Horseracing Selections - Windsor, 24 July 2006
Windsor, 24 July 2006
6:20 Atkins For London Fillies' Handicap
A typically robust maiden event to start proceedings and among the more obvious protagonists are Gelder, Dancing Storm and Diamond Di Triano and our verdict at a big price is for Diamond Di Triano. The selection had been campaigned around the gaff tracks in order to secure her handicap mark and while on the face of it, her performance at Newmarket was disappointing, that was a much stronger race and she was taking on members of the opposite sex. Gelder is a noted tailswhisher but she ran a solid enough race at Haydock. The third let the form down on Saturday night so a bit more could be needed this evening. Dancing Storm could be at the right end of the handicap and has only gone up 2lb for a recent win at Chepstow. Hailing from an unfashionable yard, she is likely to be longer odds than her form entitles. Wagtail has proved expensive to follow in recent months after catching the eye on debut at Lingfield. Dream Rose has had plenty of chances and may not be particularly suited by this track. Aristofilia has disappointed but should be watched in the market in case there are any positive vibes as the Paul Cole operation appear to be in better form than they were. Royal Citadel looks the type who could be better suited over the mile although Libor let the form of her Bath run since. In a trappy affair, Diamond Di Triano looks the percentage call and at the likely odds, we are happy to have her on our side.
6:50 Psp Association Maiden Stakes
The market should offer most clues but among our shortlist are Montjeu Man, Persian Warrior, Farringdon and Arabian Tiger and a tentative nod is given to the last named. There was a time when Peter Chapple-Hyam's maidens would start short prices but connections have clearly had to bide their time with the son of Singspiel. On breeding the trip should suit and there is every reason to believe that he will be forward enough in his work to give us a good run for our money. Montjeu Man proved very disappointing at Wolverhampton and was notably easy to back beforehand. The market should tell us whether that was down to an inability to handle the surface or something more fundamental. Persian Warrior is related to a number of classic winning milers. He has already had the unkindest cut of all. Farringdon cost 300 000gns at the sales and has the benefit of racecourse experience. He was particularly green on debut last term and is remarkably well bred. Florimund was easy to back on debut and Ryan Moore has elected to ride Save The Secret. Related to a number of Australian winners, the market is watched. A tricky race to evaluate without the evidence of the betting market and Arabian Tiger is chanced.
7:20 Marketform Handicap
Didn't We rates a confident selection ahead of Home Sweet Home and Fast Bowler. Terry Mills charge was tried in much better company than this without disgracing himself and he confirmed the trainer's favourable impression with a well-backed success at Folkestone. There appeared to be more to come and we are hopeful that with normal progression, this race is within his compass. Fast Bowler won on debut but has not been since that victory last year. The gelding had problems with the virus last year and connections have not been quick to rush him back. Home Sweet Home is a previous course winner but was disappointing on a follow up. This looks to be a more difficult assignment off additional weight. Bold Argument was a 50/1 scorer a fortnight ago and won't be that price again. The handicapper has raised him 3lb for that success and there could be more to come from this imposing sort. Matuza has ability but will need plenty of use made of him to gain a handy pitch. Didn't We has all the ticks in the right boxes and we shall seek not to oppose.
7:50 Sei E.b.f. Maiden Fillies' Stakes
Centreboard, Baarrij and Breezeway are the three who catch the eye and we will stick with Centreboard. Richard Hughes' mount was backed as if defeat were out of the question at Lingfield and although running green, there was enough there to suggest that compensation is around the corner. Baarij is related to a number of winners over a mile. Well drawn this evening, the market is closely inspected. Breezeway hails from a yard that have done well with their juveniles and was an expensive purchase from the sales. A daughter of Grand Lodge, there should be plenty of early pace on view. English Ballet is related to a number of sprinters but has a poor draw to overcome. Mason Ette hung left at Goodwood and can ill afford a repeat here. Career Girl is bred to get further while Dubai Shadow looks to have place claims. Plenty of winners to come out of the race and on this occasion, Centreboard looks difficult to oppose.
8:20 Southern Electric Customer Price Promise Selling Stakes
Ganymede, Monash Lad and Grand Cliquot look to be the players and we will side with Ganymede. Stephen Donahoe has been in good form of late and his valuable 5lb claim could be the difference on the recent Hamilton second. Monash Lad posted a 25/1 shock under this rider last time out and this race on paper looks no more difficult. Grand Cliquot invariably runs well at decent prices. Win backers have had to wait an awful long time for success but she is much better than her lowly rating suggests. Ambersong won this race two seasons ago but would need a substantial improvement at these terms. Yenaled is on a losing run but has a very interesting jockey booking. Agilete kept on encouragingly in an apprentice handicap at Yarmouth last time out but this perpetual maiden is dropped down in class and could give a good account. Arabian Moon is a previous course-and-distance winner while Chocolate Boy has had many chances. A modest affair in which Ganymede is recommended at minimum stakes.
8:50 Vc Casino.com Handicap
A difficult nightcap in which many have chances and it could be worth chancing Bon Viveur against Northside Lodge, Danzare and Eastborough. Bon Viveur is less exposed than most and while Richard Hannon's charge was disappointing last week, he had enough pace to win over a mile and might be capable of returning to form at this "half-way house". Northside Lodge is invariably popular and an argument could be made that he is still relatively well in versus his previous form. Danzare put up a pleasing effort from an unpromising pitch at Folkestone - there are few worries about her ability to handle the trip. Eastborough failed over further although the market should be watched as Brendan Powell has sent out a couple of winners during the last few days. Scottish River is impossible to predict but would have to be a factor if he consents to take an interest in the race. John Charles did have some useful maiden form on the all-weather and can be expected to be ridden prominently this evening. A tough race in which Bon Viveur is narrowly preferred to a number of disappointing types.
