WoodyTHFC Flat Season 2008

[WoodyTHFC]

Ahmooj 17/2 var
Khateeb 4/11 var bog (very short)
Viva Vettori 7/1 var
Stevie Thunder evens var
Hurrricane Hymnbook 9/2 var bog
Blue Spartan 3/1 spo
Shela House 11/4 var bog

[WoodyTHFC]

Staked 1859 pts
Returned 2271.48pts
P/L +412.48
Yield +22.18%
Strike rate 39.37% (50/127)

Ches
1.45 Shes A Shaw Thing 15 pts Looks ideal type for this, two from two so far and both times showed loads of speed which is ideally suited for this contest at this track. Win on first start was boosted by second winning in France to add to another subsequent win, win lto at Nott was also impressive when she made all to win with ease. Drawn middle, so not too bad (wider would have made it harder), slightly unproven on good but if she takes to it they will do well to stop her.

2.15 Sugar Mint 15 pts Hills has a good record at this meeting and he seems to think highly of this one even from 2 year old days when heavily backed on debut. One very good run at 2 when behind Spacious in fourth and broke maiden at Bath with form boosted since, the second came out and won very impressively from awful start at hq. Step up in distance should suit too and whilst one rival I like is laughter, who created a good impression on debut, the form of her win has been let down big time, horses losing @ 2/7 and 10/11 since from that race.

2.45 Double Banded 7.5 pts e.w 9/2 lad Som Tala 16/1 var 7.5 pts e.w. Double Banded thrived last year with a succession of wins and placed efforts as he stepped up in trip, mark rose accordingly but that didnt stop him as shown when winning first up this year from the talented but frustrating tilt, officially well in despite penalty, should go well on probably favoured ground with lowish draw in its favour. Som Tala doesnt quite have that low draw but does have a few notable runs especially in races like this, ie. last year was respectable, at Asc and is a horse who hasnt quite had the luck at times, a few unlucky passages but like so many of Channon's, he should come on for first run of the season and Dettori interesting booking, place claims.

4.00 Daraahmen 15 pts Stepped up on only start last year to be noteworthy second at hq lto behind the impressive winner. Hills, as already mentioned seems to target this meeting, and should be pick of al maktoum pair with richard hills on board (although I would personally prefer dwyer), the other maktoum horse also stayed on quite eye catchingly in that same race at hq but does on the formbook have it to do to reverse placings. Good low draw should enable a good early position to show if its good enough.

[WoodyTHFC]

shes a sahaw thing 1.87 betf
sugar mint 15/8 spo
daraahmen 11/4 spo.

[WoodyTHFC]

Staked 1934pts
Returned 2381.17pts
P/L +447.17
Yield +23.12%
Strike rate 40.15% (53/132)

Last couple of races worked out quite well yesterday.

Ches sp unless stated
1.45 Escape Route 15 pts Improved since being gelded last year and now started to fulfil earlier promise, after string of respectable runs in dubai and solid run in lincoln, it took advantage of step up in trip to win lto on new a/w track, he can handle turf as well and has ran well on quick ground in the past, career high mark certainly not beyong him especially as some of these in poor form, prince forever (my lincoln pick at the start of the season) for one.

2.15 Stotsfold 7.5 pts e.w 6/1 pp Maraahel goes for 4 in a row but I feel the Cecil horse and this one can definitely make him work and he could be vulnerable. i choose this one just ahead of the cecil horse as although i like the promise of that horse, he is not quite delivering on that and im not a sure a this track is exactly what it needs, scotsfold can handle the track, course winner and ran well here last year only to be nailed late on having been backed, stepped up last year and ended group 3 winner (ahead of the good zaham) and also placed in listed race behind purple moon, had no luck first up at hq (cecil horse just ahead) stepping up in trip today will suit and despite penalty over all others bar maraahel, it shouldnt be overlooked, definitely can be in the 2 if on song.

2.45 Pampas Cat 15 pts Created really good impression lto, won at 20/1 at hq with ease and race is working out, second won well here yesterday, third won, staying on fifth ran well yesterday staying on and for this one to beat those obviously talented horses with such ease on debut reads well for a horse having its first run, should be able to build on that experience tomorrow and whilst this is a step up, he has earned the right for that step up and looks a very interesting contender.

