Horse Racing Preview Friday May 16th 2008

May 16, 2008

RACING PREVIEW – 16th MAY – Aintree, Hamilton, Newbury, Newcastle, Newmarket, York

YORK

2:40 Emirates Airline Yorkshire Cup, Group 2, 1m 6f

Rod Millman’s Sergeant Cecil has taken on almost legendary status in recent seasons. Won this last year (Geordieland 2nd) but poorer form since, including reappearance over 1m 4f. Still merits respect.

Aidan O’Brien’s Honolulu put up creditable efforts to be runner-up in the Ebor (here) and 3rd in the St Leger. Looked inexperienced on occasions, and likely to improve this term.

Michael Jarvis’ Royal And Regal (formerly with Andre Fabre) won a 1m 4f Newbury Group 3 on reappearance.
Also successful in last year’s 2m Jockey Club at Newmarket. Major fancy over ideal trip.

Betting Forecast: 15/8 Honolulu, 3/1 Royal And Regal, 11/2 Sergeant Cecil, 7/1 Geordieland, 9/1 Alfie Flits, 12/1 Young Mick, 14/1 Samuel, 20/1 Veenwouden

NEWMARKET

3:00 Play Live Casino At BetInternet.com Handicap, Class 3, 6f

Wingbeat, representing Saeed Bin Suroor was an impressive winner of a backend Yarmouth maiden. May prove to even better on a sounder surface and despite a long layoff looks the one to beat on handicap debut.

Brian Meehan’s Sophie’s Girl showed steady improvement last term (trained by Peter Chapple-Hyam) including C&D 4th in November Listed race. Ran below par on debut for current yard, but chance if coming on for the run.

Betting Forecast: 9/4 Wingbeat, 5/2 Striking Spirit, 5/1 Sophie’s Girl, 11/2 Shifting Star, 8/1 Pha Mai Blue, 12/1 Vhujon, 14/1 Spanish Bounty.

NEWBURY

2:50 Swettenham Stud Fillies Trial Stakes, Listed Race, 1m 2f 6y

Kotsi looks the type to improve over middle distances. Her May Hill second sets the form standard.

Rae Guest’s Clowance may prove to be the best of those graduating from maidens, but trip could be on the short side.

Betting Forecast: 2/1 Kotsi, 3/1 Clowance, 5/1 Rosa Grace, 8/1 Ada River, Shaker, 9/1 Katimont, 12/1 Hobby, 25/1 Longoria.

NEWCASTLE

8:25 Benfield Renault Handicap, Class 3, 7f

Brain Ellison’s Daaweitza was well suited by a strong pace when winning at Catterick recently. Penalised 6lb, but given another strong gallop, should go well again.

Tom Tate’s Macedon (ex Stan Moore) is well treated on his best form, and should be competitive if fit after long layoff.

Len Lungo’s Against The Grain returned from a lengthy absence with a narrow success at Doncaster, with several winners behind. However, has only won on easy ground and probably needs rain.

Betting Forecast: 3/1 Daaweitza, 9/2 Il Castagno, 11/2 Against The Grain, 7/1 Chicken Soup, 8/1 Macedon, 10/1 Southandwest, 11/1 Baltimore Jack, Middlemarch, 12/1 Jamieson Gold, 14/1 Countdown, 33/1 Jalamid

AINTREE

7:05 Letherby & Christopher Handicap Hurdle, Class 3, 2m 1f

Paul Blockley’s Moon Star won two on the spin last term, and looks the type to follow when in form. Looked in good nick when successful at Bangor. Tony McCoy retains the ride, and may well follow up, despite 8lb higher mark.

Gary Moore’s useful Flat recruit King’s Head appeared to be getting to grips with hurdles last week and catches the eye on this swift follow-up bid under a penalty.

Betting Forecast: 5/2 King’s Head, 11/2 Moon Star, 6/1 Modicum, 8/1 Wise Owl, 10/1 Marsam, 12/1 Kickahead, 14/1 Double Vodka, The Duke´s Speech, The Rocking Dock, 16/1 Iffy, Just Intersky, 20/1 Soubriquet, 25/1 Day To Remember, Pilca.

HAMILTON

7:25 Glasgow Stakes, Listed Race, 1m 3f 16y

Mick Channon’s Meeriss won a Listed race at the end of last season. Promising return and must have claims despite his penalty.

Mark Johnstone’s Love Galore shaped nicely on his Newbury debut, and subsequent impressive winner here. Official ratings suggest he has a bit to find, but Irish Guineas / Derby entry suggest there is better to come.

Betting Forecast: 2/1 Love Galore, 5/2 Captain Webb, 4/1 Bold Choice, Meeriss, 8/1 Ellmau, 33/1 Doon Haymer, 200/1 Northwest, Premier Class.

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