Curragh Moyglare Stud Stakes Preview & Tips

The last and biggest race of the Curragh Sunday meeting is the Moyglare Stud Stakes, which a field of 13 line up to tackle the Group 1 contest from some top stables, writes Sam Preen.

First to line up is Jim Bolger’s lightly raced filly Diamond Sky, who was last seen finishing a respectable third of six runners in a Group 2 field on her last start in August. She’s ran both her races well in defeat, plugging on late with a burst of speed to keep in the frame but looks like she’ll benefit from better going or a drop in trip and can be overlooked here.

Group winner Harasiya heads here after being overturned when short priced favourite over course and distance on her last start, ridden by Johnny Murtagh, who was sensationally sacked by the Aga Khan earlier in the week. Pat Smullen gets the leg up for the first time and she can run a massive race, but will need to improve to reverse placings with rival My Special J’s. The less fancied of Aga Khan’s two runners, Karamaya heads here after a Course and Distance win earlier in the month and she looks outclassed in a massive step up in class.

Surprisingly, Coolmore are represented by the one runner in the form of Magical Dream, who was last seen disappointing over course and distance when trailing in last of six runners behind My Special J’s in Group 2 company. She holds multiple Group 1 entries, typical of Coolmore runners, but looks the second string of the Aiden O’Brien duo judging by jockey bookings. My Special J’s heads here after going all out in Group 2 company on his last start and is now ridden by Johnny Murtagh who returns to racing after a facial injury and a termination in his contract riding for the Aga Khan with immediate effect. He now rides My Special J’s who has already claimed the scalps of many of today’s rivals, including Harasiya, who she beat in impressive fashion last month over CD and stands another good chance here.

Outsider Nandiga heads here after trailing in fifth of six behind My Special J’s (above) in Group 2 company on her last start. With only one win to date, albeit being sent off at 25/1 on her debut, she looks obviously outclassed here and will struggle. Mick Channon’s maiden winner Orpha made a pleasing debut when she stormed to success in maiden company last month and looks highly rated by the trainer, holding a few entries in Group races and looks a cracking ew proposition.

Private Alexander represents Ger Lyons after doing the business for favourite backers at Limerick in June after vastly improving from her racecourse debut. She has an obvious chance being one of the few distance winners in the race but this looks much too tough against Group winners. Maiden Scintillula disappointed on her debut when she looked very inexperienced, wandering throughout the race and failing to land a blow throughout. This looks much tougher and even if she has learned to settle, she will still struggle here.

Unbeaten runner Sendmylovetorose has a fantastic record over 6f and seemed like a step up in trip would show further improvement when beating subsequent winner Maureen in Group 2 company on her last start. She has course experience, having won the Grangecon Stud Stakes on her sole Curragh start and looks more then capable of getting the better of rivals My Special J’S and Harasiya. Listed winner Sky Lantern heads over to Ireland to represent Richard Hannon and Hughes after she ran out of stamina when it mattered on her last start when short priced favourite in Group 2 company, with her best race coming in her maiden when she stormed to success over 6 furlongs, and looks capable of running much better with a drop in trip, though she can’t be ruled out completely.

Course and Distance winner Snow Queen finally found her feet when she won over course and distance on her fourth start when beating Uleavemebreathless by a head. She has conditions to suit but looks likely to struggle on a massive step up in class, despite being the more fancied of the O’Brien duo. Last up is Starbright who got off the mark on her third start in the same underfoot conditions when she tackles this race and looks capable of running into a place at cracking each way value, finishing a respectable second   on her sole 7f start before trying different distances. She will obviously struggle but can’t be wrote out of a place completely.

Recommended Bet

For the Group 1 Molyglare Stud Stakes at the Curragh, it could pay to follow Andrew Oliver’s stable star SENDMYLOVETOROSE, who made up for her Royal Ascot heartbreak when taking a Group 3 in stylish fashion before going onto grab a Group 2 from future winner Maureen. She’s bred for further and looked to be crying out for it on her last start and everything is pointing her way to the winners enclosure. Of the rest, Starbright and My Special J’s could fight out the finish.

4.20 Curragh Moyglare Stud Stakes - Sendmylovetorose (Win – 11/2 Ladbrokes)

Curragh Irresistible Jewel Blandford Stakes Preview & Tips

Here come the girls! A field of 9 fillies and mares line up to tackle the Group 2 Blandford Stakes on Day 2 of the Curragh’s weekend meeting.