4.00 Senatorial 15 pts Hills already off the mark at this meeting and has some good chances throughout the day to add to that but this might just be his best. Not only does he target this meeting but he targets this particular race, won the last three years and all with m hills on board and last two years with good types who went onto group 1 wins. Abdullah's racing manager gave a strong word for this as one of the Prince's more forward 2 yr olds and showed on debut that he has some promise, fifth in a race at hq which unsurprisingly has seen amny run well from that race if not produce many winners since (loads of seconds,) should step up on that run, draw in 8 maybe a bit higher than ideal but even so it could have been worse and lots seemingly going for it.

Good
3.35 Royal Premier 15 pts Was a good winner for me lto and planning to do exactly what he did last year tomorrow (win at yarm and follow up in this race.) Looks to have a good chance to do just that, c&d winner, handles the ground well and offically well in despite penalty tomorrow, won with a bit of ease too lto, claimer gets on well with him and good chance with lots going for him in this pretty lowly level.

[WoodyTHFC]

Staked 2009pts
Returned 2381.17pts
P/L +372.17
Yield +18.52%
Strike rate 38.69% (53/137)

Drew a blank yesterday. All sp tomorrow unless overwise stated.

Ches
1.45 Dhaular Dhar 4/1 var 7.5 pts e.w Won this race last year and now lower than that win, that in itself indicates that he has lacked form since and is born out by no wins since but a return to chest. could see him in good light. Drawn reasonably as well although likely he will be dropped in but at least he should be dropped into a position that suits so that should be a benfit. Has good course record, 3 wins total and seems to like not only this track but also distance of it around here, not completely out of form from last year, bunbry cup and asc. handicap runs show that, seems prepared for that and can pounce late for at least a place if not not much better.

2.15 Tajaaweed 7.5 pts e.w stoute in fair form and I just give this one preference over perhaps more fancied hopes from godolphin (looks cracking prospect but the stable have some questions to answer at this stage of the season) and o'brien hope who has the form but maybe more exposed and better with some cut. This one has to step up and there is a slight doubt over quick ground but he won his maiden very well and so well that stoute saw fit to put it in a group 1 next, in itself a big statement, indeed he stayed over here to watch it rather than go to the breeders cup so he seems to think a fair bit of it. It flopped that day but may have just seen that race as a step too far to soon after maiden win, he should have developed more now and should appreciate increased trip, chances especially if fancied types disappoint.

2.45 Macarthur 15 pts Slightly split between this one and Raincoat and just gone for this one. Highly thought of, derby prospect at one point before setback but did bounce back to some form last year, run at york encouraged as did the run in the leger when seemingly unlucky under soumillon (ahead of dis. leger). Showed could handle quick ground to on those occasions too and this extra stamina test I think is more preferable than lto when he ran poorly over an inadequte trip and possibly on unfavoured ground despite his maiden win and also the factor of how o'briens seem to improve for a run should be considered in this ones favour.

3.15 Chartist 15 pts Very speedy horse who could well be very suited to this track. Won on this ground last year and has put up three pretty fair efforts this term, first up without little luck, second when didnt get seem to quite last home over 6f and then lto over 5f when ran a fine race to be second, caught late by an impressive candy trained winner when arguably the jockey could have kicked on a touch earlier and that may have been decisive. However, the out and out speed test on quick ground today should be appreciated as should draw 3 and a bold run expected after the last effort.

[WoodyTHFC]

Staked 2069pts
Returned 2491.795pts
P/L +422.795
Yield +20.43%
Strike rate 39% (55/141)

Asc
1.45 Jamboretta 15 pts 5/6 var bog stable vibes are strong about this one and won well lto which confirmed the progression she was showing towards the end of last season. Looks a typical improver from the yard who won this race last year, will like the ground and as market suggests, th eone seemingly to beat.

