Friday's Meetings Newbury Flat 8 Races 1:55-5:55p.m. York Flat 7 Races 2:10-5:30p.m. Newmarket Flat 6 Races 2:18-5:15p.m. Kilbeggan(E) N/H 7 Races 4:50-8:15p.m. Leopardstown(E) Flat 7 Races 5:05-8:30p.m. Aintree(E) N/H 7 Races 5:10-8:40p.m Hamilton(E) Flat 7 Races 5:35-9:00p.m. Racecards At The Races Sporting Life Racing Post Good Luck
Over at Chantilly there is a potential candidate for the Commonwealth Cup. Christopher Head has said that Maranoa Charlie could be a 6F,7F or a miler. He is running him today to see if he is fast enough for 6F. Made all in the Group 3 Prix Djebel ovef 7F last time it is interesting that they did not take him to the French Guineas. Trainer says the colt had wintered well and that the Commonwealth is a possible if he proves up to winning today at 6F. The Jersey is an option if not effective at 6F Shade of odds on in today's group 3, he is 25/1 for the Commonwealth Cup. 13.53 Chantilly I'll leave him today at the odds but had a fun bet for the Commonwealth now that original fancy Cool Hoof Luke will not be out until July after a setback.
17:45 Aintree - Flic Ou Voyou Class-3 Handicap Chase over 2m4f on good ground. Wears cheek-pieces as in previous runs. Kapgarde gelding has bright chance in this affair with most conditions to suit. Danny McMenaman rides for the Henry Hogarth stable. 15/2 (Bet365) best price on the ATR site, at time of writing.
2.25 Newbury... SWEET REWARD. Something of a standing dish over this course and distance always running well including in Class 3 h'caps. Won very snuggly last time and even though hiked 5lbs is still 6lb lower than finishing 4th of 14 in this race last season. 10/1 Bet 365... Obviously theres a beautifully bred Gosden favourite to contend with, so will be having the rev forecast too..
Well Maranoa Charlie will never run at 6F again. The trainer did express that the trip might catch him out. Better to lose £2 at 25/1 than put £50 on at evens for today's race. I had fully analysed the colt's form and noted the trainers comments. In comparison, the At The Races tipster had lazily said "He is all speed" when tipping him up. The "plan B" was the Jersey over 7F at Royal Ascot but seeing that effort today you would have to question whether he is fast enough for that and/or good enough.
Won by 1¼ lengths at 13/2 SP. Saw the race out with real guts and ran it out to the line. Fine ride by Danny McMenaman for the Henry Hogarth yard. Aintree is certainly a tough track.
