Conflict Cup

[Xtc12]

1st @ 6\5 & 3rd yesterday

Sovereign Spirit 20.05 Lingfield 1 Pt Win @ 5\4 (bog)

5/2, career best when comfortably winning 5-runner C&D handicap 8 days ago. Potential for better again and likely to go well under a 6 lb penalty. 

Maxxum 18.55 Tipperary 1 Pt Win @ 6\5 (bog)

Useful hurdler who landed big-field handicap at Leopardstown in December. Respectable fourteenth of 23 in Pertemps at Cheltenham (24f, good to soft, 9/2) 49 days ago. Interesting now going chasing. 

[Xtc12]

Double up yesterday 1st @2/1 & 6/5

Native Trail 13.50 Newmarket 1 Pt Win @ 10/11 (bog)

First Gentleman 16.40 Cork 1 Pt Win @ 11/4 (bog)

 

[Xtc12]

2nd & 3rd yesterday

The Carpenter 17.05 Uttoxeter 1 Pt Win @ 10\11 (bog)

Runner-up on sole outing in bumpers for Stuart Crawford and showed a good attitude to go one better on hurdling debut after 23 months off at Exeter. Looked a good prospect in following up at Newbury (20.5f) and can go on improving. 

Familiar Dreams 17.25 Cork 1 Pt Win @ 11\8 (bog)

Twice-raced maiden. 2½ lengths second of 10 to The Yellow Clay in listed bumper (22/1) at Limerick (16.2f, soft) 41 days ago, having run of race. Sets the standard. 

[Xtc12]

1st @ 10\11 & 2nd yesterday

Westernesse 16.23 Hamilton 1 Pt Win @ 7\4 (bog)

First run since leaving D. K. Weld (52,000 gns) when respectable second of 6 in minor event at Wetherby (7f, good to soft, 7/4) 7 days ago, making effort earlier than ideal. Has good chance on form. 

Azazat 13.40 Leopardstown 1 Pt Win @ 5\4 (bog)

Promising sort. Evens, third of 10 in maiden at this course (10f, heavy) 32 days ago, unable to sustain effort. Holds Group-race entries and she's the one to beat. 

[Xtc12]

3rd & 1st @ 5\4 yesterday

Seal of Solomon 15.40 Southwell 1 Pt Win @ 6\4 (bog)

Back from 6 months off when winning 8-runner handicap at Chelmsford City (14f) 11 days ago. 8 lb higher now but may have more to offer over this sort of trip. 

 

[Xtc12]

2nd yesterday

Flash Gorcombe 19.30 Ludlow 1 Pt Win @ 9/4 (bog)

Confirmed the promise of his chase debut at the second attempt when winning 6-runner Taunton handicap at the end of March. Followed up at Wincanton (15.7f, soft) and a further 6 lb rise may not be enough to stop him in his tracks. 

[Xtc12]

2nd yesterday

Four Adaay 19.00 Kempton 1 Pt Win @ 11\8 (Bog)

Good second of 6 in handicap (10/3) at Windsor (5.1f, soft) 9 days ago. Has to be taken seriously. 

Secret Sauce 14.30 Gowran Park 1 Pt Win @ 15\8 (bog)

Fair gelding. Good fourth of 13 in handicap at this C&D (good to soft, 5/1) 7 days ago. Stable in good form. Tongue strap on 1st time. Player at these weights. 

[Xtc12]

Double Up yesterday 1st @ 11\8 & 15\8

Indian Creak 19.40 Thirsk 1 Pt Win @ 2\1 (bog)

A fortnight on from his first start of the season, back to form when making all in 6-runner handicap at Windsor (6f, soft, 5/2) 10 days ago. He's 2 lb well-in under a penalty and can follow up. 

Wasthatok 17.48 Clonmel 1 Pt Win @ 9\4 (bog)

Made winning start over hurdles when taking 13-runner novice at Kilbeggan (15f, good to soft) 21 days ago, easily. May well do better yet and holds strong claims. 

[Xtc12]

3rd & 5th yesterday

Waleyfa 19.15 Wolverhampton 1 Pt Win @ 6\4 (bog)

2 wins from 4 runs this year. Soon back on track returned to all-weather when landing 13-runner handicap at Chelmsford City (1m, 3/1) 8 days ago, readily. Can score again under a penalty.

Mister Wilson 17.35 Kilbeggan 1 Pt Win @ 5\2 (bog)

Promising type. Fairly useful winner at 9f on Flat. Good third of 14 in handicap hurdle at this course (15f, good to soft, 7/1) 22 days ago. 3 lb rise perfectly fair with promise of more to come.

[Xtc12]

1st @ 6\4 & 3rd yesterday

All the Glory 13.40 Hexham 1 Pt Win @ Evens (bog)

Fair bumper performer left her initial efforts in this sphere well behind the last twice, finishing third in a Haydock maiden last month before going close at Chepstow (19.4f, good) recently. Step down in trip may help her see things out better and has cheekpieces enlisted. Good shout.