2.20 Al Khaleej 5/1 var 7.5 pts e.w Zaahid 12/1 sj bog 7.5 pts e.w Al khaleej will be sharp after a recent all weather win and had good and progressing turf form last season in decent handicaps, third for example behind the illies here shows the ever important course form, a/w shows good current form and every chance of a place at least in huge field. Zaahid will love this trip, a strong 7f is favourable, form at 7f is strong, run in spring mile maybe didnt get home over a mile, at newb. actually made later progress at a mile imo, so slightly mixed messages there but undoubtedly solid, race should suit and although form on softer, it has got some decent rusn on quicker.

3.20 Silver Suitor 15 pts 11/8 var bog Put this up last week and lost in a barging match at hq. A bit unlucky there not to continue progression from last year when moved up in trip and on good ground, he shone brightly. Capable of continuing that upward curve.

Hay
4.30 Diamond Tycoon 15 pts 4/1 var bog. Has some questions to answer after lto when over further, he pulled drastically on his way to the start and then again during the race before being tailed off on the a/w. Returning to turf today, his first turf start for over a year and a drop to 7f, a chance is taken on his form. If he is in the form of his maiden win over Lucarno and Pipedreamer and many more from the maiden of 2007 and even his Guineas run when arguably didnt get home, then clear chance at a trip that should enable him to go flat out which maybe the key.

Ling
3.10 By Command 7.5 pts e.w 4/1 var bog Only 2 places but with two rags and question marks over the other two to some degree, ie. whats o'brien horse really like, godolphin form although i doubt this one would have turned that poor in the space of a couple of weeks. However By Command was clearly thought of last year and fulfilled a bit of that promise lto in a miden, ok only a maiden but he was stylish, relishing the step up in trip and he can upset one or two if continuing progression.

Nott
2.55 Kashoof 11/2 cor 7.5 pts e.w showed some promise last year on quickish ground, run behind the then useful Laureldean gale when second, won over 5f at san lto and clearly she has speed, 6f today wasnt a problem in that lg run so it should be no problem today and only 2 pounds higher today which maybe fair.

3.25 Crystany 3/1 lad 15 pts Cecil horse who even from early on in 2 year old days was often well spoke off, didnt always fulfil that promise but soem runs were repectable and even a touch better than that, just puching the solid royal confidence at don., run first up this season was solid in a hot race, should improve from that and these sprint trip are more her thing it would seem.

Warw
8.25 Baraari 13/2 pp 7.5 pts e.w Maybe owners second string but on this quicker ground which may well suit considering better runs have been on it and with this added distance. always shaped as though needed further even when showed promise behind laureldean gale and when short head defeat towo starts back. on this ground and with this trip this slightly more exposed type in the fiels, shouldnt be dismissed.

[WoodyTHFC]

Staked 2204pts
Returned 2683.98pts
P/L +479.98
Yield +21.77%
Strike rate 39.33% (59/150)

York
1.40 King Charles 7.5 pts e.w Very solid and reliable handicapper who if at an e.w price should give his running and be very closed to be placed at least. Lto had some of these behind when doing good work at the end, will appreciate step up to 10f again where he has a good record and likes quick conditions, officially 1 pound well in for what its worth.

2.10 Dubai Dynamo 7.5 pts e.w and Metdan Princess 7.5 pts e.w. Concentrating on what I think will be a good race at hq lto. Dubai Dynamo who had fair form at 2, including one big sales win looked in some trouble lto but he made eye catching progress in what was a messy race and was arguably unlucky. The way he run that day suggests he is not terribly handicapped for a top weight in this race. Meydan Princess looks an improving sort and following successes on a/w she ran a good race at hq, slowly away and then travelling smoothly without a run, she made nice progress into second behind slugger o toole. I bet now the one Ive left out from that race in third goes and wins.

2.40 Lush Lashes 15 pts. Good race on paper, promising types and ones with the form in the book to speak such as this one to some extent. won first up in the million sales race and that is some achievement first up, shows some real class. got lost in the mud first up this year but bounced back in the guineas with a very eye catching run. Initially unable to go with the early speed, she stayed on relentlessly at the highest level to be a closing fifth and right on the outside which generally wasnt the place to be that meeting, she ran that day like the extra distance will really suit, she could be an oaks horse and the 10f looks a good staring point. Has the more proven established form in the race.

