Racing Chat - Friday May 5th

[The Brigadier]

Eight races this afternoon are to be televised by the ITV team with five coming from the home of racing at Newmarket for their first day (of three) Guineas meeting where the ground is currently riding good whilst they are a trio of races from Goodwood where they will be racing on soft (but drying) ground.

 

Newmarket 13:15

Today’s televised action kicks off with an eight runner 10F listed Newmarket Stakes for 3 year-old colts and geldings. The best piece of form is held by Ralph Beckett’s Salt Bay who is one of four in this field that holds the Epsom Derby entry next month. This is his re-appearance having stepped up from winning a Haydock maiden on his debut to finishing 3rd in a Group 1 in France on heavy ground last backend. His biggest threat may come from the James Ferguson trained Like A Tiger who was a mightily impressive winner of a handicap at the Craven meeting. He is however rated 10lb inferior to Salt Bay and has a pronounced round action so may prefer much softer ground.

Charlie Appleby saddles a brace of runners with stable number one William Buick apparently picking Castle Way over Victory Dance and with a Dante entry can be competitive here. Sir Michael Stoute has had an excellent start to the season and sends Circle Of Fire who is owned by The King & Queen Consort. Impressive when winning at Salisbury last September he is still in the Derby and he’s one to keep an eye on.

An intriguing race which will be well worth following in the coming months with the best form held by Salt Bay and he looks the most likeliest winner here.

 

SALT BAY 1 point win @ 10/3 William Hill

 

Goodwood 13:30

A surprising addition to the ITV coverage today is this class 2 5F restricted Novice Stakes for two year olds. 13 go to post with just four of those having already run.

The best of the quartet may well be Craig Lidster’s Vitarli who showed a good attitude to battle back and beat Anfaal at Beverley last week although she is penalised 7lb for that victory.

Amy Murphy sends her Adaay colt Dubai Hills here having finished runner up of fifteen juveniles at Chantilly in April. He should improve and run well whilst Rod Millman’s Beenham was nibbled at in the market when third on his debut at Bath to an easy Eve Johnson Houghton newcomer. Johnson Houghton saddles a brace of newcomers and her Ethansun who runs in the double green silks of Munir and Souede is the early mover in the market and with Johnson Houghton already sending out two three year old winners is the one to be with as she has a line to her juveniles who seem a very good bunch. Andrew Balding and Richard Hannon also saddle newcomers here but I’ll take a chance with the Saxon Warrior colt of Eve Johnson Houghtons.

 

ETHANDUN 1 point win @ 13/8 bet365

 

Newmarket 13:50

Only five go to post for the re-arranged (from last weekend’s abandoned Sandown card) bet365 Mile, a Group 2 contest run over a mile. Light Infantry was last seen running 6th at Rosehill in Australia in October having previously shown good form when runner up in two Group ones at Deauville in the Summer. He’s smart and David Simcock’s four year old, ridden by Jamie Spencer, looks sure to be thereabouts. He may struggle however to beat Charlie Appleby’s smart Native Trail who has a great classic year in 2022 when runner up to stable mate Coroebus in the 2000 Guineas at this meeting prior to taking the Irish version three weeks later. An excellent third against his elders in the Eclipse followed before finishing the season on a low when flopping behind Baaeed at York in the Juddmonte International. He’s back having had his wind tinkered with and can confirm his superiority over Light Infantry in last years 2000 Guineas when he was 6L ahead of his rival then. Charlie Hill’s Mutasaabeq has an excellent record fresh having won first time out the last three years and despite a 3lb penalty can also run well but this is all about Native Trail for me.