Striking 16.35 Navan 1 Pt Win @ 2\1 (bog)

Promising sort. 1 win from 1 run this year. Career best when winning 12-runner handicap at Gowran (13.7f, soft, 5/4) 24 days ago, having run of race. Expected to be bang there. 

[Xtc12]

1st @ Evens & 12th yesterday

Moonstone Boy 15.45 Hamilton 1 Pt Win @ 15\8 (bog)

Calyx colt who took a big step forward from his debut when runner-up at Musselburgh (5f, soft) a fortnight ago, pulling well clear of the rest with a promising newcomer. Every chance of going one better. 

Party Central 14.55 Killarney 1 Pt Win @ 6\5 (bog)

Promising sort. Switches from Flat to hurdles. Career best when winning on last outing in this sphere at the 2022 Punchestown Festival. Remains open to improvement and looks the pick of the Gordon Elliott-trained trio. 

[Xtc12]

Update :

Overall

Year 7

[MCLARKE]

Year 7 looking good.

 

[Xtc12]

2nd & 4th yesterday

Kingfast 20.15 Southwell 1 Pt Win @ 5/4 (bog)

Capitalised on a reduced mark for his current yard to land conditional jockeys' handicap at Market Rasen (16.6f, good to soft) 3 days ago. Escapes a penalty so holds leading claims off an unchanged mark,

Stealthy Tom 19.25 Killarney 1 Pt Win @ 6/4 (bog)

Two wins from 5 runs last season. 7/4, very good second of 12 in minor chase at Punchestown (34f, good to soft) 18 days ago, sticking to task. Significantly back down in trip. The one to beat. 

 

[Xtc12]

Double Up yesterday 1st @ 5\4 & 3\1 

Bombay Bazaar 14.25 Beverley 1 Pt Win @ 11\10 (bog)

Shaped very well when third of 7 in maiden at Thirsk (5f, heavy, 5/1) on debut 24 days ago, keeping on without being unduly punished. Can progress from that effort to get off the mark.

Marvelosa 19.55 Sligo 1 Pt Win @ 11\8 (bog)

Fairly useful filly. Remains a maiden after 10 Flat runs. Good second of 7 in handicap (4/1) at this course (10.6f, soft) 16 days ago. The one to beat. 

[Xtc12]

Another Double yesterday a pair of 11/8 's 

Sanosuke 21.00 Perth 1 Pt Win @ 15/8 (bog)

Fairly useful on the Flat in Ireland but has proved rather hit-and-miss since switched to hurdles. That said, his runner-up effort over C&D 19 days ago was right back to his best and he has major claims with a repeat.

Bold as Love 17.20 Cork 1 Pt Win @ 9/4 (bog)

Promising sort. Off 5 months before fading fifth of 10 in maiden (5/2) at Leopardstown (8f, heavy) 45 days ago. Down in trip and this daughter of Deep Impact sets a good standard. 

[Xtc12]

2nd & 7th yesterday

True Legend 16.55 Salisbury 1 Pt Win @ 13\8 (bog)

Promising type. 1 win from 1 run this year. Career best when winning 5-runner handicap at Newcastle (12.4f, evens) 10 days ago, pushed out. Carries penalty. Makes turf debut. Shortlist material. 

Crowsatedappletart 18.05 Tipperary 1 Pt Win @ 11\4 (bog)

Winner in hurdle at Limerick in March. 5/1, good third of 20 in handicap hurdle at Cork (16f, soft) 38 days ago. That was another improved effort so he's one to take seriously. 

[Xtc12]

1st @ 9\4 & 7th yesterday

Father of Jazz 17.20 Aintree 1 Pt Win @ 5\6 (bog)

Useful Flat winner for Roger Varian but didn't quite match expectations in a trio of hurdle starts for Dan Skelton. Back on track after stable switch when winning 11-runner novice at Kempton last time and he sets the standard under a penalty. 

Shamida 20.30 Leopardstown 1 Pt Win @ 7\4 (bog)

Promising type. Third of 12 in maiden at this course (10f, heavy, 2/1) 12 days ago, needing stiffer test. open to improvement and could take the beating. 

[Xtc12]

Double Up yesterday 1st @ 11\10 & 1st @ 7\4 

Bluestocking 16.45 Newbury 1 Pt Win @ 6\5 (bog)

Bred in the purple and overcame inexperience to make a striking winning debut in 1m Salisbury novice in September, quickening to lead final 100 yds and going away at the finish. Will stay 1¼m and rates a smashing prospect. 

Rhaenyra 17.10 Wexford 1 Pt Win @ 9\4 (bog)

Twice-raced maiden. 2 lengths second of 13 to Junta Marvel in EBF (Mares) INH Flat Race (80/1) at Punchestown (16.3f, good to soft) 24 days ago. Should be able to go one better with a reproduction of that effort. 