First up is David Wachman’s Chrysanthemum, who was last seen a disappointing favourite in Listed company when failing to land a blow but still managed to finish a respectable fifth of 10 runners. Her last win came in a Listed race over course and Distance back in April when she stormed home to success after making all the running and never seeing another rival on her second start in blinkers. She has the conditions to suit (Yielding at time of writing) and back on her favoured course, but looks firmly in the handicappers grasp now. The red, green and white silks of Manieree makes another appearance as she heads here to defend her crown after storming to success in this race last year, which what was her last race for almost a year. She made a less then pleasing return to racing when tiring in conditions that doesn’t suit and has something to prove following her disappointing comeback run and can be overlooked here, despite her impressive run last year.

Roger Varian’s Nahrain sets the standards on her Group 1 form last year (winner and second) but she hasn’t looked the same force of old in both starts this year, disappointing in the Windsor Forest Stakes and Nassau stakes respectably. Though a top class Group horse in her prime, she will need to vastly improve for this start if she is to get back to winning ways. Sea of Heartbreak heads here after a respectable run in France when finishing 5 1/4L behind Snow Fairy in Group 1 company. Though she’s not won in nearly a year, she has ran some very good races in defeat and the drop in class and distance should be into her benefit and could run into a place if she’s capable of repeating her old form.

The Curragh plays host to some great racing action on Sunday!

Kevin Prendergast sends in maiden winner Aaraas, who’s best race to date came at Navan in May this year when she finished a length behind Princess Highway in Group 3 company. She’s fitted with blinkers for the first time and they will need to work miracles for her to be in with a threatening chance here. Dermot Weld’s Caponata suffered a shock defeat when taking the runner-up spot at Group 3 level over 1m1f here last month when taking the step up in class from Listed company. She remains open to plenty of further improvement against more experienced runners and the return to 1m2f will suit her on her fourth start.

Coolmore are dual handed in this, sending in Soon and Up, the former who is likely to be the pacemaker for the more fancied stablemate (Up). Soon has ran some top races in defeat and ran a brave race on her last start at Killarney but judging by jockey bookings, the Group 3 winner Up is the main runner for the stable and was last seen heading to success here in August when she stormed to a Group 3 success. She warrants respect on a step up in class but respect but she was a place behind Caponata back in July (Caponata’s last run).

Recommended Bet

For the Irresistible Jewel Blandford Stakes on Day 2 of the Curragh’s weekend meeting, my money will be on CAPONATA who deserves another chance after suffering a defeat in Group 3 company on a drop in trip on her last start. She holds Group 1 entries and comes from a top stable, and the step back up in trip will suit her. Of the rest, Up looks more then capable of throwing down the gauntlet and could chase each other home again.

3.50 Curragh Blandford Stakes - Caponata (Win) @ 4/1 with Boylesports

Goodwood Group 3 Supreme Stakes Preview

Following a successful 8/1 selection with Blaine on Friday at York, Sam Preen previews the Goodwood Supreme Stakes and gives us his best bet!

With the Ebor coming to a close up North, we turn to Goodwood for Group racing action in the form of the Supreme Stakes, in which a field of 9 runners line up to tackle the Group 3 contest.

The field is headed by Marcus Tregoning’s Boom and Bust, who found his feet as a four year old when he fired off a hat trick of wins in weaker races, going as far to remain unbeaten in 1m handicaps last year, before disappointing on his first start in listed company and bouncing back to land a massive pot for his owner at Glorious Goodwood on his last start. He beat a recent winner (Trade Storm) at Ascot recently but requires more to land this on his Group race and 7 furlong debut.

The veteran Royal Rock heads here after a long losing run going back nearly a year but showed there’s still fire in the belly when mid field (eighth) in the Diamond Jubilee Stakes at Royal Ascot and just ran out of stamina when finishing an improving second to Artisic Jewel since. He has a respectable record over 7 furlongs and comes into consideration here.

Can the Cheka win the Supreme Stakes at Goodwood?

The Cheka has bounced back to form when trainer Eve Johnson Houghton dropped him back to 6 furlongs, winning a listed race at Doncaster on his first start as a 6 year old before going onto finish second in the July Cup sporting first time blinkers (worn them every race since) and third in the Prix Maurice de Gheest and has a leading chance down in grade.

