Horse Antepost
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PRIME DEFENDER
Tried at the highest level for most of last season and returned with fair efforts so far this term in Listed contests. Clearly talented but could struggle to land this from top weight against improvers.
CITRUS STAR
Lightly raced and could be an improver this season; he should enjoy the ground. Whether he can take this first time out on his current mark remains to be seen but an interesting contender.
BARNEY MCGREW
Landed tough handicap at York back in 2009 off this mark and was a Grp3 winner last term. He will appreciate the conditions and Ryan Moore is an interesting booking. Whether he likes this track is open for debate though (Three starts; no wins/places).
SWILLY FERRY
A winner over CD last year and another who looks like he has a bright future ahead of him. Looked unlucky first time out here last term and no surprise to see a solid effort from a good draw today, despite the stiff mark.
LUI REI
Tricky to assess this ex-Italian runner but has shown improved form for new trainer on last four starts and has the help of Frankie today. The fast ground sure to help his chances and couldn't rule out completely.
COLONEL MAK
Cracking end to the last campaign resulting in lifting the Ayr Silver Cup. However, has struggled on quicker ground in the past and remains a touch high in the weights at present.
CHEVETON
Talented and exciting individual who normally takes some stopping at some point during the season. Unlikely to be at present though and needs soft ground to be seen at his best.
HAWKEYETHENOO
Shot up the ratings last term and landed biggest prize to date when taking the Sky Bet Dash at York under Fallon. Now 5lbs higher than for that and 15lbs higher than when landing this very race; so bit to prove at the weights at present.
PASTORAL PLAYER
Lightly raced and a likely sort to improve more now as a 4yo for the Morrison yard. Unlikely he has the talent to land this tough prize off this sort of mark; but record fresh is very encouraging.
JOHANNES
Last win came off this mark on first start of last season at York, so claims on that score. However, doesn't have the greatest draw here today and likely there is something younger lurking in here to best him.
DOCOFTHEBAY
First try at 6f and only third start for Dandy, dismissed by Adrian and despite having a decent draw here he might struggle to go the pace with some of these. Best watched at present while 5lbs above last winning mark.
DRAWNFROMTHEPAST
Took two AW handicaps last backend but is 13lbs above last winning mark on turf and has been drawn out in the car park today. Tough to see him landing this.
OUR JONATHAN
Excellent effort four weeks ago on debut (race working out well) since being gelded and comes here off mark he can exploit. A Grp3 and Grp2 winner at two he clearly has the talent and has a fair draw with which to attack from today. Could go close.
TIDDLIWINKS
Excellent AW record but looks equally adept on the turf despite never winning. Has been really close in high quality sprints in the past and denied a clear run (past post on bridle) when last seen in the Ayr Silver Cup. Draw an issue but each way claims.
FIVE STAR JUNIOR
Decent at a lower level than this and on a mark he certainly can win off when on song. However this is highly competitive stuff and likely to struggle against some classy individuals despite smart draw.
JACK MY BOY
Won here as a 3yo and not really progressed since then. Conditions will suit today however and has landed a plum draw one off the rail. Again though, tricky in against some of these.
SILAAH
The choice of Adrian here for Dandy and ran a couple of good efforts in Meydan over the Winter. Only win on turf came in a claimer however and hard to envisage him making it two in this.
WILDCAT WIZARD
Looked unlucky a few times last year when with Paul Cole and posted best effort off 3lb higher at Goodwood last July. Now with best sprint trainer around and with a good draw here he is capable of a bold show after signs of a revival last time out.
FRATELLINO
Has the worst draw of all in this and hasn't shown much sparkle in three starts so far this term. Hard to fancy with plenty of others looking better treated.
FIREBACK
Sure to improve this year for Andrew Balding and starts the season on a fair mark (5lbs higher than last win). Will enjoy the quick conditions and has each way appeal despite his iffy draw.
EDINBURGH KNIGHT
Shocking record on turf and couldn't have asked for a harder start to his four year old campaign. Not much of a case to be made for him from any angle and best watched for now.