[Xtc12]

2nd & 3rd yesterday 

Market Value 15.25 Ripon 1 Pt Win @ 5\4 (bog)

Bred in the purple and she took a marked step forward from her sole start as a 2-y-o when third of 7 in novice event at Haydock (1m, good to firm) 22 days ago. Possible she'll be sharper for that and big player with more to come. 

Unless 16.15 Naas 1 Pt Win @ 7\4 (bog)

Fairly useful filly. Blinkered for 1st time, respectable second of 20 in maiden at this C&D (good, 11/4) 15 days ago. Stable in good form. Sure to go well. 

[Xtc12]

Double Up 1st @ 5/4 & 9/4 

Chaturanga 14.20 Redcar 1 Pt Win @ 7/4 (bog)

Foaled April 1. €45,000 yearling, Invincible Army colt. Dam useful French 2-y-o 9.5f winner. One to note on debut.

Whisky on the Hill 19.55 Roscommon 1 Pt Win @ 15/8 (bog)

Two wins from 6 runs this year. 2/1, career best when winning 8-runner handicap at Sligo (10.4f, good to soft) 6 days ago, well on top finish. Looks competitive on form.

 

[Xtc12]

Double Up 1st @ 7\4 & 2\1 

Doyens De Ante 18.50  Hexham 1 Pt Win @ 5\2 (bog)

Maiden hurdler but has taken well to chasing, opening his account at the fourth attempt with headgear refitted at Chepstow (26.2f, good, 6/1) before following up in convincing fashion at Huntingdon 12 days ago. Should make a bold bid for the hat-trick. 

Bal De Rio 13.45 Punchestown 1 Pt Win @ 9\4 (bog)

Fair hurdler. Latest win in hurdle at Ballinrobe in April. 6/1, creditable sixth of 14 in handicap hurdle at Clonmel (16.2f, soft) 12 days ago, barely adequate test. This looks a good opportunity back up in trip. 

[Xtc12]

4th & 1st @ 15/8 yesterday

Freedom Flyer 14.55 Ayr 1 Pt Win @ 7/4 (bog)

Latest win at Thirsk in April. 6/1, travelled strongly when second of 12 over C&D (good) 16 days ago. Another bold show looks assured from an unchanged mark.

[Xtc12]

5th yesterday

Girl Racer 17.05 Haydock 1 Pt Win @ 6\5 (bog)

No Nay Never filly who made an impressive winning debut in 10-runner novice event at Wolverhampton in March and wasn't disgraced tried in the Nell Gwyn at Newmarket next time. Can double her account back in calmer waters. 

The Abbey 20.30 Limerick 1 Pt Win @ 11\4 (bog)

Career best when winning 12-runner handicap chase (15/2) at Down Royal (26.2f, good to soft) 24 days ago, cruising clear. Capable of following up. 

[Xtc12]

4th & 1st @ 7\2 yesterday

Vince Lombardi 20.55 Pontefract 1 Pt Win @ 6\5 (bog)

1 win from 2 runs this year. 5/1, career best when winning 6-runner handicap at Hamilton (6f, good to firm) 7 days ago, comfortably. Carries penalty. Has good chance on form. 

Reflectionist 18.15 Limerick 1 Pt Win @ Evens (bog)

Promising sort. 10/3, career best when winning 16-runner handicap hurdle at Punchestown (19.4f, good to soft) 3 days ago, soon clear. Carries penalty. Merits consideration. 

[Xtc12]

Update

Year 7

 

Overall 

 

[MCLARKE]

Year 7 very impressive. Have you changed anything ?

[Xtc12]

9 hours ago, MCLARKE said:

Year 7 very impressive. Have you changed anything ?

No, not a thing selections still picked as per normal. Think the 25% of selections from last year that were 2nd are going in this year. Although saying that the rate for seconds this year is up above 30%. 

[Xtc12]

3rd & 1st @ 11\10 yesterday

Tre A Peni 20.25 Ffos Las 1 Pt Win @ 7\4 (bog)

Ran creditably from 2 lb out of the weights when third in 17-runner handicap hurdle at Uttoxeter (23.3f, soft) 21 days ago. Shortlist material. 

Mr Saturday 13.20 Curragh 1 Pt Win @ 2\1 (bog)

Promising sort. Second of 9 in maiden at Naas (5f, good, 6/1) on debut 21 days ago, never nearer. Open to improvement and likely to make a bold bid to go one better here. 

[Xtc12]

3rd & 2nd yesterday ( Mr Saturday prevented me from equalling my record of 6 winners in a row in Ireland)

Exit to Where 15.00 Kelso 1 Pt Win @ 11\10 (bog)

Improved to enhance excellent course record (won this last year) over 23.4f here recently and had a bit to spare, so makes plenty of appeal once more. 

Eziva 16.55 Curragh 1 Pt Win @ 5\2 (bog)

Medaglia D'oro filly. Dam winner up to 1½m (2-y-o 7f winner), won Ballyroan and Blandford Stakes. Lots to like on paper.