Thursday, August 04, 2011

Brief notes on Saturday's stayers

Four Flat races over more than twelve furlongs on Saturday; brief notes on runners with some NH form to their name...

Ascot 1.25 (Shergar Cup Stayers Handicap, 2m.)
Both Dayia and Phoenix Flight ran well at Royal Ascot but both finished last on their next run so caution is advised. Woolfall Treasure is taking time to come to hand this term; in contrast La Vecchia Scuola hinted at a return to some kind of form in the John Smith's Silver Cup at York. Dayia won't want conditions too quick but the mare has been dropped four pounds for her latest effort and would make some each-way appeal if the rain arrives. Suggestion: La Vecchia Scuola each-way.

Newmarket 4.50 (Red Lion Foods Handicap, 2m.)
Having won a Fontwell handicap hurdle in May, Lastroseofsummer has been in sparkling form, taking two Flat handicaps in July and she bids for the hat-trick here. Rae Guest's mare is likely to head the betting while Philip Hobbs' grey Zakatal, owned by Mr Terry Warner, will be challenging for favourtism. I'm tempted to take an each-way chance on the only other runner with NH form, Ambrose Princess. Michael Scudamore's mare was well in contention when coming to grief in a Worcester novices' chase last time but prior to that won over three miles at Southwell. Suggestion: Ambrose Princess each-way.

Redcar 5.10 (1m 6f.)
Half the field have some jumps form to their name (Zefooha, Heart Of Dubai, Spahi, Strikemaster, Seven Stars, Lisbon Lion, Haka Dancer and Carmelia Maria) but this looks a poor race. No suggestion.

Ayr 8.10 (1m 7f.)
Course and distance winner Tillietudlem has been busy of late; although the grey gelding finished sixth of the seven runners three days ago, he was beaten under two and a half lengths and merits respect in first time cheekpieces. Stablemate Circus Clown really catches the eye, having run well in the past in Class 3 handicap hurdles both here and at Perth. Rated 113 over the sticks, he must surely have a chance in this off a mark of 47 with jockey Shane Kelly able to claim an extra five pounds. The worry appears to be underfoot conditions as all his best form is on soft / heavy ground. Terenzium has plenty of miles on the clock but has been running well of late while Morning Time hasn't won in 11 attempts since coming over from Ireland a year or so ago. Clueless last won in 2005 and Ancient Times remains a maiden. Suggestion: Circus Clown win.

1 comment:

GeeDee said...

La Vecchia Scuola - third at 6/1.
Ambrose Princess - second at 12/1 (opened 25/1 on course).
Circus Clown won, even money.