Friday 22nd August 2014

Taghrooda lost her unbeaten record in the Darley Oaks at York yesterday, sent off at odds of 1-5 the Aiden O’Brien horse Tapestry spoiled the party. Tapestry has always been held in high regard and is a classy horse, the pair was locked in battle but the John Gosden mare was just outstayed in the final furlong, connections offered no excuse and the Arc still remains the target.

Our two selections drew a blank yesterday, Fort Bastion was settled in the rear of the pack and just couldn’t get competitive, as mentioned yesterday I hoped the horse would be ridden handier as you need to be at York but it wasn’t to be.

When the leaders kicked for home Fort Bastion was still going very well on the bridle but a good 12 lengths off the pace. Once asked for his effort the selection made up a good amount of ground but used himself up in doing so and had nothing left in the final furlong, jockey James Sullivan took it easy in the last 200 yards and was still only beaten 4 lengths.

The other pick Upsanddowns looked home for all money 3 out when going clear at Newton Abbot, however the long layoff went against us as the horse blew up in the final furlong and was caught by A P McCoy on Arabic History. The win for A P gave him his quickest 100 winners he’s ridden. Upsanddowns should make no mistake next time with this run under his belt.

So much racing today but we’ll stick with the feature meeting at York.

In the 1:55 Chancery is taken to repeat his win of this race last year, he’s received a near identical prep whilst is 3lb lower this time around. Trainer David O’Meara is very good at getting his horses ready for one specific target, I’m fairly sure Chancery will of had this as his main aim for some time. The price of 9-1 EW looks fine.

The Lonsdale Cup at 2:30 is a two mile staying race, once horse that’s running who I’ve followed for a long time and thankfully won last time out is High Jinx. Trained by James Fanshawe High Jinx is not an easy ride as he hangs under pressure but does hold a lot of ability, I would love to see him over hurdles at some stage.

High Jinx has decent form at York and will stay this distance better than anything in the race, the worry is the ground being a bit quick whilst the more fancied horses are a little more consistent than him. I’ve had a small EW bet at 12-1 just because if he did win without anything on that would be just typical.

Hot Streak EW would be the token suggestion in the Nunthrope stakes at 3:40, this is a very good renewal and will take a lot of winning.

Dissolution trained by Sir Michael Stoute looks a big improver in the 4:20. An eye catching run on debut when 5^th but given an easy time that kindness should have set him up nicely for this race.

Apparently the horse has improved a good amount at home and worked very well, he’s fancied to go close.

Also a strong word around for Munaaser in the 4:55, another Sir Michael Stoute runner. The gelding operation has made a world of diffrence, more is expected dispite a 12lb raise in the weights.

There will be no update on Saturday as were at Jamie Snowden’s yard with shareholders of our unbeaten mare Rhythm Star. Were very much looking forward to watching her work on the stunning Lambourn gallops, it will be a great morning come rain or shine.

I will try and have a look at tomorrows racing this evening, if any fancies will possibly do an update tonight.