3.10 Hateef 7.5 pts e.w 9/1 totes Very well thought of at 2 and went to the guineas as real contender, didnt really get home that day on the far side and eventually it was worked out to move him down to 6f (a distance he has never lost over) and it worked at the back end of last season at asc. Won late in the day that day but ultimately was quite cosy (if a short head could ever be cosy.) i think he has more to come at 4 and this strongly ridden 6f should suit. If Balthazaar's gift puts his right foot forward then he could be the e.w pick of the rest.

4.55 Allied Powers 15 pts. Progressing at rate of knots. Goes for the hat trick today and despite the 6 pound penalty is officially well in today and that is no surprise after rout last week at chest. Won with ease that day (margin could have been more), seems flexible enough with trip and ground and interestingly is brought out quickly today. Only slight doubt is if recent exertions have taken its toll, if not then a real chance.

[WoodyTHFC]

King Charles 4/1 var bog
Dubai dynamo 11/1 var
Meydan princess 10/3 var win only
Allied Powers 7/4 bet3 bog.

[WoodyTHFC]

lush lashes 5/2 var

[WoodyTHFC]

Speculative one: Collection @ 200/1 for the Derby with WH. 2.5 pts e.w. Won a handicap today and nothing particular special about the race, indeed he only won it off a mark of just 80. However visually he was impressive imo. Relatively keen early on, then blocked off at least twice and possibly more then he picked up, widest of all, in good style and won nicely and impressively eye catchingly to me. Im no time expert but from figures that i understand, it was just slower than the older horses handicap on the card and more considerably slower than the group race won well by lash lashes. However that is to be expected, this is after all a relatively moderate race. However this game is all about impressions and I was impressed especially considering that it looked keen early on and still managed to pick up late. It clearly is progressing, second on debut, he then won at odds on. First real disappointement was first up this season, he was very keen that day and didnt get home in probably not ideal softer conditions. However the style of his late win today suggests that 12f would not be totally out of the question, he is his derby winning trainers only entry and at huge odds maybe worth a little play. Every chance he will go elsewhere in which case I would follow him in that,but at these sort of odds in race that looks to have lots of questions at the moment without New Approach and Weld's impressive horse the other day, he maybe worth a little go despite massive improvement being required.

[WoodyTHFC]

Staked 2279pts
Returned 2736.48pts
P/L +457.48
Yield +20.07%
Strike rate 38.71% (60/155)

York
2.10 Pippa Greene 10/1 var 7.5 pts e.w Annoying that there is one non runner but even so this one could represent good e.w value. Progressive last year, won three on the trot and went into the big race on the last day of the season last year as fav and significantly spencer's ride and considering the situation that day that has to be classified as important. As it happened it may have been a bit disappointing on the face of it only eighth and there is a suggestion fast ground that it got that day is not ideal but even so he still looks one to watch and keep on the right side of, this is only his fifth ever start so futher improvement possible.

2.40 Royal and Regal 15 pts 3/1 var May not be a certain runner and there is a fear that he needs cut but royal and regal now with jarvis had good form last year with fabre including in group company and was impressive in winning lto. May have been slightly fortunate to beat zaham but he looks a stayer to follow this season. The likely fav is very talented but at the same time has looked a bit awkward at times.

3.10 Makaaseb 15 pts 9/4 car Impressive on first start and did it well enough that it was fav at hq for the race that provided the two previous guineas winners before this year. On the face of it probably run a similar level on both starts but really disappointed lto when only midfield. However still looks a fair prospect and one to keep the right sid eof, hills not riding maybe a boost.

3.45 Rash Judgement 15 pts 5/2 var Caught my eye lto, didnt get a clear run in a race that may just work out quite well, the winner looks nice and the second was second next time. Ended up when he finally got a run to be a closing third and even though the winner may have been on the better horse that day it may have cost him second. Even so looks to have a clear chance today and officially well in even if only a couple of pounds.

Newb
2.50 Clowance 9/4 var 15 pts Impressed with this one lto, won over C&D and looks a definite nice prospect. form of that race boosted by third winning at ling the other day in the oaks trial. Another plus from that win was that it was the trainers first win of the season I believe and would remain his first for some time. he may have been a touch out of form then but he has subsequently bounced back with a few winners and this one looks a nice type.

