OLDJOESAID Usually seen at his best on much softer surface that will find today, but handy 5lbs taken off here on first run for new stable makes interesting reading. Poorly drawn and probably other days for him, but talented.
FOL HOLLOW Won this race last year off 8lbs lower mark but is two from two at the track and did win small field event here later in year from just 1lb lower than today. Decent draw and fresh from the AW. Folly to ignore for stable/jockey in form.
MATSUNOSUKE No turf win since 2007 hardly inspires confidence. Has bits and pieces of form to give him a chance here and high draw a bonus; But he is an in and out performer and others preferred today.
REBEL DUKE Has been in good form so far this term and not impossible to see a decent show. Mark is quite high at present though and has tricky wide berth to overcome, as well as ground issues.
EXCUSEZ MOI A quirky customer, but last two efforts over 5f have yielded a second and first; including here back in May last year. Not impossible to see bold show, despite the draw not being ideal. Goes on any ground and has performed well early in season before.
ISHETOO Won off this sort of mark for past two seasons and 5f/decent ground key to him. Probably prefers flatter track but draw is ideal and stable in cracking form (3 wins and a 3rd from 4 runners last fortnight). Dangerous to rule out.
ABRAHAM LINCOLN Talented on his day but has moved from O'Brien to Nicholls and now to Ron Harris, so obviously isn't straightforward. Might just need the run here today.
HAMISH MCGONAGALL Ultra consistent sort until he lost his way somewhat at the end of last year. Dropped to exciting looking mark as a consequence but course may not suit and draw is an extra hurdle to overcome.
PARISIAN PYRAMID Moved to the Kevin Ryan yard now after tough 3yo campaign with Dandy Nicholls. Looks the type to go well this term after encouraging runs last and, while today's trip might be on sharp side, could be one to keep on eye on as the season progresses.
MEDICEAN MAN Lightly raced and progressive type who bolted up on latest run at first attempt over 5f on AW. Just as adept on turf and has fair draw, so entitled to go well once more. Drying ground probably not in his favour but remains a danger to all.
THE NIFTY FOX Another who would probably like the ground a tad less livelier and starts the season on a stiff mark thanks to his Catterick Dash success last backend. Usually takes a few races to get going and others offer more appeal.
MASTER ROONEY Open to bags of improvement after injury put pay to 3yo career. Showed huge promise on final start last term and entitled to be in the shake-up off attractive looking mark.
TAJNEED Rarely attempts trips this short and best form has been on much slower ground than likely to encounter here today. Mark isn't bad though and worse chances in this.
INDIAN TRAIL Not getting any younger and might want it a shade quicker than today's ground; but does go well for today's rider. Drawn well but might just need this before possible trip to Epsom next week then back to defend his "Dash" crown on Derby day.
EQUULEUS PICTOR Drawn out in the car park and all winning form on much softer going than today. Likely there will be other days with him when conditions are more up his street.
LENNY BEE Closely matched with Fol Hollow on their Haydock running last September and a likely improver from three to four. Has landed the plum draw, shouldn't mind the ground and could go well if bagging the rail from the gates.
LORD OF THE REINS Down the field in this last term off 5lbs higher but in much better form this time around. Has won off today's mark before and has the man of the moment booked, which is eye-catching. Tough draw though and ground might be lively enough for him.
A deliciously tricky handicap to get to grips with and likely the draw will play a key role in the outcome. Both Lenny Bee (Stall 17) and Fol Hollow (13) have the ability to blaze away and never be caught, but they are sure to start at skinny odds as a result. While Ishetoo (16), Matsunosuke (15) and Indian Trail (14) are proven hold up horses and will need gaps to appear if they are trapped in against the fence. So preference is for two improving four year olds from middle draws in Medicean Man (11) and Master Rooney (8). The former came on leaps and bounds last term and has a recent AW win to his name. He finished like a train that day and the horse that finished last there has since dotted up in a Musselburgh sprint, he is worth the risk to improve again. While the latter has plenty of room for improvement, being so lightly raced. He was a classy two year old but has obviously had problems. His final start (of two) last term was eye-catching, as he motored down the outside to finish a close third after being hampered twice. Both trainer and jockey have enjoyed a good start to the season and his mark could be exploited at present.
Selections
No industry prices as yet so current Betfair prices used
Medicean Man 2pts win @ 11/2 Master Rooney 1pt ew @ 11/1
This is a particularly trappy sprint compared to last year's renewal of the same race. It was much harder to seek the value this time around as there are a number with very solid claims. But we'll see how those two go anyway, it's a long season ahead with plenty of opportunity to land decent prizes.
This is a particularly trappy sprint compared to last year's renewal of the same race. It was much harder to seek the value this time around as there are a number with very solid claims. But we'll see how those two go anyway, it's a long season ahead
Blimey VK! Are you writing the spotlights for the Racing Post:
SPOTLIGHT VERDICT: A decent gallop is on the cards and that should play to the strengths of MEDICEAN MAN, who shapes as though a strongly run 5f at a stiff track such as this could be ideal. He showed he was better than ever on his reappearance and AW debut when beating a couple of previous winners, is well drawn in stall 11, has a fine strike-rate and, as he's had only nine starts, there may well be more to come. Master Rooney may do better this year, particularly if he's learnt to settle. [Richard Young]
Blimey VK! Are you writing the spotlights for the Racing Post:SPOTLIGHT VERDICT: A decent gallop is on the cards and that should play to the strengths of MEDICEAN MAN, who shapes as though a strongly run 5f at a stiff track such as this could be idea
Ha ha! Didn't notice that Leo. Infact, I try and not look at write ups in the publications incase it sways me in any way. Funny they have matched this time. I'd happily switch jobs with "Richard Young" though lol.
