end of last season over 7f but just shaped like dropping back to 6f would be ideal and ran okay on his reappearance when 2nd over that trip at Kempton. Just looks to me like a horse who will love an easy 6f which favours front-runners and with the hood on for the first time, should go well for a very long way. 5.00 Chester - 1pt win Modernism @ 16/1 (Hills) Returns to the flat after a fairly disappointing spell over hurdles for John Ferguson but holds plenty of decent form on the level and I think the step back in trip can suit. Although he was a 1m4f winner at Goodwood last year he had the run of it in front and didn't really need to stay strongly to get his head in front. He's regularly found wanting at the death over further so this looks really interesting to me so long as he's fit and ready to go. Has joined Alan McCabe and has been off the track for a few months but won on his debut and Fallon is up. Was a good 4th in a hot Ascot handicap off this mark last season and I think a front-runners 1m2f will suit him as he loves to get up with the pace. There doesn't seem fierce competition for the lead in here so his draw in stall 8 may not be a nightmare and hopefully he can get a good position. The fact he probably stays a bit further can suit him from near the front and he relishes quick ground. If you can forgive him for a poor final run over jumps in January, he has a decent chance on flat form and is therefore worthy of a small bet at 16s.

[chris34]

Re: Flat racing 9th May 2.30 Goodwood Hard to really assess Enzaals form not sure he has beaten much in 4 maidens and certainly last time out when he won his maiden doesn’t particularly look strong form. Is going to need to improve again today on first try on turf aswell. Pearl Castle is lightly raced and ran a respectable race on seasonal debut at Windsor handicapper taking a real chance dropping him 2lb and getting a handy 3yr old allowance aswell. He has also won around here over a mile last year so handles course has to have a good chance. Lucky Henry was 2^nd on seasonal debut but he was still 4 lengths adrift of the winner, does atleast get to race off the same mark but will need to step up on that effort and if the rain gets into the ground at Goodwood he might not be upto this. The more rain the better for Charitable Act, he won off a mark of 70 last year and ran a great race on reappearance last time out off 75 and although a 3lb rise makes things tougher he looks to still have some improvement in him yet. Yard remain in great form at present. 2pt win Charitable Act 5/1 VC 5.00 Chester Proofreader has something to prove after flopping on handicap debut when last seen, clearly has talent with big yard continueing with him but one to watch especially from a wide draw. Swing Alone won last time out but is yet to win on turf and a wide draw from stall 9 not helpful off a 3lb higher mark. Spirit Of Law another that won last time out a 4lb rise not excessive but this is a much stronger race and will need to step up on that and also possibly softer ground to contend with. Star Links looks a huge price at 20/1 it looks as though weather conditions will get worse as the afternoon goes on and the ground could be very open by the time we get to this race and he will not mind sticky ground one little bit, he remains in good form at present having won his first turf start of the year and held his form since with the hood and blinkers fitted and hard to think he has been brought over here without a chance and 20/1 could be a huge price aslong as he is over his last run 4 days ago also well drawn in stall 3. 1pt e/w Starlinks 20/1 bet365

[Aidymac]

Re: Flat racing 9th May Bonfire seems to be getting worse with every run!

[The Saint]

Re: Flat racing 9th May

Bonfire seems to be getting worse with every run!

He's a character - looked an absolute monster in last years Dante..... :( Anyways - 245 - Not privvy to any inside info and if shrewdly named horses are anything to go by then the AOB horse must be home n hosed.... However, given that I deal in 'form' in the main, then on that basis, Havana Beat and Mister Impatience must be overpriced.... Not playing given that the Stall Handlers just failed to load my best Lay of the day at Goodwood but hey ho.... Will watch with interest.... GL to anyone playing.

[Aidymac]

Re: Flat racing 9th May

He's a character - looked an absolute monster in last years Dante..... :( Anyways - 245 - Not privvy to any inside info and if shrewdly named horses are anything to go by then the AOB horse must be home n hosed.... However, given that I deal in 'form' in the main, then on that basis, Havana Beat and Mister Impatience must be overpriced.... Not playing given that the Stall Handlers just failed to load my best Lay of the day at Goodwood but hey ho.... Will watch with interest.... GL to anyone playing.

4 runner race on a track like chester, Mister Impatience is deffo overpriced mate, well I think so, backed it at 12's last night. Good luck

[Aidymac]

Re: Flat racing 9th May Johnston horse ran a very nice race there Saint, but that O'Brien horse looks special.. The main thing for me was the Johnston horse never slowed down, kept on gamely, but the winner just kept accelerating. Possible Group 1 winner that winner.

[The Saint]

Re: Flat racing 9th May

Johnston horse ran a very nice race there Saint' date=' but that O'Brien horse looks special.. The main thing for me was the Johnston horse never slowed down, kept on gamely, but the winner just kept accelerating. Possible Group 1 winner that winner.[/quote'] Definatly proven to be overpriced but no cigar!! Hopefully the 14/1 on the winner for the Derby with Ladbrokes will make up for it. 10.5 on Betfair so 14s is big - obviously won't last - probably gone b4 I get this typed I'd imagine!!