3.55 Allied Powers 2/1 var bog 15 pts. Goes for the hat trick today. Spencer maybe elsewhere but a valuable claim is taken off by the rider whcih negates the penalty and even so he is still well in officially and no surprise. Bolted in lto especially at chest, could have won by much more than the official margin and on that form will be hard to beat despite facing many possible improvers.

[WoodyTHFC]

Staked 2369pts
Returned 2830.23pts
P/L +461.23
Yield +19.46%
Strike rate 38.5% (62/161)

Newb
2.10 Regal Flush 5/4 var bog 15 pts I like malt or mash and he could be the main danger but Im tending to think he may need a strong pace to settle and then pounce late and he may not get that (melbourne cup would suit him down to the ground imo) So, godolphin's new rucruit from stoute looks the pick, on form figures it is up with the best here and no surprise, improved sharply last year from handicap wins to a good fourth in the leger. Godolphin have hardly hit the ground running (again) but now have started to have the odd winner now and may start to pick up, at last.

2.45 Phoenix Tower 6/1 var 7.5 pts e.w Tough race to call imo. O'brien's could be anything, rob roy should come for its last run, godolphins horse sometimes needs a bit more than a mile but not quite 10f and cesare was so impressive lto but that was at its loved asc., he did something similar last year in the same race only to be found out at the top level, will it be the same story this year? So going for the unbeaten improver in Pheonix tower, 4-4 so far and win lto was impressive in that it was a slowish and messy race and yet he still had the class to overcome that when he finally got the gaps. Looks capable of stepping up again to place at least.

3.20 Colony 5/2 15 pts Seems far too short in a competitive race but the truth is that this one is one who definitely looks one to keep on side of. Won last start last season and win at the start of this season was pretty impressive, stroming through late on to win with a hint of ease. I was on captain webb that day and that one boosted the form last night when winning in listed company well last night and could be set for royal ascot. This one has raised 8 pounds since his last run but that might not be enough to stop this improving type. Strategic Mission maybe best e.w of the rest.

4.30 Falconry 7/1 var 7.5 pts e.w fanshawe isnt that well known for hitting form at this stage of the season normally but without really hitting lots of winners, his string are running respectably notably the bigger guns. This one runs off a mark of 82 today and that looks quite fair. indeed on its second start it beat the well regarded sugar mint who is rated now 104. didnt show that well in the group 1 last start and this is its first start of the year and may well need the run somewhat but she does look reasonably handicapped especially on that second start.

5.35 Aqlaam 15/8 var bog 15 pts Only one run to go off but a very encouraging one at that at asc. Third in a race where the top 3 were clear of the rest, the rest actually have subsequently gone onto better things as the other two with this one (skadrak and atlantic sport have not yet boosted the top end of the form) However remains a useful prospect with the trainer hitting some form.

Don
8.20 Throne of Power 15 pts 2/1 var bog Looked a really nice prospect on its first win at ling when won quite well and looked certain to be one to watch this season. First run on turf at hq was possibly unlucky, it was a messy race behind slugger o toole and a couple of 'unlucky' stories since have run ok since and a couple not. either way he looks one to keep the right side of, reports of its appearance prior to run at hq suggest it looked extremely well and should be one to watch.

[WoodyTHFC]

Staked 2459pts
Returned 2942.355pts
P/L +483.355
Yield +19.65%
Strike rate 38.92% (65/167)

Ayr
2.35 Gunfighter 7/2 var bog 15 pts progressed quite well last season and managed to notch up a couple of wins, the win at don in particular was impressive as he travelled so smoothly before going onto win. That was for todays claimer and he seems to go well on quicker ground as well, poorish run fto this season and that is a possible chance that he is not the same horse but alternatively it could be that the soft ground and his lack of sharpness found him out, he should be a bit sharper for that and on the syle of his don. win he is very respected.

Good
2.15 Mujaadel 7.5 pts e.w 9/1 wh At times last season looked decent, nice run behind rio de la plata and won with ease when 1/3 at ling. Run on first start of this season was also fairly encouraging for the season, never really in the race but did stay on towards the finish with a degree of promise. Stepped up in trip today a bit and that should suit on basis of its last run, definite place chances at the least.

