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The 2025 Temple Stakes

I would say 9/1 Starlust is fair if you knew he was running.

It's bizarre that a Breeders' Cuo winner was 105/1 for his next race, but the 1/10 winner is considered by many to be the best sprinter on the planet.

Starlust's third in the Nunthorpe demonstrates Del Mar was no flash in the pan and, despite the Group 1 penalty, I'd expect him to give the favourite Rumstar plenty to think about.
 
If it was a mere handicap, Matt Chapman would could her a 'roughie', I.E something to find on ratings, but I did think Electric Storm was impressive at Bath in that listed fillies event. She was drawn wide last time in France, when starting 2/1 favourite

She was slow out of the stalls, and never able to get going. She will receive some weight here though, which I view as a positive. While doing some research, I note her grandsire, Bated Breath, had a fine record at Haydock, (11213), with one of those wins coming in this race in 2012.

So that might be a good omen for each way backers. Daniel Tudhope booked to ride, so I assume she's a runner, though I'll back her later in the week.

Rumstar, Rumstar, Rumstar. You did a good turn for me the last twice, so how could I abandon you now. I don't know. I just like Electric Storm each way really.

Ian's mentioned Starlust and that must have a chance too, especially on official ratings.
 
I'm warming to American Affair for this. It isn't anything to do with the fact that I've backed him both times this season with reasonable confidence since I wasn't really expecting him to take this big a step up in class so he wasn't really on my radar until I checked the York run a moment or two ago.

I checked the betting a moment ago half-expecting a nice double-digit price so I'm a bit phlegmatic that 11/2 seems to be the best price going. For 'a handicapper' in a G2? I also thought he won in spite of Mulrennan last time - I thought Mulrennan was excellent on him at Musselburgh, just for the record - and I often think he's more likely to get the tactics wrong than right so I want an extra couple of points compensation.

I'm not going to say I won't back it but I'm certainly not going to commit now until the guarantees kick in and if he's shortened up again by then I always have the option of not having a bet in the race.
 
"Handicapper in a Group 2" isn't really Maurice speak (I'd expect to read or hear that in the facile racing media, not from the great numbers sage of the frozen North! 😂) and the reality, as Maurice knows, is this is a horse who won off a career high OR of 98, is up to 105 for that and his best opponent on paper - Starlust 115 - has to give him 5lb.

American Affair is entitled, at the very least, to be within a couple of lengths of the winner in this intriguing contest if he can run to his new mark.
 
I like Grande Marquese here
Looks all about speed.
Gets all the allowances and could take some pegging back on this fast flat track.
Currently 16/1 William Hill.
 
Ian_Davies said:
"Handicapper in a Group 2" isn't really Maurice speak (I'd expect to read or hear that in the facile racing media, not from the great numbers sage of the frozen North! 😂) and the reality, as Maurice knows, is this is a horse who won off a career high OR of 98, is up to 105 for that and his best opponent on paper - Starlust 115 - has to give him 5lb.

American Affair is entitled, at the very least, to be within a couple of lengths of the winner in this intriguing contest if he can run to his new mark.
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Yes, Ian, hence the quotation marks. It is the kind of thing I'd expect to see/hear in the racing media and among punters who don't actually dig into the form. I was hoping that kind of attitude would present me with a possible betting opportunity at a really nice price.

Who knows, it might yet...
 
Ian_Davies said:
6mm of rain overnight at Haydock and the times weren't that quick yesterday.

Anything that wants it on top unlikely to get it there today, IMO.
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The wind yesterday was "moderate, against" which would account in part for the times being slower than might otherwise have been anticipated on ground that the Turftrax map was showing as good to firm all over bar on the bends, which were showing as good. This morning the map is saying good ground all round.

A very basic calculation of the times comes out at around 0.5spf slow which to me suggests borderline good-to-soft so it was probably just goodish with the wind slowing them a bit.

Definitely not pointing to hoof-rattling conditions and I imagine not many can really have an excuse on account of the ground but if the wind is still against them you might want a hold-up horse who can slipstream its way through the race.
 
Desert Orchid said:
I take it someone of influence has put up American Affair? It is now as short as 9/4f and no bigger than 11/4. That's a shocking price.

(But a bit of me hopes it wins.)
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I've a similar question with regards to Electric Storm. 25/1 ante post., then steadily shortens up all week, especially since yesterday morning, and now only 11/2.

The word plunge comes to mind. I won't be counting my chickens until after the race though. I've suffered too many disappointments as a punter to be getting carried away.
 
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Absolutely, in terms of the SP of 10/1, looking strange after the race.

I wonder was there an element of her being under bet because of all her form was abroad. This is the type of thing I watch out for at Royal Ascot, though clearly I know sweet feck all about getting a handle on French form.

Certainly, the fact Electric Storm was sixth to her in France last time, would make you think their prices were the wrong way around today.

Well done DO, top shooting again.
 
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