I Love Me is a lightly raced filly who won a Newmarket sales race on her debut as a 2 year old and has disappointed until her very good fourth in the Coronation stakes last June but has since got progressively worse in her 3 runs this year. Connections now reach for a hood to spark some life into her but she still faced a very stiff task. Dual course and distance winner Regal Realm stands out after a few disappointing runs before taking the Oaks Tree Stakes here in first time cheekpieces last time out. She clearly warrants respect but much more is needed in tougher company and it remains to be seen if she can repeat her winning form back in cheekpieces.

Richard Hannon sends in Producer who is more known for his exploits at Epsom over 7 furlongs, where all four of his wins have come over. He took the form up another level when landing a listed race in June there before going onto finish fifth in the Jersey Stakes and was already beaten when hampered on his most recent start in testing conditions, will need to drastically improve to take this. Saigon‘s best campaign came as a 2 year old, taking a maiden and listed race but ran a good race when seventh in the St James’s Palace Stakes earlier in the year. Had some good efforts since, including finishing third, albeit of six runners, and the cheekpieces will need to work better then the familiar blinkers.

Sir Michael Stoute’s  Zumbi made a pleasing start when winning his debut in creditable fashion and went onto improve on a massive step up in class when third in the Acomb Stakes on his last two year old outing. He had a four month break after disappointing on his return to racing before bouncing back on Newmarket last time and it wouldn’t be a surprise to see him involved. And last up is tricky runner I’m So Glad, who tends to flash her tail, but she’s already won 4 times this term, including 7 furlong handicaps at Newmarket on her last two starts. This is a big step up from what she’s used to and looks likely just to set everything up for the more fancied runners.

Recommended Bets:

A tricky field for a Sunday race but for the Supreme Stakes at Goodwood, my selection is THE CHEKA who has come to life fitted with visors and having run respectable in Group 1 races on his last 3 starts, including behind Black Caviar, he can take this in stylish fashion with a drop in class. Of the rest, Royal Rock could make a place for Chris Wall.

3.20 Goodwood Supreme Stakes The Cheka Win (Bet with)

Goodwood Group 2 Betfair Celebration Mile Preview

Sam Preen nailed 8/1 shot Blaine on Friday at York, and he’s back with his analysis and tips for the Goodwood Group 2 Celebration Mile!

Away from the excellent York Ebor Festival, Channel 4 host action from Goodwood, including the Group 2 Betfair Celebration Mile, in which a field of 6 runners line up. Chachamaidee heads the weights hoping to fire in another winner for Sir Henry Cecil, who made his first racecourse appearance in over a month when the mighty Frankel romped to another success. The former, however, bids to double up on her Group 2 wins after taking the Lennox Stakes here at the end of last month. She takes a step up in trip to a mile again where she hasn’t really shined, but the small field and a love of the course should give her a very good chance.

Next up is the ageing Premio Loco, who wound back the years to take two Group 3′s in less then a month at Lingfield and Sweden before falling to the mighty Frankel at Ascot and again trailing in behind Sri Putra at York last month. He’s not won at Goodwood since 2009 and looks to be running out of his depth here against the younger legs. Roger Charlton sends in Thistle Bird, who’s really come to life since wearing headgear (2 from 2 in headgear) and bids to remain unbeaten with it as she heads into her first start in Group company. She ran a respectable third in a handicap over 1m1f and the drop in trip will suit, though she will drastically have to up her game.

Aljamaaheer has been progressing well with age, landing a 7f Listed race at Newmarket with plenty in the tank before a good third in the Jersey Stakes at Royal Ascot when he was very unlucky to lose second in the final strides. Again, he was most unlucky in Group 3 company three weeks ago on his first start over a mile when just losing second again on the final strides. He’s capable of making amends but will need to improve to be competitive here.

Trumpet Major enjoyed a typically successful 2yo campaign for Richard Hannon and impressed on his return to racing in the Craven Stakes and went on to get lucky to beat Aljamaaheer (above) last time out when dead heating with Archbishop. He heads here with an obvious chance but rival Aljamaaheer could get one over on him if the latter has a clear race. Last up is hat trick seeking Van Ellis, who has been progressing well and seemed to have loved the drop to 6f when running to a comfortable success in a York handicap and a Listed race at Chester a week later. This is his first start beyond a mile but he has stamina to prove as well as the ability to handle the higher grade racing.