2.50 Savarain 7.5 pts e.w 17/4 spo Only 2 places so a win bet is probably the better option but playing it safe so to speak. I just feel this is the improver in the line up and im not sure if the formline of Centennial's race at san is that strong which knocks the favs chances and the fourth potentially. Showed promise in two maidens last seasons before behaving poorly prior to hq defeat, then put that behind with a good win lto and showed improvement in doing so. Clearly the increased trip is helping and should again today and his very wily trainer clearly feels he is good enough for pattern company.

San
7.05 Mukhber 7.5 pts e.w 9/2 wh In terms of winners, gosden is in quieter form than earlier in the season, however his string is by no means running badly as shown by a recent winner and this one although slightly disappointing that he has not really built on first win, should not be ignored. Won his maiden quite eye catchingly, never in the race really before flying at the death under quite a quiet and 'educational' ride. Two starts this season have both been fourth, one in a good race at don (my 200/1 derby fancy behind on unsuitable ground) and then at yarm when ran a similar race. Ideally I think he needs further and he looked one pace at the finish lto to possibly indicate that but the stiff finish here may just make up for that at the end although could be vulnerable to a speedier type.

[WoodyTHFC]

Staked 2504pts
Returned 2999.54pts
P/L +495.54
Yield +19.79%
Strike rate 38.82% (66/170)

Newc
5.05 Rossinis Dancer 7/2 var 15 pts Had the look of a possible well handicapped horse at the start of the season if improving for stepping up in trip and appear to do just that lto. Ran an encouraging second from a poorish draw and stepping up and on better ground today should suit, trainer appears in fair form too and useful claimer on.

Newm
4.05 Purus 7.5 pts e.w 6/1 var Improved a lot last year and mark went up accordingly but not to an impossible level at all. Lto ran an encoraging race in the victoria cup, on its last visit here it won over c&d and certainly looks much more sharper for two a/w runs this season and its asc. run lto. Useful claimer claims three pounds. Big Noise looks the biggest danger but there is a slight question mark over his fitness fto.

4.40 Shela House 14/1 var 7.5 pts e.w A race that could revolve around Punjabi who could be well handicapped and even the well backed Mad Rush but a bigger priced e.w pick could be an option and this one may fit the bill. For the relatively inform Fanshawe yard, this one has shaped with a small degree of promise a couple of times, win at wind and even run lto when could never quite produce a strong enough effort, over further today it should help and may be an outsider to follow.

5.15 Sister Act 9/1 var 7.5 pts e.w Frustrating last season, promised a lot from obvious family relation and also top class debut behind promising lead but faltered after that until winning on a/w lto. However this season at 4 she should not be dismissed at all, very possible she will improve a lot this season and whilst she could need the run, the relative form of the trainer at this stage of the season encourages. Definite place claims.

Pont
7.00 Ma Al Salamah 16/1 var bog 7.5 pts e.w Intersting first handicap start off a mark of 65 with claimer taking 5 pounds off. Shaped with some promise on first start when reportedly looked very well, missed start but stayed on a bit into midfield. even on its last start, outpaced at crucial stage but plugged on a bit into midfield and undoubtedly imo on the way it has run, a step up in trip is favoured, that could be said for a few of these though but even so could be one to have a watch on.

[WoodyTHFC]

Staked 2579pts
Returned 3033.29pts
P/L +454.29
Yield +17.61%
Strike rate 38.28% (67/175)

Curr
3.10 Myboycharlie 10/11 var bog 15 pts Nice horse last year, one of the better 2 year olds, nice wins in ire and then in france beating natgora in the race that got fallon banned, that was over this trip which suggests this is not a real problem and after that when increased in trip in national satkes may not have truly got home but still ran well enough proving it doesnt have to have cut. Looks the class act.

3.45 No bet. On this ground henrythenavigator may well be favoured and should come on for his first run this year in the guineas. However New Approach only just went down in the end at hq and although crying out for further imo, he may just come on for that first run as well and arguably only needs to produce his two year old form. Jupiter Pluvius could be a sprinter.

4.20 Tis Mighty 13/2 var bog 7.5 pts e.w Put this up a few times, as bits of form from last year stand up really well, ran ok at times this season in lincoln and behind impressive tian shan, lto stayed on quite strongly and still not that badly handicapped, kinane interesting booking.

