Normally the weather does not ruin the bank holiday racing until the actual weekend. It got in early this time, so odds-on Kodi Bear could pick up a Group 2 in name only. The March Stakes used to be a St Leger trial but looks like a moderate Listed race this year.
At Beverley, fans of Maarek should be warned that the Beverley Bullet (2:20) is a favourite’s graveyard – great draw or not.
In the 3:30, topweight PEARL NOIR can follow up his latest course and distance win (beating three of these including last year’s winner Tom Sawyer) off just a 3lb higher mark and with a favourable draw.
Off a 5lb higher mark than when winning easily last time, PETERHOUSE can collect the 4:05 at the chief expense of unexposed Sealife, who won a six-runner Nottingham race on soft ground last time, and front-runner Mister Rockandroll, up 10lb for making all in a four-runner race.
I would like Kalk Bay in the 4:40 but Mick Easterby’s eight year old has not run for two months and is one pound below his highest ever winning mark, a four-runner race in 2010 when trained by William Haggas.
Over at Newmarket in the 3:25, favourite Lucky Kristale has not won in two years, making it easy to oppose her with grey PORTAMENTO, who was just behind Wet Sail at Chester last time racing on the outside.
The day’s banker has to be Leeds Rhinos to pummel Hull Kingston Rovers in the Challenge Cup. The police will be on duty in both cities, although there is nothing worth stealing in East Hull! On Kevin Sinfield’s last trip to Wembley, will they give him the Lance Todd Trophy?
