Friday's Meetings Sandown Flat 7 Races 1:15-4:45p.m. Perth N/H 7 Races 1:32-5:00p.m. Limerick Flat 8 Races 1:42-5:40p.m. Doncaster Flat 7 Races 1:58-5:20p.m. Kilbeggan(E) N/H 7 Races 4:20-7:25p.m. Chepstow(E) N/H 8 Races 4:30-8:05p.m. Fontwell(E) N/H 6 Races 5:15-7:47p.m. Racecards At The Races Sporting Life Racing Post Good Luck
Tamafana bravely going for a Group 2 with a Group 1 penalty. Used to happen more often until they spread weak Group 1 races around the calendar like confetti. Hope she succeeds. It must fit with her going to Newbury next or something like that. Pity she's being kept to a mile as she ran well over 10f and 12f last year.
3:10 – 10-Runner Handicap (7 Furlongs) Conditions: Horses rated 65 or below Pace: Expected to be even, with no confirmed front-runners but several prominent racers Course and Distance Winners Create (previous C&D winner) Ratafia (placed over this course and distance) Distance Winners Marmoga, Spanish Mane, Danzart, Diligent Harry, Carlton And Co, and Ratafia Race Analysis Marmoga – The Key Contender Marmoga made a winning handicap debut at Yarmouth, narrowly defeating Spanish Mane. Despite showing signs of inexperience and being off the pace early, she benefited from a dream run up the rail to claim victory. The sectionals from that race suggest a pace collapse, which worked in her favor rather than outright acceleration. Spanish Mane reopposes today, and given the 1lb shift in weights alongside today’s pace setup, the race could be more favorable to Spanish Mane. The addition of cheekpieces for Marmoga is surprising at this early stage in her career, possibly intended to help her focus in the early stages. Spanish Mane – The Veteran A 10-year-old mare, Spanish Mane ran impressively behind Marmoga despite a 208-day break. Hitting the front early, she was not ridden too aggressively in the finish, and retains her jockey today. A 2lb rise for that effort isn’t ideal, but with a better race setup, she could turn the tables on Marmoga. Gamblers Kitty – Unexposed Potential A four-year-old maiden with just eight runs, Gamblers Kitty is making his seasonal reappearance. His Yarmouth second place under Oisin Murphy last October showed ability, but he disappointed next time at Kempton and has been off since. He sits on a mark of 64, which should see him winning races soon—if not today. The yard form is currently a concern. Create – Course & Distance Winner Scott Dixon’s yard isn’t firing, but Create has been on the go all winter and showed improvement at Southwell last time. His standout performance was winning a CD handicap against Biplane and Ratafia last summer. If he returns to that form, he should be a key player. Ratafia – Needs Cut in the Ground? Ratafia’s form ties in with Create. While he won at Yarmouth last season, his campaign ended disappointingly. Better on softer ground, he may need this run after a break, though he has run well fresh before. Preference would be for cut in the ground. Clipsham La Habana – Better at 6F? Has been racing over the winter but is yet to win on turf. His best form is at six furlongs, and yard form is concerning. Travis – Looking Exposed Another four-year-old, Travis has had 15 runs in two years and looks regressive since joining Geoffrey Harker. He drifted significantly in the market at Thirsk last time and was beaten soundly. No obvious betting angle today. Diligent Harry – Unproven on Turf Won at Wolverhampton after a layoff, hinting at improvement this season. However, only one turf run in his career raises questions about suitability. Market confidence is surprising given that uncertainty. Tough At The Top – Maiden with Limited Ability? A five-race maiden, Tough At The Top failed to impress in blinkers last time out. Tim Easterby’s yard is in form, but he looks unlikely today. Carlton And Co – Each-Way Interest? Returning from a break, Carlton And Co may be better suited to six furlongs. His yard is 0 from 18, but his previous form suggests he could be a viable EW option. Danzart – The Late Market Drifter last time out Equally effective at 6F and 7F, Danzart ran a fair race at Newcastle last time out. Eyecatching in the finish, he was given a gentle ride, drifting massively from 12/1 to 40/1, likely indicating that he needed the run. Expect improvement today. Danzart @ 15/2
Another treble for Sean Bowen - that's 13 winners from his last 23 rides including the Irish National
That will do. Danzart holding off Create in the finish. Now who wants to tell me racing isn't bent? look at the drift on Marmoga!!
19:47 Fontwell - Decorated Class-5 Handicap Hurdle over 2m3f on good ground. Nathaniel gelding has bright chance in this affair to take home the spoils. Possibly the eventual favourite, but others too have solid possibilities. Ben Jones rides for the Lambourn trainer, Oliver Signy, stable. 11/4 top price on the ATR site, at time of writing.
Won comfortably at 5/2 second fav. after leading all the way. Gelding ran his race out well for jockey, Ben Jones, and the Lambourn stable of Oliver Signy.
Well she couldn't give weight to the already fit Dancing Gemini. But in the Lockinge he'll have to give her 3lb. On a 6lb switch round you'd have to favour her to win. Menusier saying she may go to France for the Isphahan.
