The opening day was not exactly the day we were hoping for and although most of the selections ran creditably returns were thin on the ground. Three places for me with Guildsman, Fun Mac and Elarqam managing to get some of the stake back for each way punters. But its a 1-0 lead to the debutante tipster as she managed to bag the only winner with Arizona.
Day two looks to be extremely difficult with big fields and a lot of rain due overnight and during the day. Expect a few non runners in the morning and possibly more throughout the day. With the anticipated ground in mind horses with some form on soft may be the best ones to focus on.
28 2yo fillies are due to line up for the Queen Mary at 2.30 and with very little form to go on this is a nightmare opener. I finally got it down to the unbeaten Godolphin pair Divine Spirit and FINAL SONG with the latter just edging the vote due to having won on a softer surface.
The Queens Vase at 3.05 looks to be an interesting race. Harpo Marx makes a little appeal at long odds as a horse who could well still be improving and could run into a place. However, JALMOUD looks to be in with a great chance given his performances already this season and the step up in trip looks sure to suit. He can give Godolphin a quick fire double.
The feature race of the day at 3.40 is the Prince of Wales Stakes and this looks to be a fascinating race. A good case can be made for all the principles although William Haggas’s remarks after racing today suggest Sea of Class may not enjoy the ground if it gets too soft. After his outstanding performance in the Prix Ganay I am going to side with the French raider WALDGEIST.
The Duke of Cambridge Stakes looks to be another tricky puzzle and cases can be made for many. Having already shown some form on a softer surface PRETTY BABY just gets the vote over Agrotera.
The cavalry charge that is the Royal Hunt Cup is at 5.00 and I will take three against the field with Mitchum Swagger who looks primed to run a big race, War Glory who looks to still be on the upgrade and selection WHAT’S THE STORY who is a course and distance winner, has won on soft ground and is from a yard in cracking form.
The final race of the day is another 2yo race and looks to be as difficult to solve as the opener. However the unbeaten IFFRAAZ has the assistance of Frankie Dettori in the plate and won well on heavy ground in his only run to date. He looks to be seriously over priced.
So now for the tips from the other half of the team. I fear some of these reasonings maybe a little tongue in cheek but I don’t need reminding it wasn’t me who found the only winner today !
2.30 – BRAND NEW DAY – likes the song
3.05 – MOONLIGHT SPIRIT – there has been a full moon lately
3.40 – WALDGEIST – it just sounds different to all the others
4.20 – HAND ON HEART – it likes soft ground
5.00 – CHIEF IRONSIDE – used to like Ironside
5.35 – BILL NEIGH – thought it said Bill Nighy and I like him.
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