CURTAINS
Some good black type form previous two years and returned with a win on the AW a month ago. Could be better than current mark but needs to show improvement to fly by some hardened handicappers.
NOVELLEN LAD
Loves rattling along on a fast surface and was a winner first time out last term. Moved stables over Winter and could prove a good buy for connections. Best efforts last year came off 6lbs higher than today and potential to go well; awkward draw.
ROCKET ROB
Excellent record at the lower ranks but often finds at least something too good when upped to this class. Hasn't landed the best of draws and likely to play a bit part once more.
HAMOODY
Proved very quirky, although Dandy managed to get his head in front at Goodwood last year. Impossible to predict and probably best watched for the time being.
BALDEMAR
Has the talent to take this and has landed the draw right against the stands rail here. However, rejected by Hanagan and record first time out isn't amazing. Is on a mark 2lbs lower than when winning Bronze Cup in 2009 though.
CLEAR PRAISE
Only raced on AW since coming over to the UK and an unknown quantity on turf. Would have to take a huge leap of improvement to trouble most of these though and likely to be a bit part player.
SUMMARY
This looks like a mouth-watering sprint in prospect down the straight at Newmarket. Plenty of these should appreciate the quicker conditions but OUR JONATHAN could come out as best of all. He has dropped to a very attractive mark now for one of his ability and the signs first time out at Doncaster a couple of weeks back were highly encouraging as he had to weave around the outside of the field and finished less a length behind improver Horseradish in third. The form of that race is working out well (2nd a close 2nd since; 7th won next time; 15th won next time) and it’d be no surprise to see this lightly raced gelding improve leaps and bounds this year. Interestingly, Evens And Odds was third in the same Doncaster race before coming here to win this race a couple of years back. Of the rest, Swilly Ferry and Lui Rei have the potential to run well from high in the weights, and Tiddliwinks will surely land one of these sprints one day after posting impressive runs all last season. One at a bigger price with an each way chance though could come in the shape of Wildcat Wizard. Dandy is still getting to know him after acquiring him for the start of this season but he showed something of his old spark last time and with a handy draw to help here he sits on a mark he can certainly do damage off if on song.
SELECTIONS
Our Jonathan 3pts win @ 11/1
Tiddliwinks 2pt win @ 11/1
Wildcat Wizard 1pt ew @ 22/1
Tried at the highest level for most of last season and returned with fair efforts so far this term in Listed contests. Clearly talented but could struggle to land this from top weight against improvers.
CITRUS STAR
Lightly raced and could be an improver this season; he should enjoy the ground. Whether he can take this first time out on his current mark remains to be seen but an interesting contender.
BARNEY MCGREW
Landed tough handicap at York back in 2009 off this mark and was a Grp3 winner last term. He will appreciate the conditions and Ryan Moore is an interesting booking. Whether he likes this track is open for debate though (Three starts; no wins/places).
SWILLY FERRY
A winner over CD last year and another who looks like he has a bright future ahead of him. Looked unlucky first time out here last term and no surprise to see a solid effort from a good draw today, despite the stiff mark.
LUI REI
Tricky to assess this ex-Italian runner but has shown improved form for new trainer on last four starts and has the help of Frankie today. The fast ground sure to help his chances and couldn't rule out completely.
COLONEL MAK
Cracking end to the last campaign resulting in lifting the Ayr Silver Cup. However, has struggled on quicker ground in the past and remains a touch high in the weights at present.
CHEVETON
Talented and exciting individual who normally takes some stopping at some point during the season. Unlikely to be at present though and needs soft ground to be seen at his best.
HAWKEYETHENOO
Shot up the ratings last term and landed biggest prize to date when taking the Sky Bet Dash at York under Fallon. Now 5lbs higher than for that and 15lbs higher than when landing this very race; so bit to prove at the weights at present.
PASTORAL PLAYER
Lightly raced and a likely sort to improve more now as a 4yo for the Morrison yard. Unlikely he has the talent to land this tough prize off this sort of mark; but record fresh is very encouraging.
JOHANNES
Last win came off this mark on first start of last season at York, so claims on that score. However, doesn't have the greatest draw here today and likely there is something younger lurking in here to best him.