 

NATIVE TRAIL 2 points win @ 5/4 Unibet

 

Goodwood 14:05

Nine four year old and upwards fillies and mares line up for this listed Daisy Warwick Fillies’ Stakes run over 12F where I feel there is a decent wager. It comes in the shape of favourite Time Lock who has plenty going for her. Roger and Harry Charlton have had a quiet start to the turf season but recent signs are that they are ready to roll now and this well bred four year old can take this en route to a fruitful season. An easy winner at Newmarket last May preceded runner up spots behind two smart fillies in Mimikyu (beaten a neck)who went on to win twice more including the Group 2 Park Hill Stakes at Doncaster and Haskoy who went on to finish fourth in the St Leger (Beaten only 2L). Proven on soft ground she will be very hard to beat under David Probert.

Her opponents don’t look in the same league as her with David Simcock’s Ching Shih and Voodoo Queen (5 1/4L behind Time Lock at York) the most likely to worry the favourite.

The selection has a Group 2 Hardwicke Stakes entry at Royal Ascot next month and will be hard to beat.

 

TIME LOCK 3 points win @ 11/10 bet365

 

Newmarket 14:25

Eight promising three year olds go to post for this listed 7F King Charles II Stakes. Best in at weights is Richard Hannon’s Shouldhavebeenaring who ran well in 6F handicap company at the Craven meeting and should run his race here stepping up a furlong.

This can go to the boys in blue again with Charlie Appleby and William Buick teaming up with their hooded three year old Majestic Pride who was last seen winning a conditions race at the Craven meeting on soft ground and in a race that actually lacks plenty in depth can go the way of Godolphin. James Tate’s Iconic Moment has to shoulder a 3lb penalty and is making his turf debut under Ryan Moore but can be competitive.

Billy ‘The Kid’ Loughnane gets the ride on Peter Chapple-Hyam’s filly Crystallium and wasn’t totally disgraced on her re-appearance in the Fred Darling at Newbury.

 

MAJESTIC PRIDE 1 point win @ 9/4 William Hill

 

Goodwood 14:35

A class 2 5F sprint handicap which has attracted just 8 runners. James Evan’s Dream Composer did well to win at the Newmarket Craven meeting by half a length and a rise of just 2lb shouldn’t stop him being competitive. Top weight Prop Forward trained by Clive Cox and owned by Jeff Smith looks a smart sprinter and has won two of his three starts since being gelded, both on the all weather but reverting to turf shouldn’t be an issue and raised 4lb for his latest win at Kempton can be competitive today.

Roger Teal’s Whenthedealisdone won at the track in 2021 and is another that could run well although he has yet to win first time out. Came From The Dark will appreciate any more rain and with a good run at Musselburgh behind him has claims especially if there’s any further rain.

A trappy handicap but I’ll take a chance with top weight Prop Forward with Kieran Shoemark on board.

 

PROP FORWARD 1 point win @ 4/1 bet365

 

Newmarket 15:00

Eight go to post for this class 2 7F 0-105 handicap which won’t, in my opinion, take much winning. Ralph Beckett’s Star Of Orion has fallen to a winning mark and although he hasn’t been seen for 190 days would have claims along with top weight Accidental Agent who although now 9 years old appears to have retained his ability and won first time out over course and distance at last year’s Craven meeting under today’s rider Georgia Dobie off of the same handicap mark. With his trainer Eve Johnson Houghton hitting form in the last fortnight he could roll back the years and win what amounts to a very winnable handicap for the prize money.

Bass Player could be interesting if the money comes for him as Tom Clover’s four year old showed good form early last season and returns here having had a wind operation. William Stone’s Final Watch ran well at the last meeting here and with a one pound drop can also be thereabouts.

 

ACCIDENTAL AGENT 1 point each way @ 7/1 bet365 1/5th 123

 

Newmarket 15:35

A disappointing turnout of just five have declared for this 1m 4F Group 2 Jockey Club Stakes. Charlie Appleby saddles a pair in the race with William Buick apparently choosing Hurricane Lane over Global Storm who will be ridden by James Doyle. He sports first time cheek pieces today having bombed out badly at Newbury on his re-appearance when cutting out rather quickly when finishing last of seven in the John Porter beaten some 19L. Several good judges felt we would never see the horse again so it’s somewhat of a surprise that he turns up here a fortnight later. The connections said afterwards that he was unsuited by soft ground which to me was rather surprising as he has won a Group 1 on heavy ground and ran a close 3rd in the 2021 Arc De Triomphe on bad ground. He’s the top rated here and could win but after that last run looks poor value and I’ll be looking elsewhere for the winner.

