Sunday's Meetings Wetherby Flat 8 Races 2:00-5:45p.m. Chelmsford A/W 7 Races 2:10-5:25p.m. Gowran Park Flat 7 Races 2:25-5:35p.m. Racecards At The Races Racing Post Sporting Life Good Luck
Flat racing at Wetherby for the 1st time today. Follow the link for Wetherby Flat Track Info. & Download of New Flat Course Layout
Evening, all, and here's wishing long and sunny days to AP as he begins the rest of his life. First significant bet of the 2015 flat, in the shape of Carla Bianca in the fillies' listed race at Gowran tomorrow (4.00). Not much to be said - she simply looks better than these, the ground and trip will suit her, Weld likes to farm this race, and anything around even money would look very fair. Given that Euphrasia (who strictly comes out best on the ratings now Carla has the penalty) really hasn't run to a three-figure rating since the autumn of 2013 and looks well past her prime, it's hard to see any possible danger that hasn't run its best races on much softer ground. The AOB filly (Wedding Vow) might turn out useful, but her last - admittedly promising - run was on bad ground, and it's hard to look beyond Carla Bianca.
Historic day at Wetherby... Hope it goes well for the county of Yorkshire. Polar Forest has a great chance in the first and Mickey Haller in the 3:05 wins.
Can anybody assist with: What price was the other weld horse prior to withdrawal? What time was it withdrawn? Is a rule 4 likely? Thanks in advance
4.50 Chelmsford Noguchi 5/1 Won two on the bounce at Chelmsford and it is a track that horses either take to or they don't. This guy clearly likes it around here and can complete the hat trick
Bet 365 out of step with other bookies in Mickey Haller's race (3.05 Wetherby) with Caesar The Gaesar, which they still offer at 50/1 while some others (notably Boylesports) have shortened up to as little as 16/1, with 20's more widely available. Probably doesn't indicate much money wagered, but clear value on offer at B365 on an animal from whom the Spotlight suggests there 'should be more to come'.
The fillies handicap at Gowran 2:55 is a nice little race, 8 go to post as it stands. Princess Aloof is the current market leader seeking the hat - rick but she's plenty high in the weights now and it will take a career best from her to win again, but she's clearly in good form and has to be taken seriously still. Dermot Welds Sparkle Factor finished 3rd in this last year and has her seasonal return here today but again she's going to have to perform above the norm to win. Duchess Of Andorra makes her debut for Johnny Murtagh and could be primed to go but the one I am drawn to is Glassatura for Mick Halford. This filly was once rated 90 and has slipped down a good way to a mark of 80 today. She won last time up at Dundalk off 78 comfortably enough over a mile and if she gets out the stalls ok, she can make this a test from the front now dropping back to 7f. She won her maiden over 6f so should be effective. Shane Foley rides and at 10/1 I think she can go close and with the dead 8 still due to run, I've had that each way as I really think she won't be out of the 3. Best of luck today lads and lasses
Looks like there is some reputation behind Dermot Welds Variable in the 4.30 at Gowran. A daughter of Sea The Stars and related to the useful VOTE OFTEN, she has been backed into 1/2 fav in a 14 runner maiden with the rest 8/1 upwards. She holds an entry in the Investec Oaks and I have just taken a piece of 33/1 for that to be my first antepost bet for the Epsom Oaks to go alongside Sir Isaac Newton for the Derby.
Had a tip for the Michael Bell horse Aussie Berry 7/1 in 4.10 Wetherby, drifted a bit so am only having a small bet on this.
Wetherbys opener -Kalk Bay goes well fresh, was unlucky in running when an excellent 3rd off 82 on reappearance last season and drops to 76 for his reappearance this year.
Non-Runners: 2/ 7Ballybacka Queen at 12:31 33/1 Antique Platinum at 10:40 25/1 Pretty sure that's not a Rule 4