DOCOFTHEBAY
First try at 6f and only third start for Dandy, dismissed by Adrian and despite having a decent draw here he might struggle to go the pace with some of these. Best watched at present while 5lbs above last winning mark.
DRAWNFROMTHEPAST
Took two AW handicaps last backend but is 13lbs above last winning mark on turf and has been drawn out in the car park today. Tough to see him landing this.
OUR JONATHAN
Excellent effort four weeks ago on debut (race working out well) since being gelded and comes here off mark he can exploit. A Grp3 and Grp2 winner at two he clearly has the talent and has a fair draw with which to attack from today. Could go close.
TIDDLIWINKS
Excellent AW record but looks equally adept on the turf despite never winning. Has been really close in high quality sprints in the past and denied a clear run (past post on bridle) when last seen in the Ayr Silver Cup. Draw an issue but each way claims.
FIVE STAR JUNIOR
Decent at a lower level than this and on a mark he certainly can win off when on song. However this is highly competitive stuff and likely to struggle against some classy individuals despite smart draw.
JACK MY BOY
Won here as a 3yo and not really progressed since then. Conditions will suit today however and has landed a plum draw one off the rail. Again though, tricky in against some of these.
SILAAH
The choice of Adrian here for Dandy and ran a couple of good efforts in Meydan over the Winter. Only win on turf came in a claimer however and hard to envisage him making it two in this.
WILDCAT WIZARD
Looked unlucky a few times last year when with Paul Cole and posted best effort off 3lb higher at Goodwood last July. Now with best sprint trainer around and with a good draw here he is capable of a bold show after signs of a revival last time out.
FRATELLINO
Has the worst draw of all in this and hasn't shown much sparkle in three starts so far this term. Hard to fancy with plenty of others looking better treated.
FIREBACK
Sure to improve this year for Andrew Balding and starts the season on a fair mark (5lbs higher than last win). Will enjoy the quick conditions and has each way appeal despite his iffy draw.
EDINBURGH KNIGHT
Shocking record on turf and couldn't have asked for a harder start to his four year old campaign. Not much of a case to be made for him from any angle and best watched for now.
CURTAINS
Some good black type form previous two years and returned with a win on the AW a month ago. Could be better than current mark but needs to show improvement to fly by some hardened handicappers.
NOVELLEN LAD
Loves rattling along on a fast surface and was a winner first time out last term. Moved stables over Winter and could prove a good buy for connections. Best efforts last year came off 6lbs higher than today and potential to go well; awkward draw.
ROCKET ROB
Excellent record at the lower ranks but often finds at least something too good when upped to this class. Hasn't landed the best of draws and likely to play a bit part once more.
HAMOODY
Proved very quirky, although Dandy managed to get his head in front at Goodwood last year. Impossible to predict and probably best watched for the time being.
BALDEMAR
Has the talent to take this and has landed the draw right against the stands rail here. However, rejected by Hanagan and record first time out isn't amazing. Is on a mark 2lbs lower than when winning Bronze Cup in 2009 though.
CLEAR PRAISE
Only raced on AW since coming over to the UK and an unknown quantity on turf. Would have to take a huge leap of improvement to trouble most of these though and likely to be a bit part player.
SUMMARY
This looks like a mouth-watering sprint in prospect down the straight at Newmarket. Plenty of these should appreciate the quicker conditions but OUR JONATHAN could come out as best of all. He has dropped to a very attractive mark now for one of his ability and the signs first time out at Doncaster a couple of weeks back were highly encouraging as he had to weave around the outside of the field and finished less a length behind improver Horseradish in third. The form of that race is working out well (2nd a close 2nd since; 7th won next time; 15th won next time) and it’d be no surprise to see this lightly raced gelding improve leaps and bounds this year. Interestingly, Evens And Odds was third in the same Doncaster race before coming here to win this race a couple of years back. Of the rest, Swilly Ferry and Lui Rei have the potential to run well from high in the weights, and Tiddliwinks will surely land one of these sprints one day after posting impressive runs all last season. One at a bigger price with an each way chance though could come in the shape of Wildcat Wizard. Dandy is still getting to know him after acquiring him for the start of this season but he showed something of his old spark last time and with a handy draw to help here he sits on a mark he can certainly do damage off if on song.
