Friday's Meetings Ayr N/H 7 Races 2:00-5:15p.m. Fontwell N/H 7 Races 2:10-5:30p.m. Southwell(E) N/H 7 Races 4:40-7:40p.m. Bath(E) Flat 7 Races 4:50-7:50p.m. Ballinrobe(E) N/H 7 Races 4:55-7:55p.m. Dundalk(E) A/W 8 Races 5:35-9:05p.m. Newbury Abandoned Racecards At The Races Racing Post Sporting Life Good Luck
Hello, crew. I think there is one of the most interesting runners I’ve seen for many a while out tomorrow at Newbury. I’m talking about ARGOCAT (4.05) trained by the forum’s favourite trainer, its idol, Mr Henderson. Argocat arrived at Seven Barrows earlier in the NH campaign but to date has only had one run in the NH sphere when disappointing over this course back in February. Previously was a multiple Grade 2 winner over the big ‘uns in Ireland but that has led to him having a huge rating of 156 over such obstacles. In fact when Mr Henderson heard this, it is rumoured, that he had a large GnT (purely medicinal you understand) to cope with the shock. I’m sure this perching is one of the reasons why the great man is keen to steer him away from fences and a return to the Flat. Argocat hasn’t run on the level for almost 5 years (although I’m sure some on here will mischievously claim ‘Endo ain’t run one on the level for a lot longer than that. Ban ‘em say I) but was an above average sort for Paul Cole, back in the day, winning a Newmarket maiden and achieving a peak perch of 88. This is something of a speculative choice, of the morrow, but given his subsequent grand achievements in the NH game, the fact that he is handled by a genius who should have eked out further improvement and the fact that off a rating of 75 he has to be worth taking a chance on (receives weight all round in the chosen contest). Furthermore, the stamina sapping distance, of 18 furlongs, should present few problems (and you can’t say that re a few of his rivals) as Argocat has won over 3 miles over jumps. Nor should the heavy ground (again such conditions will be against a few opponents) as his Graded successes were all achieved on such a surface. It will be fascinating to see how Argocat fares across the county line. Recommended.
With opposition to Air Force Blue rapidly evaporating, it could turn out to be a match between him and Emotionless on 30th April! Whilst ordinarily it would be unwise to write off one of John Gosden’s first time out, Foundation was well and truly put in his place and would have to come on significantly to be a Guineas contender. Ballydoyle will presumably have some idea how good Stormy Antarctic is as they sent out Johannes Vermeer to beat him at Saint Cloud – and he is 33/1 for Newmarket. If Foundation was ‘unlucky’ at Doncaster, there surely were no excuses over the Guineas’ course and distance. The bookies were only impressed enough with the winner to shorten him to 16/1. The weather already makes the Friday card at Newbury something to be avoided and it is hard to see it drying out much by Saturday morning to make that card attractive. With an inspection already called for, prospects do not look good.
Fancy a couple at Fontwell today: 15:20 - Dont Do Mondays (11/2 Racebets) 17:30 - Stamp Your Feet (3/1 Racebets) Good luck today!
Surprised our bumper king hasn't been on flagging up one his favourite horses brother, which makes his debut in the Southwell bumper today. Kalanisi Circle, a brother to Barters Hill runs for the Pauling yard. If you've missed the price, best off watching how he goes later
So with Newbury abandoned it seems Bath is the only flat meeting today - due to the fact that Bath like Ffos Las seem to exist in a weather cycle of it's own I have no doubt that Bath will still ride firm (gd-fm) in places, just as the country could be in the middle of a heat wave lasting the whole of July and Ffos Las would still ride soft, heavy in places. Anyway a few for fun for me this evening Bath 4.50 Opera Buff 5.50 Case key 6.20 Ridge Ranger 7.20 Forgiving Glance