Simon and Ed Crisford run their smart four year old West Wind Blows who if straight enough could be the one to be with. A winner of three races in his classic year and third in a Group 1 in France he has won first time out the last two years and in the hope he’ll be forward enough is taken to win under Jamie Spencer.

Outbox couldn’t be fancied on his last run when last in a Musselburgh handicap whilst Rae Guest’s filly Jewel In My Crown has plenty to find.

 

WEST WIND BLOWS 1 point win @ 6/4 bet365

 

All odds accurate at time of writing

[calva decoy]

7 hours ago, The Brigadier said:

Eight races this afternoon are to be televised by the ITV team with five coming from the home of racing at Newmarket for their first day (of three) Guineas meeting where the ground is currently riding good whilst they are a trio of races from Goodwood where they will be racing on soft (but drying) ground.

 

Newmarket 13:15

Today’s televised action kicks off with an eight runner 10F listed Newmarket Stakes for 3 year-old colts and geldings. The best piece of form is held by Ralph Beckett’s Salt Bay who is one of four in this field that holds the Epsom Derby entry next month. This is his re-appearance having stepped up from winning a Haydock maiden on his debut to finishing 3rd in a Group 1 in France on heavy ground last backend. His biggest threat may come from the James Ferguson trained Like A Tiger who was a mightily impressive winner of a handicap at the Craven meeting. He is however rated 10lb inferior to Salt Bay and has a pronounced round action so may prefer much softer ground.

Charlie Appleby saddles a brace of runners with stable number one William Buick apparently picking Castle Way over Victory Dance and with a Dante entry can be competitive here. Sir Michael Stoute has had an excellent start to the season and sends Circle Of Fire who is owned by The King & Queen Consort. Impressive when winning at Salisbury last September he is still in the Derby and he’s one to keep an eye on.

An intriguing race which will be well worth following in the coming months with the best form held by Salt Bay and he looks the most likeliest winner here.

 

SALT BAY 1 point win @ 10/3 William Hill

 

Goodwood 13:30

A surprising addition to the ITV coverage today is this class 2 5F restricted Novice Stakes for two year olds. 13 go to post with just four of those having already run.

The best of the quartet may well be Craig Lidster’s Vitarli who showed a good attitude to battle back and beat Anfaal at Beverley last week although she is penalised 7lb for that victory.

Amy Murphy sends her Adaay colt Dubai Hills here having finished runner up of fifteen juveniles at Chantilly in April. He should improve and run well whilst Rod Millman’s Beenham was nibbled at in the market when third on his debut at Bath to an easy Eve Johnson Houghton newcomer. Johnson Houghton saddles a brace of newcomers and her Ethansun who runs in the double green silks of Munir and Souede is the early mover in the market and with Johnson Houghton already sending out two three year old winners is the one to be with as she has a line to her juveniles who seem a very good bunch. Andrew Balding and Richard Hannon also saddle newcomers here but I’ll take a chance with the Saxon Warrior colt of Eve Johnson Houghtons.

 

ETHANDUN 1 point win @ 13/8 bet365

 

Newmarket 13:50

Only five go to post for the re-arranged (from last weekend’s abandoned Sandown card) bet365 Mile, a Group 2 contest run over a mile. Light Infantry was last seen running 6th at Rosehill in Australia in October having previously shown good form when runner up in two Group ones at Deauville in the Summer. He’s smart and David Simcock’s four year old, ridden by Jamie Spencer, looks sure to be thereabouts. He may struggle however to beat Charlie Appleby’s smart Native Trail who has a great classic year in 2022 when runner up to stable mate Coroebus in the 2000 Guineas at this meeting prior to taking the Irish version three weeks later. An excellent third against his elders in the Eclipse followed before finishing the season on a low when flopping behind Baaeed at York in the Juddmonte International. He’s back having had his wind tinkered with and can confirm his superiority over Light Infantry in last years 2000 Guineas when he was 6L ahead of his rival then. Charlie Hill’s Mutasaabeq has an excellent record fresh having won first time out the last three years and despite a 3lb penalty can also run well but this is all about Native Trail for me.

