Thoughts on today's races (just the ones that interest me, edits in red), written on Wednesday:
1.50 - I’ve taken a decent bet on Bolster (5 places) at 10/1 (12s available the last time I looked). Not only did he do best of those to race prominently at Ascot in the G3 Hampton Court but I’ve rated him on where I reckon he would have finished had he not been seriously messed about up the straight, after which he was looked after. This is a drop in class and he holds a Great Voltigeur entry. I’ll be disappointed if he doesn’t win and extremely disappointed if he doesn’t at least get the place money. Most of the field are improvers but so is the selection. Normally with this race I start with the Johnstons since they’ve won it six times in the past ten years and not necessarily with obvious shouts. Their 2016 winner Ode To Evening was 25/1 and this was the only race it won in eleven starts that season. Either of their runners could just be very well hidden so worth savers (12/1w Knockbrex and 25s ew KW taken to smaller stakes). On the figures, I’m most afraid of the two possible really big improvers, Westerton and Seendid but I won’t be backing them as well at single-figure odds. (Took 10/1 Seendid a moment ago.)
3.00 - Again, the Johnstons have won three of the last four renewals so Themaxwecan (16/1 ew taken) is taking me over yonder cliff but I’m not convinced La Pulga will stay (NR). That won’t stop me putting some sickness insurance on (that will!). I think Aimeric (9/2 taken) might be targeting the Ebor so would probably need a rise to get in. He’s been running over 12f so far this season but he ran in the Melrose last August, fading after possibly doing too much up front. He was over CD back in October but connections blamed soft ground for a poor show. He’s won over 1m5f so I’m hopeful he can improve for stepping back up in trip here.
3.35 I’m not sure about Via Sistina dropping back in trip from the Curragh, impressive though she was there. All her other entries are at 10f and further. I quite fancy Coppice. I really should have backed her at Ascot after having her ante-post for the 1000 Guineas. The Ascot race may well have been a fillies-only handicap but I think the form is extremely strong and she might now just be fulfilling her potential. I fancy her to improve past her stablemate Nashwa who has been racing over further and might be prepping for the Nassau at Goodwood. Coppice is drifting in the market so I’m holding off to see if the price lengthens further and BOGs kick in. (Blue now so had to settle for 7/1 ew 4 places.)
Be lucky, everyone.