A surprisingly small field for the 2012 renewal of the Betfair Celebration Mile, in which the trainer/jockey combination of last years winner (Hannon/Hughes) stand out in the form of Trumpet Major, though my money will be carried by the likeable mare CHACHAMAIDE who heads here after taking the Lennox Stakes last month in impressive style. She has been penalised for that win but could easily run into the money.

Recommended Bet:

3:20 Goodwood Celebration Mile  Chachamaidee (Bet with Betfair)

Follow Sam on Twitter @SamPreen!

York Ebor Meeting 2012: Gimcrack Stakes

Sam Preen previews the Group 2 Gimcrack Stakes on day three of the York Ebor Festival 2012!

Welcome to Day 3 of York’s Ebor meeting and the 2012 renewal of the Gimcrack Stakes, in which a field of 8 runners line up to tackle the Group 2 contest.

The field is headed by the top weighted and most experienced runner in the field, Heavy Metal, who heads here after holding on to take the Richmond Stakes at Glorious Goodwood earlier in the month. He heads here with the obvious advantage of being the most experienced runner in the field but looks likely to come undone by the heavy weight he’s once carried in defeat in the Coventry Stakes in June. Next to line up is the course and distance winner Blaine, who burst onto the racing scene in impressive fashion when taking a reasonable maiden here in July. Surprisingly, he has a Group 1 entry and though one of the inexperienced runners in the field, he has to be taken with some consideration.

Mick Channon sends in Cay Verde, who was last seen finishing behind Heavy Metal in the Richmond Stakes. A two time winner over 5 furlongs, he ran a respectable race on his first run over 6 furlongs despite hanging right throughout the full race and eventually drifting right in the final furlong. He’s a good horse with obvious talent but could benefit with some form of headgear if he doesn’t settle again but looks best watched here anyway. Another runner in the Richmond Stakes, Euxton Hall finishing fifth when failing to strike a blow after dominating the race with front running tactics throughout. He’s never really fired in high class races and can easily be overlooked for this race.

Maiden Lewisham sprang a shock in the July Stakes when running late on to take second on the post from David Barron’s Ahern. Connections obviously fancy his chances but it remains to be seen how he will handle the underfoot conditions, but he can’t be ruled out completely. Roger Varian has been in top form he past few days and he sends in Morawij, who takes a step up in trip again since his racecourse debut over 6 furlongs. He was very unlucky not to win last time out from Bungle Inthejungle who pipped him on the line by a head and back up in trip in a likely slow run race, he could get another win here.

Highly rated Odooj is an interesting runner, taking his maiden in impressive fashion before disappointing in a small field on his return after a break. Trainer William Haggas isn’t in the best form as of late and his runner can be watched at best as he’s thrown into his first real challenge. Last up is Richard Hannon’s Pearl Acclaim, who’s continued to improve since disappointing on his racecourse debut at Newmarket before storming to success after a drop in trip. He heads here for his first serious test but holds an entry for a listed race on the Saturday so it remains to be seen which entry he’ll take up.

Recommended Bets:

In the Gimcrack Stakes on day 3 of York’s Ebor festival, my selection is the sole course and distance runner BLAINE who has a Group 1 entry to his name and after bursting onto the scene over this trip, he looks capable of taking this despite inexperience. Of the rest, Marowij could continue Roger Varian’s impressive form.

York 2.30 – Blaine 8/1 EW (Bet with Sportingbet)

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Racing Preview & Tips: Ripon’s Great St. Wilfred

Sam Preen has been pouring through the form book to try and tip up a winner at Ripon in the William Hill Great St. Wilfred on Saturday!

A massive field of 20 runners line up to tackle Ripon’s biggest race of the year, the William Hill Great St Wilfrid Stakes, headed by 2011 Ayr Gold Cup winner Our Jonathan for Dr Marwan Koukash, who’s fast becoming one of the most recognizable people on the racecourse. He has been a hit and miss runner this year, taking a small field Class 2 on his return to racing before finding a few too good in Listed races. He’s finished a good second here on his sole start at Ripon in this race last year, and with high draw dominating the first 3 home last year (17, 20 and 19), he could run a massive race here.

Next up is Secret Witness, who ran the best race for some time at York last month in a small field. He has been a tricky horse to win with but he has a difficult draw in the middle of the course to overcome and looks a bit too high in the weights, even with useful claimer Dale Swift on board. Mark Johnston could win with a cart horse right about now but looks unlikely to be winning with Es Que Love, who heads here after a few disappointing runs since his last win but improved at Goodwood last time out, tiring out on the fast pace but managed to finish 2 lengths behind Hawkeyethenoo. The draw is unlikely to suit but with luck in running, he could run well.