SELECTIONS
Our Jonathan 3pts win @ 11/1
Tiddliwinks 2pt win @ 11/1
Wildcat Wizard 1pt ew @ 22/1
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Great read as always VK. The fact that many firms are now paying out on the 1st 5 places is a bonus.
I think it's about bloody time Tiddliwinks won one of these!
Tiddliwinks currrently 14/1 with Lads (only 4 places though 
).
).
VK great read as always
Think we both believe in OJ!
Our Jonathan E/W 11/1
Fireback E/W 20/1
Edinburgh Knight E/W 25/1
GL
Think we both believe in OJ!
Our Jonathan E/W 11/1
Fireback E/W 20/1
Edinburgh Knight E/W 25/1
GL
Citrus Star needs to come down in the weights to win a big one,but I like him
Think there is a race in him though this season
Think there is a race in him though this season
Great write up VK - I am a little confused with your thoughts on those drawn low having a disadvantage? The results today don't seem to suggest that a low draw is a disadvantage, however the going stick does indicate that middle is faster. The 3 I have are all drawn low (Johannes/Fireback/Novellen Lad)and expect/hope they angle towards the middle!
Thanks Belmez. I wrote this before the racing took place today and I envisaged them sticking to the stands side rail; but it turned out they came up the centre. So maybe the draw won't be an excuse anymore.
VK
You think this years is a good a race as the last few years?
You think this years is a good a race as the last few years?
Bit of money coming for Tiddliwinks. Market always seems to love him, i remember once ast year 16s into 6s...
TV
I do think this is as tough a race as it has been the past few years. Maybe last year was better in terms of sheer quality but Prime Defender and Barney McGrew add class to this years renewal. Plus the weight of numbers makes it ultra competitive stuff this time around. I suppose that's why it's 11/1 the field.
I do think this is as tough a race as it has been the past few years. Maybe last year was better in terms of sheer quality but Prime Defender and Barney McGrew add class to this years renewal. Plus the weight of numbers makes it ultra competitive stuff this time around. I suppose that's why it's 11/1 the field.
Great write up as always VK but have you factored in that the helpful people have reversed the draw figures so that what was once high is now low? In the last 10 runnings no horse has been drawn lower than 12 which actually now means higher than 16. Or at least that is my interpretation.
Therefore I have Tiddliwinks in for a cracking chance and I also fancy Johannes and Fireback to go close.
I really don't understand the logic behind this change if it was to make things easier for the uninitiated to understand some of the more complex aspects of racing because it wasn't until I had been racing for a few years that I even took the draw into consideration, and I have to admit it wasn't even straight away I realised that it was different on left and right handed tracks, so anyone new coming into the sport probably doesn't care that much. All it seems to have done is confuse people who may have spent time and effort analysing the draw who now have to try and cobble something together.
Good luck to all bettors today, especially in this race!!
Therefore I have Tiddliwinks in for a cracking chance and I also fancy Johannes and Fireback to go close.
I really don't understand the logic behind this change if it was to make things easier for the uninitiated to understand some of the more complex aspects of racing because it wasn't until I had been racing for a few years that I even took the draw into consideration, and I have to admit it wasn't even straight away I realised that it was different on left and right handed tracks, so anyone new coming into the sport probably doesn't care that much. All it seems to have done is confuse people who may have spent time and effort analysing the draw who now have to try and cobble something together.
Good luck to all bettors today, especially in this race!!
Hi Mich,
The switching of the draw has caused a lot of confussion. I believe the main reason behind it is to encourage more betting abroad on our racing as the changes to make stall one closest to the inside rail falls in line with many other countries around the world. However, the tracks in Britain are so unique that it has made things far more complicated. Especially at somewhere like Newmarket where on the straight the stalls are placed against the stands side rail mostly, but due to the track technically being right handed it means stall one is now on the outside i.e. not against the rail. Personally I believe they should have left it well alone as all you had to know was that if you were stood behind the stalls then stall one was furthest left. Now you have to work out whether the track is left or right handed and if it's on the straight course etc.