 

NATIVE TRAIL 2 points win @ 5/4 Unibet

 

Goodwood 14:05

Nine four year old and upwards fillies and mares line up for this listed Daisy Warwick Fillies’ Stakes run over 12F where I feel there is a decent wager. It comes in the shape of favourite Time Lock who has plenty going for her. Roger and Harry Charlton have had a quiet start to the turf season but recent signs are that they are ready to roll now and this well bred four year old can take this en route to a fruitful season. An easy winner at Newmarket last May preceded runner up spots behind two smart fillies in Mimikyu (beaten a neck)who went on to win twice more including the Group 2 Park Hill Stakes at Doncaster and Haskoy who went on to finish fourth in the St Leger (Beaten only 2L). Proven on soft ground she will be very hard to beat under David Probert.

Her opponents don’t look in the same league as her with David Simcock’s Ching Shih and Voodoo Queen (5 1/4L behind Time Lock at York) the most likely to worry the favourite.

The selection has a Group 2 Hardwicke Stakes entry at Royal Ascot next month and will be hard to beat.

 

TIME LOCK 3 points win @ 11/10 bet365

 

Newmarket 14:25

Eight promising three year olds go to post for this listed 7F King Charles II Stakes. Best in at weights is Richard Hannon’s Shouldhavebeenaring who ran well in 6F handicap company at the Craven meeting and should run his race here stepping up a furlong.

This can go to the boys in blue again with Charlie Appleby and William Buick teaming up with their hooded three year old Majestic Pride who was last seen winning a conditions race at the Craven meeting on soft ground and in a race that actually lacks plenty in depth can go the way of Godolphin. James Tate’s Iconic Moment has to shoulder a 3lb penalty and is making his turf debut under Ryan Moore but can be competitive.

Billy ‘The Kid’ Loughnane gets the ride on Peter Chapple-Hyam’s filly Crystallium and wasn’t totally disgraced on her re-appearance in the Fred Darling at Newbury.

 

MAJESTIC PRIDE 1 point win @ 9/4 William Hill

 

Goodwood 14:35

A class 2 5F sprint handicap which has attracted just 8 runners. James Evan’s Dream Composer did well to win at the Newmarket Craven meeting by half a length and a rise of just 2lb shouldn’t stop him being competitive. Top weight Prop Forward trained by Clive Cox and owned by Jeff Smith looks a smart sprinter and has won two of his three starts since being gelded, both on the all weather but reverting to turf shouldn’t be an issue and raised 4lb for his latest win at Kempton can be competitive today.

Roger Teal’s Whenthedealisdone won at the track in 2021 and is another that could run well although he has yet to win first time out. Came From The Dark will appreciate any more rain and with a good run at Musselburgh behind him has claims especially if there’s any further rain.

A trappy handicap but I’ll take a chance with top weight Prop Forward with Kieran Shoemark on board.

 

PROP FORWARD 1 point win @ 4/1 bet365

 

Newmarket 15:00

Eight go to post for this class 2 7F 0-105 handicap which won’t, in my opinion, take much winning. Ralph Beckett’s Star Of Orion has fallen to a winning mark and although he hasn’t been seen for 190 days would have claims along with top weight Accidental Agent who although now 9 years old appears to have retained his ability and won first time out over course and distance at last year’s Craven meeting under today’s rider Georgia Dobie off of the same handicap mark. With his trainer Eve Johnson Houghton hitting form in the last fortnight he could roll back the years and win what amounts to a very winnable handicap for the prize money.

