sixthformer

This race always strikes me as one of the most competitive handicaps in the racing calendar. Strong race. Marhaba The Champ is two from two at York (beat Bague D’Or over 1m4f here last year; form that has been franked this season). Returns from gelding operation. Ryan Moore is absent so William Buick (SR 20%) is booked for this Kevin Ryan (SR 14%) trained 5yo by Galileo.

There’s a large number of runners from last year’s renewal who return a year later. Summerghand finished 14th of 21 which is nothing to write home about but he runs off a mark eleven pounds lower this time around (OR 94). Winner of 17-runner handicap over course and distance in August from OR102. Bit disappointing when favourite at Newmarket last time out but considering trainer David O’Meara reported afterwards that he ‘ran flat’ the 8th of 15 position (lost by five and a half lengths) doesn’t look too off-putting. Won races when badly handicapped last season. Now well handicapped!

Another highly competitive feature, this time Group 2 standard. Another opting for a likely favourite on my part. Last year’s running saw Azure Blue beat Highfield Princess half a length. The second set a blistering pace as I recall and looked all over the winner before Azure Blue picked up and got to pass her late on. Disappointing on only race since in the July Cup at Newmarket. Seven wins from 15 career starts. Makes first seasonal start here this year. Market support holding up. Conditions pretty similar to last year and if she gets a strong pace to aim at, likely to have a big shout. Looks value at 6-1.

Denis Hogan trained 4yo filly (by Starspangledbanner) American In Paris has shown some good form at times. Winner over 6 furlongs at Cork from a mark of 56 last July. Didn’t get on great with all-weather contests at Dundalk. Comes here just four days since running sixth of 13 (not beaten far; ran prominently) over 5f at Naas. Keithen Kennedy (SR 15%) claims a useful 7lbs. The filly carries 8-12 in this claiming race so should have a good weight advantage against a number of the opponents. Likely a player.

Danny Mullins rides Oakley for trainer Anthony Mullins in the six year-old’s first handicap hurdle. Former German flat horse (by Melbourne Cup winner Protectionist) who ran second at Cork (1m4f) after a break last August before winning at Dundalk. More encouraging in last maiden hurdle appearance (jumping seems fine) and will be expected to get a lot closer now starting in handicap company over the flights.