Milton Bradley, known for training the veteran the Tatling, sends in the ageing Regal Parade, who heads here after a mixed spell in Meydan over the Winter but has to overcome a long losing run dating back to 2010 when he won a Group 1, when he was still in training with Dandy Nicholls. He has an outside draw but the weight and older legs could be the undoing of him. 2010 Ayr Silver Cup winner Colonel Mak heads here after finishing fifth at York when adapting new tactics in a fast run race. He’s got a draw to suit and runs on the same weight as his last race so if he grabs the outside rail, he could run a good race here too.

Kevin Ryan also sends in Captain Ramius, who has been runner over 7 furlongs over the winter, further then what he has been bred for. He ran his best race for some time when finishing third in testing conditions at Newmarket last time out and will be suited by the drop in trip, and he could well spring a surprise, despite having a poor inside draw. Last year’s winner Pepper Lane has disappointed on all his runs since claiming a hat trick of wins, finalising with a win in this race last year. He wears headgear for the first time in this years renewal and it looks unlukely he’ll regain his crown here.

One of the ante post favourites, Alben Star, represents Richard Fahey and the lighly raced gelding has ran respectable races on his last two starts. He won a small Haydock race in July before finishing a respectable fifth of 27 runners, 1 3/4L behind Hawkeyethenoo at Glorious Goodwood on his last start, and with a massive drop in the weights, he looks capable of running well, despite a poor draw. Kevin Ryan also sends in Louis The Pious, who was very unlucky to finish second behind Johannes who also runs here. The former is a 4 time distance winner and looks to appreciate the drop in trip to 6 furlongs on his last start after front running primarily over 7 furlongs. He has an inside draw to overcome but looks capable of winning this with the talented Graham Lee on board. The latter on the other hand is a course and distance winner and just had enough to beat Louis on their last start at Goodwood, and has the advantage of the same draw which last years winner Pepper Lane came from.

Henry Candy sends in Seal Rock, who was last seen finishing down the field at Goodwood behind Hawkeyethenoo earlier in the month. With only one win this year at Pontefract in a handicap and a handful of disappointing runs since, he looks out of his depth here. The more fancied Singeur heads here on the back of a win after a long losing run, storming to success here over 5 furlongs earlier in the month. He will apprciate a step up in trip back to 6 furlongs and has a good draw to suit him.

The good Dr Koukash is also represented by Lexi’s Hero sporting now familiar blinkers, in which he hasn’t really shone in. He’s not won since his 3 year old campaign in a massive York field and looks likely to struggle here, despite being back in blinkers (wore cheekpieces last four starts). The more fancied Bosun Breese heads here after finishing a length behind Singeur here earlier in the month. He has a good record at Ripon, with form reading 212 over 5 furlongs, but may struggle on the step up in trip and the likely fast pace.

Tricky Elusive Prince heads here after disappointing at Goodwood when trailng in 23rd of 27 runners. Before that, he wasn’t 100% at Thirsk in handicap company when being slowly away and the Lee Newman pulling him up shortly after a furlong. He soon bounced back to form in first time blinkers (instead of usual visor) on his next start but could find a few too good from an inside draw here. Tim Easterby sends in Grissom, who was another to run in the Goodwood Handicap and falling to Hawkeyethenoo’s sword. His run can be forgivable as he didn’t have a clear run 2 furlongs from home and jockey Mickael Barzalona did the best he could and got him to stay on close home. He hasn’t been in the best form as of late and looks unlikely to be taking the spoils for this.

The most fancied of David Barron’s runners, Bertiewhittle has the plum draw near the rail and looks likely to be trailing in the pack charging down the West Yorkshire courses home straight. He’s been on a long losing run as of late was very unlucky not to finish any better at Ascot when finishing third to Field of Dream and a head third behind Edinburgh Knight. He’ll have come on for that run and has useful 3lb claimer Harry Bentley to guide him home. Ruth Carr sends in Klynch who racked up a hat trick in small races before disappointing on his next the starts. He’s obviously outclassed here and looks unlikely to win this.