Bass Player could be interesting if the money comes for him as Tom Clover’s four year old showed good form early last season and returns here having had a wind operation. William Stone’s Final Watch ran well at the last meeting here and with a one pound drop can also be thereabouts.

 

ACCIDENTAL AGENT 1 point each way @ 7/1 bet365 1/5th 123

 

Newmarket 15:35

A disappointing turnout of just five have declared for this 1m 4F Group 2 Jockey Club Stakes. Charlie Appleby saddles a pair in the race with William Buick apparently choosing Hurricane Lane over Global Storm who will be ridden by James Doyle. He sports first time cheek pieces today having bombed out badly at Newbury on his re-appearance when cutting out rather quickly when finishing last of seven in the John Porter beaten some 19L. Several good judges felt we would never see the horse again so it’s somewhat of a surprise that he turns up here a fortnight later. The connections said afterwards that he was unsuited by soft ground which to me was rather surprising as he has won a Group 1 on heavy ground and ran a close 3rd in the 2021 Arc De Triomphe on bad ground. He’s the top rated here and could win but after that last run looks poor value and I’ll be looking elsewhere for the winner.

Simon and Ed Crisford run their smart four year old West Wind Blows who if straight enough could be the one to be with. A winner of three races in his classic year and third in a Group 1 in France he has won first time out the last two years and in the hope he’ll be forward enough is taken to win under Jamie Spencer.

Outbox couldn’t be fancied on his last run when last in a Musselburgh handicap whilst Rae Guest’s filly Jewel In My Crown has plenty to find.

 

WEST WIND BLOWS 1 point win @ 6/4 bet365

 

All odds accurate at time of writing

Also on ACCIDENTAL AGENT & same price 7/1 eway as well as SILVER KNOTT 12/1 eway in the Guineas on Saturday , was a free Sky bet & 4 places .

[Sporting Sam]

Only four selections in Japan today at the most.

Certainly after the Lord mayor's show yesterday despite three winners.

Nagoya 7.35

Neo lies

Vickie

Both win 

Neo lies win here on 3rd Feb for new yard signified a different race cycle to two previous yards for whom this horse had never placed.

Put on an early, mid, late month cycle which has produced better efforts if not places since.  Two months and two days since last win and a middle draw to run from today.

Vickie a sound range of medium performances would do well to win...

There may be an option to back either of these each way when the prices appear, but I have decided to back them to win myself.

*Both have opened up in 33/1 40s bracket.

Edited May 5, 2023 by sporting sam

[kensland]

Patent. 

1.15. Newm. Salt Bay        4/1

1.30. Goodw. Dubai Hills     7/2

2.35. Goodw. Prop Forward   7/2

stk 3.50     rtn 90.25.

Good luck all. 

[Sporting Sam]

Funabashi 9.15.

Presto Alpha

Win

Wide margin winner by 30 lengths last time out last month. 

This horse very lightly raced and won on debut last summer. Tissue puts this down as a 4/1 shot. More likely to be odds on. Certainly odds on, on my tissue. So apologies if this one turns out to be unbackable.

Form from last year's win franked as last horse has won three times. Runner up has won and was second today on this card. Several other runners have shown good form 

[Sporting Sam]

Sonada 9.35

La Femme Salty

Each way.

Grimore

Win 

[Sporting Sam]

Funabashi 9.50

Dazzling

Win

Fine race record when back from a long break.

Both wins off five and six months in sidelines.

Been off since good second when last seen.

Collaborative form with Morpho in may last year Morpho won in last two days.

[alexcaruso808]

Newmarket:

1.15 - Salt Bay @ 6.50 -  B365 betboost

Like a Tiger @ 5.00 win

1.50 - Imperial Fighter @ 29.00 - EW

 

 

[kensland]

Patent. 