Bearing this in mind I believe the stats you refer to there have been mixed up. The Racing Post have changed all their old data so now when you look up old races they have the stalls as they are now and not as they used to be. Hawkeyethenoo won from stall 5 last year out of 25 stalls. But now it shows he won from stall 21 from 25 to fall in line with the new stall rules. So if no horse has won being drawn lower than 12 then that is probably correct as it stands now as they have probably switched it around already.
Hope that isn't too mind boggling!
The switching of the draw has caused a lot of confussion. I believe the main reason behind it is to encourage more betting abroad on our racing as the changes to make stall one closest to the inside rail falls in line with many other countries around the world. However, the tracks in Britain are so unique that it has made things far more complicated. Especially at somewhere like Newmarket where on the straight the stalls are placed against the stands side rail mostly, but due to the track technically being right handed it means stall one is now on the outside i.e. not against the rail. Personally I believe they should have left it well alone as all you had to know was that if you were stood behind the stalls then stall one was furthest left. Now you have to work out whether the track is left or right handed and if it's on the straight course etc.
Bearing this in mind I believe the stats you refer to there have been mixed up. The Racing Post have changed all their old data so now when you look up old races they have the stalls as they are now and not as they used to be. Hawkeyethenoo won from stall 5 last year out of 25 stalls. But now it shows he won from stall 21 from 25 to fall in line with the new stall rules. So if no horse has won being drawn lower than 12 then that is probably correct as it stands now as they have probably switched it around already.
Hope that isn't too mind boggling!
Our Jonathan is a non runner now 
We haven't had much luck there TV!
We haven't had much luck there TV!
I believe uneven watering near the rail these days have caused horses to run in the centre more, all courses cant have readings which usually give the centre as faster
Good morning
Great stuff VK and best of luck all. The draw issue is confusing and wish they had never come up with the idea !
Here's my three pronged approach today.
The first selection is previously selected Wildcat Wizard who ran a fair race last time at Pontefract in the first time blinkers which are left off today. That was a decent effort last time and he has form in big fields on a straight track. His 3rd to Joseph Henry last year at Goodwood with Tiddliwinks back in 4th reads very well along with a few other placed efforts at this level.This will be his 4th run of the year already so he will have a fitness advantage over plenty of the field and with some proven efforts looks to have a fair e/w chance.
Despite the big field there does look to be a lack of a strong pace overall but Jack My Boy should take them along down the stands side and could go well for a long way. He had some decent pieces of form last year on g/f ground over 6f and could well get the run of the race today. He showed up well last time at Warwick over 7f
and I like the booking of Jimmy Fortune. He had Horseradish back in 3rd last year over the C/D and was a good 2nd to Victoire De Lyphar at Doncaster.G/F ground and 6f look his ideal and he has placed in big fields as well.
If he can build a decent lead he could be hard to catch.
Finally Baldemar who is drawn close to Jack My Boy and who normally races up with the pace could also go well off a mark of 85 today. He pulled hard on his reappearance around the outside at Kempton but should have benefitted from that run. He is a class 2 winner at the trip, won a 24 runner race and looks well handicapped. He didn't win last year but ran a number of decent races off higher marks and feel he could go close today.
BALDEMAR 1 POINT E/W AT 28/1 (BOG FIRST 5)
WILDCAT WIZARD 1 POINT E/W AT 20/1 (BOG FIRST 5)
JACK MY BOY 1 POINT E/W AT 25/1 (BOG FIRST 5)
TOTAL STAKES 6 POINTS
Great stuff VK and best of luck all. The draw issue is confusing and wish they had never come up with the idea !
Here's my three pronged approach today.
The first selection is previously selected Wildcat Wizard who ran a fair race last time at Pontefract in the first time blinkers which are left off today. That was a decent effort last time and he has form in big fields on a straight track. His 3rd to Joseph Henry last year at Goodwood with Tiddliwinks back in 4th reads very well along with a few other placed efforts at this level.This will be his 4th run of the year already so he will have a fitness advantage over plenty of the field and with some proven efforts looks to have a fair e/w chance.
