ARKLE - Aykay

[Aykay1]

This looks a very competitive race but anything that Nick Henderson runs simply must be looked at. He had won 24 races at the festival before last year, giving him a strike rate of 33%. 14 of the 24 victories were over 2miles like todays race. Only 5 of the 24 victories were in handicaps, unlike todays race CARRACIOLLA must be a great each way bet at 7/1. Like Cardenas, )one of my selections in the Supreme Novices), this horse is German bred. These types have a good record from a lmited number of runners at the festival. From 19 runners they have 2 victories and 5 placings. Of the others....... Its probably best to ignore 5 year olds - they havent won this since their allowance was cut from 8lb's. 6 year olds however are very strong - half of all 6 year olds to have competed have managed a placing. This brings into play KICKING KING and JAHASH. The latter can be crossed off as he simply will not turn around a drubbing from THISTHATANDTOTHER on 4lb worse terms. KICKING KING has a tendency to jump left under pressure which could find him out at the highest level. THISTHATANDTOTHER is ignored as the only 8 year old in the last 12 years to win was the exceptional Moscow Flyer. All things considered and at the prices available im siding with CARRACIOLLA each way and a saver on KICKING KING in case his jumping holds up. Bets (10 pts to stake) CARRACIOLLA - 4 pts ew KICKING KING - 2 pts win