The same can be said for the ageing Tax Free, who is the oldest runner in the race at the ripe old age of 10 and heads here after a long losing run since his win against Singeur at Beverley last June. He’s still a good horse on his day, showing the fires still there at  York when finishing third of 20 behind Van Ellis before running well in defeat behind Johannes. He has the outside draw and the trainers known for his success in handicaps, he could well spring a surprise in the place money. Finally, we hit the end, and the ante post favourite Barnet Fair, who heads here on the back of a win at Ascot, reversing placings with rival Taajub. He’s only had the one run at here, back in 2010 when trailing in 12th of 16 runners on his racecourse appearance but has been on the up and up since. As with the rest of the field, the stands side draw won’t suit if it’s anything like last years race but could run into a place.

As with any big field, it’s hard to pick the winner on form alone, but for the 2012 William Hill Great St Wilfred Stakes at Ripon, I’ll be sticking loyal to Graham Lee and LOUIS THE PIOUS, who could run another big race and get one over on old rival Johannes, and looks a cracking each way propersition from a good draw and a tempting price. Any of the runners could fill up the placings but Singeur and the veteran Tax Free could spring a surprise.

Recommended Bet:

3:30 Ripon Great St. Wilfred Louis The Pious 10/1 EW (Bet withWilliam Hill)

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Racing Preview: Hungerford Stakes

Sam Preen takes a look at the runners for the Hungerford Stakes on Saturday at Newbury!

Last year’s winner Excelebration

A field of 9 runners line up to tackle the Group 2 Hungerford Stakes at Newbury on Saturday, with Paul D’Arcy’s stable star Edinburgh Knight heading the card. He has been in mixed form as of late, firing off two seconds in Group 3 and handicap company before coming undone at Goodwood when trailing in last of 7 behind Chachamaidee on his last start. He makes his belated Newbury deut here but having finished behind a few of today’s rivals already, he looks unlikely to reverse the placings here.

Next up is Richard Hannon’s Libranno, who bounced back from his disappointing York run in April with two hard fought victory’s before just finding Chachamaidee too good last time out at Glorious Goodwood. He’s in the form of his life at the minute with the conditions to suit, but looks second string on jockey bookings. Richard Fahey sends in Majestic Myles who has been cleaning up in Listed races up and down the country. His last win came at Chester in Listed company when romping to success but he’s another who has found a few rivals too good and looks likely to struggle here.

Group 3 winner Pastoral Player heads here after running his best race in Group 2 company at Ascot last time out on his first step up to a mile. Surprisingly,  he was one to take on Black Caviar at the Royal meeting in June, and finished a respectable 5 3/4L behind her. He takea a drop in trip to tackle this and would need the ground to harden up a bit to get conditions that’ll suit him. Globetrotting Red Jazz hasn’t been the same force of old since his Listed win back in May, going on to disappoint when short priced favourite at Haydock and then going on to trail in behind Frankel and Fanualter respectively. He’ll need to bounce back to form to take this but looks more then likely to struggle here.

Godolphin send in Soul, who was up until Feburary of this year, was running for Peter Snowdon down under, taking a Group 2 race in 2010 and having a few poor runs since. He trailed in last of 12 at Meydan in March before moving to Saeed Bin Suroor’s Newmarket stable and ran a respectable race to finish sixth behind Tiddliwinks at York back in may, before running a better race to finish 1 1/4L behind Black Caviar at the Royal meeting. He has an impressive record in testing conditions and continued his form when bolting up here in July and could run a massive race taking the step up in trip again.

Richard Hannon also sends in Strong Suit, who seems to have sadly left his best form behind him when disappointing at Churchill Downs, albeit not being able to have much work due to complications. Aside from the Frankel thrashing over course and distance last April, he has a good record over 7 furlongs and could run into a place if he’s capable of showing his old form but looks a risky proposition.

The Irish are represented by Alanza for John Oxx, ridden by Niall McCullagh, taking over from the injured Johnny Murtagh. Niall has rode the filly once, guiding her to a success in Listed company at Cork last July over a mile. She heads here after a disappointing run at Newmarket over a mile, in soft conditions, which she hasn’t shined over both and with a drop in trip to 7 furlongs, over which she hasn’t been beaten, she could run a massive race. Last up is Lethal Force, who only has a maiden victory to his name when romping home at Bath. He has been a bit of a tricky runner, finishing second on his second start and eventually getting disqualified, as well as gtting turned over when short priced favourite last time out. He heads here with first time cheekpieces and they will need to work miracles for him to win this.

