Flat Racing - Monday 20th May

[robertob]

17.40 Redcar: Tahaf @ 9/1 Bet365 - 2pts win + Abanoas @ 16/1 Bet365 - 1pt win Alcaeus looks sure to go very well on handicap debut over a suitable trip but this can be said about my two selections as well who I feel are overpriced. Tahaf ran in three maidens last year, didn't make an impact there over distances between 5f and 7f. On handicap debut he steps up to 10f now, a trip which should very much suit on pedigree. He's an Authorized son and out of a pretty decent mare and therefore he'll relish this new trip after running over way too short distances last year. He'll be trainer Clive Brittain's first runner at Redcar since 2009 and no surprise he's his only one here tomorrow anyway. Brittain had in all the years an excellent strike at Redcar, so no reason why Tahaf shouldn't run well here taking advantage of a low opening mark. Abanoas started her racing career in April this year, she raced over short trips in her three maidens, no surprise to see her finishing well beaten in all three races. Her handicap debut at Bath over 1m last week was half-decent. She finished 4th, travelling well until 3f out, got then outpaced, and stayed on in the closing stages. This suggests she could do well with another step up in trip, what is confirmed by her pedigree. Her sire is a Group 2 winner over 9f in the USA and finished 2nd in the Kentucky Derby, her dam was a Group 3 winner over 1m, but was also successful up to 12f. so 10f tomorrow looks fine and could bring out some further improvement. Interesting: The jockey/trainer relished a 21.43% strike rate over the years.

[Aidymac]

Re: Flat Racing - Monday 20th May *Willbeme > Redcar 4:10 > WIN @ 8/1 VC BOG* Looked a smart prospect last year, winning twice in good style. Finished a close sixth in a very competitive 16 runner handicap at Haydock when last seen. Went off 9/4 fav that day. Has never run over 5f, so tomorrow we will see if she gets it, but she is a fast horse, still very lightly raced, and 8/1 looks big.