Hay
2.35 Miramare 15/2 sj bog 7.5 pts e.w Dark horse of the race, only three runs but one a romp in germany and then two good appearances in listed company on a/w behind the useful dansant and the slightly disappointing malt or mash, spencer could well be a significant booking and potentially an interesting runner.

3.05 Unbreak my Heart 12/1 boy bog 7.5 pts e.w Wasnt going to bet after Virtual's defection but charlton's runner here may warrent respect despite drowne riding elsewhere (stimulation.) Won two late last season and ran a good race fto this season when second, behind another from that race and although that race was messy it was still a good run, stubbs art (2000 g third) behind. Another plus is that charlton's showing better now then they were then.

3.35 Fleeting Spirit 11/4 var bog 15 pts Nice 2 year old last year. Won or raced well at variety of trips, 5f no problem at times suggesting by defeat of nunthorpe winner and captain gerrard, then run good races behind nahoodh and natagora over 6f and clearly is a good horse on the way those horses have boosted the form since, trainers that he has run have generally run well so far this season.

4.10 Flowing Cape 12/1 vc 7.5 pts e.w Nice form at times this one, second behind stimulation for one and also a second lto behind the jarvis horse but has a seven pound pull for that today and even though that one could be fitter for already having a run this season, that difference could be telling and is not reflected in the price.

Newm
2.50 Luck Money 5/2 lad 15 pts nice horse last year, won loads of money through big sales race win in ire. ran well in coventry behind the 2000 g winner when third, dewhurst run was credible and a good solid horse who seems to find the trip fine. Trainer having a few winners just of late and Im not sure about how the trip will suit some other rivals, stimulation despite g run may still need more than 7f, bobs surprise sprinter?

3.20 Ancien regime 4/1 var bog 7.5 pts e.w Anticipated drop back in trip today could well be the key, high entries suggest a sprinter and one of some note and certainly some ability, beat ibn khaldun at yarm, lto at hq probably didnt get home properly so 6f could well suit and yard form a real bonus.

[WoodyTHFC]

Staked 2699pts
Returned 3199.23pts
P/L +500.23
Yield +18.53%
Strike rate 39.01% (71/182)

Curr
3.00 No bet but I expect Duke Of Marmalade to propser big time at 10f this season and he can add another group 1. The main rival Finsceal Beo does not convince me as a 10f horse and the others are either second string on paper or lacking genuine group 1 quality.

3.35 Nahoodh 5/2 var bog 15 pts win Savethisdanceforme 20/1 var 7.5 pts e.w. Nahoodh goes down as unlucky lto in the Eng version. The ride by Hughes in itself may have been unfortunately unlucky in that he was tucked into a place that he could do little about but i believe that with a clear run Nahoodh would have won or gone desperately close to winning. even so on two year old form she warrents major respect, group 2 winner in front of fleeting spirit, unlucky at asc. with a poor ride, clearly good enough to go in a group race on debut. Run fto this season clearly needed on ground that was too soft, on this ground a major player. STDFM I backed for the 1000 and on jockey bookings maybe third string, could even be a pace setter, may not like it too quick, that sounds a lot of negatives. However a third string won the french 2000 last year for o'brien, and on earlier form this one should not be overlooked, that listed win last year was awesome and first run this year showed ability was still there, lto it was a slowly run race by classic standards and she could never get in it, even so only just behind kitty macham that day so price between the two should not be so big imo. Has place claims at least while Nahoodh looks the most likely winner.

[WoodyTHFC]

Staked 2729pts
Returned 3199.23pts
P/L +470.23
Yield +17.23%
Strike rate 38.58% (71/184)

San
7.15 Royal and Regal evens var bog 15 pts Looks a really solid horse, run two blinders so far this year, one beating the luckless Zaham over shorter and then just going down to Geordieland when clear of the rest. Probably better on softer, certainly most of its form on softer despite last run, so that should help and has signficant fitness edge over biggest rival (stoutes) and on the form book has the best offical ratings and looks teh one to beat.