In the Hungerford Stakes at Newbury, my money will be carried by Godolphin’s SOUL at 7/2 (Bet365), who looks to run well on the back of a win and a step up in trip. Of the rest, Libranno could run stay on into a place at 7/1 (William Hill).

Recommended Bet:

Newbury 3:05 Hungerford Stakes – Soul 7/2 WIN (Bet with Bet365)

Bet with Bet365 and get up to £200 in free bets!

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Glorious Goodwood 2012: Nassau Stakes Preview

Sam Preen previews the Group 1 Nassau Stakes on the final day of the week long Glorious Goodwood Festival!

And so ends another year of Glorious Goodwood. We’ve seen the highs of Frankel storming to yet another Group 1 success as well as Saddler’s Rock taking the staying race, as well as the lows of the tragic loss of Nicky Henderson’s Veiled and Ryan Moore’s mount Romeo Montague unseating in the same race. We end the meeting with one Group race on the Saturday, the Group 1 Nassau Stakes, which has attracted a field of 8 runners.

We start off with 4yo filly Clinical, who heads here after a disappointing run in the Windsor Forest Stakes at the Royal meeting when she failed to land a blow on any of the rivals. Before that, she took a Group 3 on Oaks day at Epsom on her first start as a 4 year old. This looks tougher then what she’s used to and looks likely to struggle again. Next up is a favourite runner of mine, Izzi Top, who heads here with a four run unbeaten streak, with her last victory in a well deserved Group 1, the Pretty Polly Stakes at the Curragh in testing conditions. Taking a drop down in trip for this, she has everything to suit and is expected to run a massive race.

 Andrew Balding sends in Lay Time, who disappointed in Group 1 company last time out when she trailed in eighth of 10 runners in the Falmouth Stakes over a mile. She’s disappointed on this trip before and can safely be overlooked here. Roger Varian sends in Nahrain, who disappointed on his return to racing when she disappointed at Ascot in Group 2 company. She can be forgiven for that run as it was her first run in a long time and with the ground to suit, she’s expected to make up for her Ascot run.

Once again, connections of Sea Of Heartbreak are aiming too high for her and after two disappointing runs over further at York and Newmarket respectably, the drop in trip will need to suit her if she is to be in with a chance here. Henry Cecil sends inTimepiece, who heads here after a long losing run since her Group 1 win at Newmarket last year. She’s twice finished behind the impressive Izzi Top twice this year and looks booked for the same again.

John Gosden sends in The Fugue, who heads here still seeking a much sought after Group 1 win. Last seen battling onto finish second behind Princess Highway in the Ribblesdale, she’s also finished an unlucky third behind Was and Shirocco Star in the Oaks earlier in the year, and should run a massive race taking a drop in trip. Last up is the Epsom Oaks winner Was, who was last seen disappointing in the Irish equivalent in conditions that didn’t suit at all. She takes a drop in trip from her last two runs and will need to revert to her old Oaks form to win this.

Conclusion: An impressive line of fillies line up to tackle this, it could pay to side with IZZI TOP who heads here with conditions to suit and is expected to run a massive race to add another win to her tally. The Fugue looks more then capable of throwing up a challenge and being the main danger.

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Glorious Goodwood 2012: 3.45 iShares Fillies Stakes

Sam Preen brings us his analysis and tips for the iSahres Fillies Stakes at 3.45 on Day Three of the Glorious Goodwood Festival 2012!

12 runners line up for the iShares Fillies’ Stakes, more commonly known as the “Lillie Langtry Stakes”, and first up is Lucy Wadham’s Bolivia, who started out her career in Germany before being purchased to race over here. She won her first race in over 2 years at Sandown back in June and her first time headgear didn’t do her any favours last time out and those are left off today. She looks likely to struggle here and can be better suited in weaker races.

Irish raider Clare Glen heads here with a long losing run dating back to nearly a year. She ran the best race of her life back in April when finishing a respectable third in Listed company at the Curragh before going onto disappoint at Down Royal when trailing in 8th of 9 runners. This looks much too tough for her and she can be overlooked here.

Hawaafez bolted up over 13 furlongs last time out to take her first Listed race at Newbury on her first start as a 4 year old. She’s open to much more improvement and she could well take this with a clear run. French raider Jehanndarc heads here after storming to success in a Conditions race at Deauville last time out. She looks open to improvement and she hasn’t come all this way for nothing and could well run into a place.

