Horse Racing Preview Wednesday May 14th - York, Exeter, Fontwell, Bath and Perth

May 14, 2008

RACING PREVIEW – MAY 14th

YORK

York features the opening day of its 3-day “Dante” meeting, with at least one Group race one each day and some classy performers on parade.

2:40 Tattersall’s’ Musidora Stakes, Group 3, Fillies, 1m 2f 88y

Generally considered a traditional Oaks trial.

Lush Lashes, from Jim Bolger’ Irish yard was a 2l 6th in Newmarket’s 1000 Guineas. Ran green (only 3rd career start), outpaced at halfway, but made strong late headway, without threatening the principals. Must go well over the longer trip, on a course which seems likely to suit.

Moonstone, from Aidan O’Brien’s in-form Ballydoyle yard, made a promising debut in a 12f Leopardstown maiden. Held up, improved inside last 3f, staying on nicely under a quiet ride from John Murtagh. Entered in English and Irish Oaks and can only improve.

John Gosden-trained Dar Re Mi was an impressive 7l winner of a 12f Sandown maiden in late April. Needs to improve significantly to take a hand, but undeniably promising.

Sir Michael Stoute’s Sovereign’s Honour was 8l behind Dar Re Mi at Sandown, but stayed on nicely and seems certain to do better with that run under her belt.

Cape Amber confirmed her home promise with a decisive success in a Newmarket maiden last August. Has plenty of scope, but a big ask on her seasonal bow.

Betting Forecast: 9/4 Moonstone, 5/2 Dar Re Mi, 3/1 Lush Lashes, 7/1 Cape Amber, 16/1 Comeback Queen, 20/1 Sovereign’s Honour, 25/1 Cruel Sea, 33/1 Sayyedati Symphony.

3:10 Duke of York Hearthstead Homes Stake, Group 2, 6f

A typically competitive sprint, as would be expected for the prize on offer.

Jeremy Noseda’s Soldier’s Tale, at the age of 7, has only seen the racecourse 8 times, due to a variety of physical problems. However, he was a courageous winner of the Group 1 Golden Jubilee Stakes at Ascot last June. His limited career suggests that fast ground may prove a problem. Has 7lb in hand, according to official ratings.

Kevin Prendergast’ s Irish raider Haatef boasts winning Listed and Group race form, though the Group 2 he won at Ascot looked sub-standard. Fast ground may not be ideal, and though a winner over 6f, may prove better at 7f.

Luca Cumani’s Balthazaar’s Gift is undoubtedly better at 6f that further. Group form as a juvenile and close up under a welter burden in last year’s Wokingham. However, disappointed badly in the Group 1 July Cup at Newmarket, and could only manage 14th of 20 on his return, in the Listed Abernant Stakes at Newmarket.

Richard Hannon’s Sonny Red (the stable selected, if jockey bookings are any guide) picked up a minor event at Nottingham, before a narrow defeat in the above Newmarket race. Held a handy position, led over a furlong out and only gave best close home. Steps up in class and has a little to find on official ratings, but should go well under Richard Hughes.

Betting: 9/2 US Ranger, 7/1 Assertive, 8/1 Haatef, Utmost Respect, 9/1 Soldier’s Tale, 11/1 Balthazaar’s Gift, 12/1 War Artist, Hoh Mike, 14/1 Garnica, Prime Defender, 16/1 Sonny Red, 18/1 Wi Dud, 20/1 Galeota, 28/1 Honoured Guest, 33/1 Beckermet, 40/1 Beaver Patrol, 50/1 Big Timer, 100/1 Rising Shadow (all Bet 365).

EXETER

3:20 Exeter Racecourse Intermediate Hunters’ Chase (Series Final) , Class 4, 2m 7f 110y

An interesting final to this series, involving a number of in-form point-to-pointers. Recent NH rules form is unfortunately lacking.

Trainer / rider Polly Gundry traditionally does well in Hunter ‘Chases, and in receipt of 6lb from the rest, Kiama looks the one to beat.

Champion James Tudor teams up with Oh Vlo, a poor third in this race last year.

Betting Forecast: 10/11 Kiama, 5/2 Candlelight Valley, 6/1 Dad Says Heazle, 16/1 Misty Brook, Oh Vlo, 20/1 Harnage, 33/1 Flinski.

FONTWELL

4:10 betNow Instant Text Betting Handicap Hurdle, Class 4, 2m 4f

Felinious, representing Jonjo O’Neill and Tony McCoy, was unlucky at Ludlow, on her first start for six months. Nearly on the floor at halfway and not fluent at the next hurdle. Ran well enough to suggest there are other races in her.

Top-weight Mr Boo, representing last year’s winning trainer, Gary Moore, returns to hurdling with a handicap mark some 22lb lower than his latest ‘chase start.

Zoe Davison’s veteran Spider Boy finally got off the mark at the 46th time of asking at Fontwell in March, following up from a 5lb higher mark at Plumpton in April. Gets on particularly well with Gemma Gracey-Davison. Seems happier running from the front in these slightly better races.

Betting Forecast: 9/4 Mr Boo, 5/2 Felinious, 5/1 Spider Boy, 7/1 Wotchalike, 8/1 Forest Silver, 14/1 Sovereign Spirit, 16/1 Aldiruos, 25/1 Lysander’s Quest, My Monna.

BATH

8:00 Michael Goodyear Be Hopeful Handicap, Class 5, 1m 5y

Paul Blockley’s Don Pietro, a non-stayer over hurdles and over 11f on Fibresand has won his last two races, moderate affairs at L’Ancresse and Wolverhampton. Evidently suited by the shorter (1m) trip, he was well-backed, positively-ridden and found extra when challenged. First win since 2006, and could well spark a revival.

Tony Carroll’s Unlimited landed a gamble at Chepstow (12/1 into 5/1) last time. Very keen under early restraint, before coming out of the pack to chase the runner-up inside the last 2f. Kirsty Milczarek had to get pretty serious, but in the end they were well in command. Follow-up not out of the question.

Betting Forecast: 5/1 Don Pietro, Millfield, 6/1 Unlimited, 7/1 Arthur´s Edge, 8/1 Cool Ebony, Merrymadcap, 12/1 Art Market, Master Mahogany, Royal Storm, 16/1 Gazboolou, 20/1 Sun Catcher, 25/1 Coup D´Etat, The Gaikwar.

PERTH

8:10 Scotbet Handicap Hurdle ,Class 3, 3m 110y

Charlie Swan’s Irish invader, Glamis Castle, made a promising return at Limerick, prominent and travelling well from 4 out until weakening before the straight. Sure to have benefitted from the run and seems certain to go well with just 10-1.

Top-weight My Arch has improved all season, goes well for Harry Haynes, and seems certain to give a good account.

Nicky Richards’ Guns And Butter has been running consistently and got off the mark here over 2m 4½f on his handicap debut last time. Well up with the pace, led 2 out and kept on well. Shouldn’t be inconvenienced by the longer trip.

Betting Forecast: 3/1 Guns And Butter, My Arch, 9/2 Glamis Castle, 5/1 Commercial Express, 10/1 Clemax, Cluthe Boy, Key Time, 25/1 Dalawan, Portavadie.

All odds correct at time of writing. Please click here for the latest odds