Horse Racing Preview May 15th - Folkestone, Ludlow, Newmarket, Perth, Salisbury and York

May 15, 2008

YORK

2:40 totesport.com Dante Stakes, Group 2, 1m 2f 88y

Henry Cecil fields the unbeaten Twice Over, narrow winner of a competitive Group 3 Craven Stakes at Newmarket in April (1m). Never too far off the pace set by River Proud, he picked up the leader running down into the Dip, but was immediately challenged by Raven’s Pass, who went a good neck up. Looked beaten, but despite edging to his right, found plenty and just outstayed Raven’s Pass in a driving finish. Sired by Observatory, he is not certain to stay the Derby distance of 12f, so this race looks ideal.

Saeed Bin Suroor is doubly represented, by Young Pretender and McCartney. Young Pretender (the mount of Frankie Dettori) was a running on 5l 5th behind stablemate Rio De La Plata in last October’s Group 1 Grand Criterium at Longchamp (7f). Dam was a 10f winner, so the longer trip should suit. McCartney was an authoritative winner of a Doncaster Group 2 in September (7f). Subsequently well-beaten in Doncaster’s Dewhurst Stakes, but softer ground may have proved his undoing on that occasion. His sire, In the Wings, is a decided stamina influence, and he remains an interesting middle-distance prospect.

John Gosden-trained Centennial showed steady improvement as a juvenile, with Group-placed form. Made a winning reappearance at Sandown, but needs to improve further to figure. However, trainer believes improvement is likely, so merits respect.

Betting Forecast: 4/5 Twice Over, 5/1 Centennial, 11/2 Tartan Bearer, 7/1 Young Pretender, 10/1 McCartney, 12/1 Frozen Fire.

2:10 ToteScoop6 Special Middleton Stakes, Group 3, Fillies & Mares, 1m 2f 88y

Sir Michael Stoute’s Promising Lead is 9lb clear on official ratings, but has a long lay-off to overcome. Stepped up on her Salisbury Listed win to be a head second in a Longchamp Group 1 last October. From a superb family, she stands out on form and is likely to be a very warm order. Richard Fahey’s Flying Clarets has an excellent record here. She may get an easy lead here, but, realistically, place prospects only.

Betting Forecast: 2/7 Promising Lead, 8/1 Flying Clarets, 10/1 Sell Out, 12/1 Under The Rainbow, 16/1 Ronaldsay.

SALISBURY

2:20 Avonbridge At Whitsbury Stud Maiden Stakes, Class 3, 2-y-o, 5f

Desire To Excel, a half-brother to classy Silver Touch was placed in a decent maiden at Newmarket. Faster ground here, but improvement likely and obvious chance.

Sun Ship has been placed twice of softish ground. Richard Hannon’s yard is renowned for improving its youngsters, but every chance on previous form anyway.

The Desert Saint’s sire, Dubai Destination, is an influence for stamina and he would have made more appeal at 6f.

Betting Forecast: 13/8 Desire To Excel, 5/2 Sun Ship, 4/1 The Desert Saint, 7/1 Russian Art, 20/1 Belle Des Airs, Mattamia, 25/1 Macdillon, Penny´s Gift, 33/1 Shiva Adiva.

LUDLOW

6:35 Tanners Wines Handicap Chase, Class 3, 3m 1f 110 yds

Paul Nicholls’ Colorado Pearl, penalised 7lb for recent Wincanton success, has had breathing problems, but must go close if as good this time.

McEvoy, from Evan Williams’ Welsh yard, won here in January from an 8lb lower mark. Feasible excuses for subsequent failures, and can give a good account on a course he likes.

The booking of Richard Johnson for Beau Supreme is interesting. Ran quite well in Hunter Chases last spring.
However, first run for new yard, in an Exeter handicap hurdle was disappointing, and races of a 9lb higher mark here.

Betting Forecast:5/4 Colorado Pearl, 9/2 Mcevoy, 5/1 Bubble Boy, 6/1 William Butler, 9/1 Surricate, 14/1 Super Judge, 16/1 Beau Supreme.

PERTH

4:10 Royal Bank Of Scotland Handicap Chase, Class 4, 3m

Lucinda Russell’s Ballynure has won his last two, but now races off his highest mark and may find this tougher. Claimer’s allowance may help. Stablemate Catch the Perk won similar chases in 2006 (C&D), is entitled to step up on well beaten latest visit, acts on any ground and respected greatly.

Peter Beaumont’s Moor Spirit has dropped to a winning sort of mark. Shaped as if last month’s satisfactory 4th would bring him on and stays this trip. Should have at least place prospects.

Betting Forecast: 4/1 Ballynure, 9/2 Paddy The Piper, 5/1 Snowy, 11/2 Catch The Perk, 8/1 Moor Spirit, 10/1 Manbow, 12/1 Professor Hegarty, Russian Sky, 14/1 It´s Blue Chip, 16/1 Possextown, 25/1 World Vision.

FOLKESTONE

7:15 Shepherd Neame United Hunts Open Champion Hunters’ Chase, Class 4, 3m 7f

Veteran Golden Jack gained first Hunter Chase success over ½m less at Wincanton, with Trade Off behind.
Longer trip unlikely to bother him and ideally served by good or faster ground.

Complete Outsider was a 3-times hurdles winner for Nick Williams two years ago.
Still on the premises when falling at Cheltenham last week and now has the assistance of the accomplished Polly Gundry. Well worth consideration.

Betting Forecast: 3/1 Golden Jack, 7/2 Trade Off, 11/2 Complete Outsider, 6/1 Candlelight Valley, 8/1 Carthago, 12/1 Millenium Way, Political Cruise, Thatlldoya, 20/1 Glory Trail, Saddlers Cloth.

NEWMARKET

7:25 Jack & Jill Children’s Foundation Handicap, Class 3, 1m 2f

William Haggas’ Kaateb progressed steadily last term, winning a 10f Sandown maiden and a Lingfield handicap (AW). Should improve this year.

Brendan Powell’s Lisathedaddy was very consistent on fast ground last year and is unlikely to be far away.

Ed Dunlop’s Jeer won a fast ground Ripon maiden last year, but has shown far better form on better ground.
Evidently retains ability after 10 months out (latest start second of nine over this trip at Doncaster). One to consider.

Betting Forecast: 7/4 Kaateb, 7/2 Sahrati, 5/1 Jeer, 11/2 Lisathedaddy, 8/1 Quince, 14/1 Invasian, 16/1 Putra Square.

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