Midnight Soprano has had a brilliant season so far, getting 5 wins on the bounce before finishing well beaten at the Curragh in Group 3 company last time out. This looks tougher then what she’s used to but she could run into a place if she’s capable of continuing her impressive season. Quiz Mistress has finally found her form, making an impressive start to her 4yo season when bolting up at Windsor before notching another win at Salisbury and just losing out at Haydock in the testing conditions. She has ran and disappointed over this distance before but with her bouncing back to form, she could run into a place.

Outsider Twin Soul hasn’t been the same force of old since notching a hat trick on the all weather last year and her recent form shows she’ll struggle here. Lightly raced Wild Coco heads here after nearly a year off since disappointing in this last year, and can be watched at best on her return to racing. The Queen’s represented by Group 3 winner Estimate who ran the race of her life at the Royal meeting when she romped to success in the Queen’s Vase. She takes a step down in trip for this and she should take all the beating here.

Lightly raced Amaraja finally got off the mark on her fourth start in maiden company, and this looks a stiff task on another step up in trip as well as a massive step up in class. Good Morning Star hasn’t been the same form since holding off Betterbetterbetter (ridiculous name…) at Chester in Listed company back in May but has since gone on to disappoint. She takes another step up in trip here but may find a few too good. Charles Hills sends in Hazel Lavery to complete the line up, who’s only blemish on her form was in Group 2 company at Ascot before romping to success at Newmarket down in class. She takes a step up in class and trip again but may struggle against more experienced runners.

A wide open field with many who come here with a chance.  The obvious choice would be the favourite Estimate, but it could pay to side with HAWAAFEZ who bolted up on her last start and is open to much more improvement. Of the rest, Jehanndarc  could make a place if the long trip hasn’t taken too much from her.

Recommended Bet:

3.45 Goodwood Hawaafez

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Glorious Goodwood 2012: Vintage Stakes Preview

Sam Preen gives us his analysis of the 2.35 Vintage Stages on Day Two of Glorious Goodwood  2012!

A field of 14 runners line up for the Vintage Stakes, with some lightly raced, but very promising, 2 year olds.

Course and Distance winner Olympic Glory heads here after going one better then his Group 2 second at Ascot by taking a Group 2 at Newmarket on a step up in trip to 7 furlongs. Running on better ground for this and being one of the few runners to have the benefit of being a distance winner, he could well take this. Godolphin send is Artigiano who was last seen finishing fourth at Newmarket on his first start over 7 furlongs on the testing conditions. He has a less then pleasing record in Group races and the other Godolphin runner looks more dangerous. Birdman was last seen running the race of his life in Group 2 company on his first start over 7 furlongs, finishing just behind Olympic Glory. He deserves another chance to turn the tables with the latter runner and can be in with a chance here.

The most experienced runner in the field, Chilworth Icon, heads here after disappointing at Newmarket last time out. He has disappointed over 7 furlongs before at Ascot and looks likely to struggle here. John Gosden sends in Ghurair, who finished an impressive winner on his debut at Newmarket in testing conditions on his sole start to date. He’s worth jotting down now he runs in better conditions for the first time and could run into a place.

Luhaif finally lost his maiden tag on his fourth start when romping to success at Newmarket on his second start over 7 furlongs before disappointing in Group 2 company. The testing conditions wouldn’t have suited him but up against Group winners, he’s best watched here at best.  Maxentius is another runner who finished behind Olympic Glory at Newmarket last time out. He is a distance winner on similar conditions and could run a good race with underfoot conditions to suit.

Operation Chariot disappointed on his last start in Group 2 company when trailing in 8th of 9 runners at Newmarket behind, you guessed it… Olympic Glory. Though a winner on soft, he found the heavy conditions too much and although he’s deserved another chance, he can be overlooked here. 

Godolphin send in Listed winner Tha’ir, who bolted up at Ascot on his first start over 7 furlongs after another impressive run in maiden company under similar conditions. With a surprising entry in the 2013 Epsom Derby, he could run a massive race here before going onto greater things. Last up is Whipper’s Boy, who surprisingly loved the step up in trip to 7 furlongs when bolting up at Epsom on his last start. This on the other hand, looks much tougher and he faces a stiff task here.

Conclusion: A surprisingly small field line up to tackle this Group 2, and preference is for Godolphin second string THA’IR who bolted up in maiden company in similar conditions before taking the Chesham. It’s a big ask but he looks capable of running a big race with a talented jockey on board. Of the rest, Olympic Glory is the main danger.