Despite the big field there does look to be a lack of a strong pace overall but Jack My Boy should take them along down the stands side and could go well for a long way. He had some decent pieces of form last year on g/f ground over 6f and could well get the run of the race today. He showed up well last time at Warwick over 7f
and I like the booking of Jimmy Fortune. He had Horseradish back in 3rd last year over the C/D and was a good 2nd to Victoire De Lyphar at Doncaster.G/F ground and 6f look his ideal and he has placed in big fields as well.
If he can build a decent lead he could be hard to catch.
Finally Baldemar who is drawn close to Jack My Boy and who normally races up with the pace could also go well off a mark of 85 today. He pulled hard on his reappearance around the outside at Kempton but should have benefitted from that run. He is a class 2 winner at the trip, won a 24 runner race and looks well handicapped. He didn't win last year but ran a number of decent races off higher marks and feel he could go close today.
BALDEMAR 1 POINT E/W AT 28/1 (BOG FIRST 5)
WILDCAT WIZARD 1 POINT E/W AT 20/1 (BOG FIRST 5)
JACK MY BOY 1 POINT E/W AT 25/1 (BOG FIRST 5)
TOTAL STAKES 6 POINTS
Yes VK you are right, just to add more confusion into it!!
Last year however there was a torrential downpour over night and based on the result of this race last year all bar Genki were drawn low and in the 1000 Guineas this was backed up as high numbers struggled and low drawn horses filled the first 5 places. With the ground being good to firm I am hoping that the bias will have reverted back (Frankel drawn 1) and I am willing to give low numbers another chance.
Last year however there was a torrential downpour over night and based on the result of this race last year all bar Genki were drawn low and in the 1000 Guineas this was backed up as high numbers struggled and low drawn horses filled the first 5 places. With the ground being good to firm I am hoping that the bias will have reverted back (Frankel drawn 1) and I am willing to give low numbers another chance.
staying out of this one. A watchful eye on a couple. gl.
I think a draw on the standside rail might suit Five Star Junior here. Didn't do the runner in the last any harm to come up the rail.
Also like Rocket Rob and Fireback.
Also like Rocket Rob and Fireback.
What a mad and messy race!
On to York a week on Thursday now for the 5f Handicap. My last two main selections have ended up as non runners! Let's hope it isn't a hat trick.
On to York a week on Thursday now for the 5f Handicap. My last two main selections have ended up as non runners! Let's hope it isn't a hat trick.
VK
Think Tiddliwinks wants a fast 6f after today
His ideal trip would be the Portland but there's a longtime till then!
What's the York race conditions?
Think Tiddliwinks wants a fast 6f after today
His ideal trip would be the Portland but there's a longtime till then!
What's the York race conditions?
I reckon OJ might have been pulled out due to officially quick ground, even though it wasn't lightening fast.
Does anyone know the reason for him being a non-runner ?
Does anyone know the reason for him being a non-runner ?
OK thanks. I thought before the race it might be a fraction to quick for him so not surprised he was pulled out.
TV
It's the race that Johannes won last year. A class 2 5f Handicap for 4yo+ horses rated 0-100. Should be interesting.
It's the race that Johannes won last year. A class 2 5f Handicap for 4yo+ horses rated 0-100. Should be interesting.
VK
Will look out for it
Nothing at Chester interest you?
Will look out for it
Nothing at Chester interest you?
Not really TV. The sprint tomorrow should be good but I favour York as a fairer track for betting purposes.
VK - do you reckon Hawkeye will get the 7f on Saturday?
Can't see it running myself. He's been a different horse since being moved down to sprints so to go back up in distance again would be slightly baffling. He should be dangerous wherever he ends up next though after looking so unlucky in the Newmarket race at the weekend.
Well, I'm surprised he did it that well considering the distance. But he was a very unlucky loser at Newmarket and deserves another big race success. Well done to him.
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