Ha ha! Didn't notice that Leo. Infact, I try and not look at write ups in the publications incase it sways me in any way. Funny they have matched this time. I'd happily switch jobs with "Richard Young" though lol.
Yeah, I do the same thing. I always draw up a set of 'tissue' prices, and so try and work 2 days ahead so I am not swayed by either seeing an SP forecast or the spotlight verdict.
I have 6/1 the field in this event, and will see how the bookies price this up in the morning. Like you the booking of Hanagan on Lord Of The Reins catches the eye - though I suspect he is only riding as Paul Mulrennan (who won on him last time) can't do the weight. I have a feeling this could be one of those Beverley races where the leaders go off too fast and set the race up for a strong (and apparently badly drawn) finisher.
Master Rooney is in Timeform's fifty to follow this season, and they seem to think he'll be contesting the big sprint handicaps this season.
VK,Yeah, I do the same thing. I always draw up a set of 'tissue' prices, and so try and work 2 days ahead so I am not swayed by either seeing an SP forecast or the spotlight verdict.I have 6/1 the field in this event, and will see how the bookies pri
There was briefly a bit of 7/1 available about Medicean Man. Fol Hollow looks too short at a best priced 7/2 imo but Matsunosuke and Lord Of The Reins look overpriced at 20's. A very tricky race though and only small stakes plays for me.
There was briefly a bit of 7/1 available about Medicean Man.Fol Hollow looks too short at a best priced 7/2 imo but Matsunosuke and Lord Of The Reins look overpriced at 20's.A very tricky race though and only small stakes plays for me.
Perhaps I need a rethink having read this on the HR forum: :0
bluebook 14 Apr 10:02
The old washing machine's getting old now and has a tendency to walk around the kitchen as it vibrates. I placed seventeen bingo balls on it during the spin cycle this morning to represent the 17 runners in Beverley's 3:10. The last one remaining when the other sixteen had tumbled off was :
Number 2 : FOL HOLLOW
I note this horse is a shortie, so perhaps the old Bendix knows a thing or two about this game.
Perhaps I need a rethink having read this on the HR forum: :0 bluebook 14 Apr 10:02 The old washing machine's getting old now and has a tendency to walk around the kitchen as it vibrates. I placed sev
Well I'm not on the greatest of runs at the minute but Parisian Pyramid looks a huge price at 40/1 today. I followed him on his last two runs last year & he finished off the season with a very good 5th in a very good class 2 handicap at Doncaster running on well at the finish on that flat track over 5f. He had also caught the eye on his other run at 5f at Newbury again finishing well in 7th. His other try at the trip was on g/f round Chester's tight 5f which would not have suited. His two best efforts over todays trip off marks of 90 & 94 give him a solid chance today off this years starting mark of 89 for his new stable & feel he is well worth a try at such huge odds. Todays stiffer track should really suit over this trip & a drop to class 3 level are in his favour. There should be a strong pace in the race which will help & although stall 7 is tricky his style of racing may allow him to work his way over to the favoured far side. Well that's the plan anyway ! There's always a risk in selecting first time out runners but his form & being unexposed at the trip give him a very good chance off todays rating. He's certainly no 40/1 shot to me !
Best of luck with your picks
Hi VK & best of luck. Here's my pick for the raceGood morningWell I'm not on the greatest of runs at the minute but Parisian Pyramid looks a huge price at 40/1 today.I followed him on his last two runs last year & he finished off the season with a ve
Good work VK. Quite like Ishetoo myself, trainer is very good round here and the Lincoln run was actually decent and he should be spot on for this. Mr M, good luck with PP, I like the logic behind it although he may want a run.
Good work VK. Quite like Ishetoo myself, trainer is very good round here and the Lincoln run was actually decent and he should be spot on for this.Mr M, good luck with PP, I like the logic behind it although he may want a run.
Fair point, I just think it's unlikely because he's with a new trainer and he may just want to see where they are with him. Kevin Ryan has had a decent April though.
Fair point, I just think it's unlikely because he's with a new trainer and he may just want to see where they are with him. Kevin Ryan has had a decent April though.
Just got back from work and saw the race. Lenny Bee did the business from the best drawer and did it well, there was always a chance of that happening and if I'd have been around to see the prices the 7/1 available this morning would have been tempting.
That's two very tough sprints to start the season off with so far. But it's a long road ahead and there's plenty more fun to be had :D
I'm enjoying the debate and discussion on these events.
Just got back from work and saw the race. Lenny Bee did the business from the best drawer and did it well, there was always a chance of that happening and if I'd have been around to see the prices the 7/1 available this morning would have been tempti