7.45 Pipedreamer 10/3 15 pts Top horse last year, won big handicaps a plenty inc. cambridgeshire where it looked a group horse in the making. Run fto was relatively encouraging whilst at the same time relatively disappointing. Ran third at hq in what was a slowly run race and that wasnt a bad effort and it may well come on for that but gosden's were in blinding form then and personally i felt he had enough about him to take that race. However in pheonix Tower he might have bumped into a good one and it is worth noting that gosdens have found form again with lots of winners, dont see the softer a ground as a huge problem. buccellati is a tricky horse who i backed with success at the end of last season and I expect he will improve for the run today and be one to follow later on in the season.

8.20 Virtual 9/4 var 15 pts Pleased Moynahan is taken out in this ground and itc ould well open it up for virtual. Second to fr dominic on debut, has fitness edge on that one today, then a nice second at hq behind nice stoute horse before winning nicely at hq at start of season in a race that has worked out well, gosdens in good form again and there should be more to come from a horse who has nice entries and for whom the ground is slower than encountered before but there is an indication that is shouldnt be a problem.

Newc
8.40 Barney McGrew 7.5 pts e.w 10/1 var Gunfighter 7.5 pts e.w 14/1 var bog. Barney McGrew is going to have a day when it all falls right soon and win a nice handicap, having been progressive last season, he has been a bit luckless so far this season and on his last run of the last season, he has developed a come from behind style and quite simply the gaps havent come so far. gunfighter, like barney mcgrew has form over further but one thing he can do is travel well, he showed that in a donc. race last year when he travelled all over them before picking up in style, the way he travelled that day suggests to me 6f will not be a huge problem and he has indeed won over that trip, will be fitter for run fto.

Gre Lei
4.00 Vainglory 6/1 var 7.5 pts e.w Put up some fairish efforts at times last season and run lto was pretty decent at ches., finished third that day, should be a lot sharper for that run today and goes back to an a/w surface that he seems to like and has a good record over.

4.30 Hustle 10/1 var 7.5 pts e.w Sky dive is often backed and presumably ready to win a race and august gale has some nice from with the likes of commander cave and slugger o toole however hustle will be a lot sharper for a weak effort in what was a good race lto, before that had a couple of wins and one on teh a/w, a surface that should not prove a huge problem and place claims at least.

[WoodyTHFC]

Staked 2834pts
Returned 3360.48pts
P/L +526.48
Yield +18.57%
Strike rate 38.74% (74/191)

Good
1.55 La Troupe 6/1 var bog 7.5 pts e.w Only one race so far but a good one, fourth at hq behind the stablemate infallible and that was a good race in general. Fact she was running and close in the betting behind her suggests that there may not have been too much between them before that race and that in itself says something. Gosden going through another spell of a few winners again which bodes well.

4.10 Rock Peak 6/1 var bog 7.5 pts e.w Pretty lightly raced, just 3 starts and a degree of promise shown. Fourth on debut was an example when staying on under quieter ride and even second and third starts were pretty respectable, showing it can handle a bit of cut. Possibly may need a touch more now but even so a considerable enough danger at this trip with improvemnet very possible and trainer going pretty well.

York
2.10 Diamond Tycoon 6/1 lad 7.5 pts e.w If this race was at a mile I would be confident, 7f possibly isnt quite ideal and it looked a touch one paced at the end of 7f lto. However this horse has real class, that was shown in its maiden win last year, awesome performance, run in the guineas was solid enough, since then maybe not been quite the same but it could just be that it needs a few runs to get going, run lto was decent enough even if it he was a bit one paced and a big class drop today, could just have too much class for them.

3.20 Granston 11/1 var bog 7.5 pts e.w Grand old servant and a strong traveller in his races, maybe because you can see him so clearly but his record in big field races backs that up and I often like a strong traveller in these races and this one still has some form, last two starts ok but run before that at don was good, won beating first buddy who has since gone on to win a couple of times since and now is rated in the 90s, Granston actually has dropped a pound or two after its last run and that may just be fair. Place claims at least.

3.55 Charles Parnell 15/2 var bog 7.5 pts e.w Solid horse, very rarely out of the first four and that is shown as such with recent form figures all in the top 4. C and D winner, trainer having a few winners of late which always encourages, drawn in the middle which gives it options and should give his usual solid account of himself.