2.05. Goodw.  Thanks Monica         7/1

3.00. Newm.  Star of Orion              11/2

4.45. Newm.  Sahara Mist                  10/3

stk. 3.50     rtn 179. 50.

Good luck all. 

[Sporting Sam]

 

1.15

Newmarket 

Salt Bay 

Win

Has a good chance on his showing in France.

The only group performer in this line up and as he didn't win has no penalty just a fancy rating.

Ran on in a way that suggests he'll relish stepping up and handles any cut in the going. Lots to like.

[Sporting Sam]

Newmarket 1.50

NATIVE TRAIL

Win

Drops in class here and has course and distance.

[alexcaruso808]

3 hours ago, alexcaruso808 said:

Newmarket:

1.15 - Salt Bay @ 6.50 -  B365 betboost

Like a Tiger @ 5.00 win

1.50 - Imperial Fighter @ 29.00 - EW

 

 

1.15 - Salt Bay @ 6.50 -  - 7th

Like a Tiger @ 5.00 win - - 6th 

1.50 - Imperial Fighter @ 29.00 - EW - - 5th 

 

These should have been lay bets 😂

[fd1972uk]

2 for Newmarket for me.

Star of orion 3pm

Longlai 520pm

[Sporting Sam]

 

Goodwood 3.10

Showbiz

the LAMPLIGHTER

Spanish star

 

 

Combination forecast 

All love it at goodwood.

Two of these fought out the finish last year and showbiz just getting the better.

One idled, the other didn't get a clear run.

 

[Sporting Sam]

Cork 7pm

Purring Along

each way 

no obvious chance for new yard on second run but on career low already.

Visored first time. Experienced in big field handicaps, but yet to show ability, decent jockey onboard.

[Nigwilliam]

That was a cracking shout.   Cheers Sam.  👍 

Edited May 5, 2023 by Nigwilliam

[yossa6133]

18 minutes ago, sporting sam said:

Cork 7pm

Purring Along

each way 

no obvious chance for new yard on second run but on career low already.

Visored first time. Experienced in big field handicaps, but yet to show ability, decent jockey onboard.

Wow, epic pick! As big as 80/1 with Skybet today.

[Sporting Sam]

Yes!

I wish I had seen it earlier.

Arsenal women to bounce back and score 4+ goals vs leicester city at 7.30! 

7.35 cork

Comfort line.

Each way

Persian Queen

Win

Small stakes but these two both have heavy ground wins under the belt. Pq has been backed off the boards won two runs back then unbacked 100/1 shot unplaced at Gowran park.  Should drift out again in the betting so try sp as they don't usually go off at 5/2 and won't. Selection also based on draw methods....

Edited May 5, 2023 by sporting sam

[Sporting Sam]

8.10

Cork

Young Ireland

Win

Warrior lion

Each way 

These are speculative punts based on previous runs.

There are two Ballydoyle runners in here who of course may be too good, but Joseph O'Brien has two in here and always has Dad's ear and I doubt he'd waste his time running two without a chance so do check out the other one!!!

Edited May 5, 2023 by sporting sam

[Sporting Sam]

Newcastle 8.25

Zegos suprise

Gran roque

Both win

(Alexander method)

Both drawn high and under the handicap line of a penalised winner.

Gran roque on third run since leaving Ireland 11 pounds lower now often backed but no signs as yet.

[Sporting Sam]

2 hours ago, Nigwilliam said:

That was a cracking shout.   Cheers Sam.  👍 

 

2 hours ago, yossa6133 said:

Wow, epic pick! As big as 80/1 with Skybet today.

Thanks.

Good when they go in. Looked in trouble on the run in, as did Young Ireland but they both found plenty and Persian Queen was never headed. They know how to gamble them in Ireland.

Newcastle 9 pm
High security
Each way.
Drops in class has shown ability.
Half stone claim for jockey gives him a fighting chance.

*********************************

Paid three places 👍 8/1

Edited May 5, 2023 by sporting sam