My two regular readers, faithful but penniless, know that this season I've been struck by how many NH trained horses have plundered long distance races on the Flat. Overturn continued the trend by taking Newcastle's Northumberland Plate from an unfancied draw before running away with last month's Galway Hurdle. He doesn't have the best of draws here and hardly offers value in this ultra competitive event but is respected nonetheless. The one that caught my eye was Desert Sea who ran third behind Overturn in the Newcastle Plate; he reopposes here four pounds better off for a three and a quarter length beating. He wouldn't necessarily appreciate any rain but has a decent draw, should benefit from the slightly shorter trip and is priced up at 28/1 with a couple of layers this evening (Victor Chandler and Stan James). I'll take a small each-way interest in Desert Sea, noting that all layers go a quarter the odds four places for this heritage handicap.
No bet in the Gimcrack but I'd be thinking long and hard before opposing Temple Meads who looked impressive in winning Newbury's Super Sprint and is expected to relish the step up to six furlongs.
I fancied Ask for the Lonsdale Cup but he was found lame this morning and is a non-runner. Illustrious Blue and Electrolyser fought out the finish to the Goodwood Cup three weeks ago, the former prevailing by just over a length on that occasion; many will fancy Electrolyser here three pounds better off. The Queen's gelding Free Agent was hampered in that same race and finished fourth, having won at this course previously; he isn't one I'd trust implicitly. I think I'm going to watch from the sidelines...
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3 comments:
I would also have been on ASK had it turned-up, but I think that John Dunlop's AKMAL may be a good substitute in what looks (on paper) more like a G3/Listed race than a true Group 2. All the best, and a great blog.
Thanks for the comment, Wayward Lad. I'm mad busy at the moment but will try and take a look at Akmal and promise to reciprocate on your blog when it all calms down a bit... Good luck!
A horse with Galway Hurdle form took the Ebor but it wasn't Overturn (8/1) who finished plum last but 14/1 shot Dirar. Gordon Elliott's charge had been sent off 4/1 favourite in Ireland and finished third, six lengths behind Overturn, but he well and truly turned that form over here, appreciating a fine hold-up ride from Jamie Spencer. Desert Sea (22/1) was in with every chance two out but couldn't find the extra; nonetheless he finished a respectable sixth.
The Gimcrack went to Approve (8/1). Temple Meads (5/2f) went to the front two out but was headed inside the final furlong - perhaps he doesn't stay after all - while Opinion Poll (9/2) took the Lonsdale Cup.
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