Another week of Classic clues for Epsom at York and everyone seems to have given up on one-time fav Midterm after a poor show in Thursday’s Dante Stakes.
But surely that run was too bad to be true? He was very keen for most of the race and never seemed to find a rhythm and was set alight early by Pat Smullen.
By the time they turned into the long straight on the Knavesmire, the winner Wings of Desire was saving valuable energy the whole way and was able to pick up better to chin Deauville. Don’t forget Sir Michael Stoute is a master trainer and if he takes a shot at the Derby, could still be worth a punt on the most open Colt’s Classic in years.
But to Friday’s action first …
Elusive in Paris, Dundalk 5.50pm
All five of his wins have come at Fundalk. He’s probably never going to get back up to career-high marks in the mid 80’s, but he managed to win recently off 53 under Gary Halpin on his first try for his new yard who nicked him out of a claimer.
He’s an unknown over the trip but the way he travels it could be perfect for him and he could be well handicapped off his 58 rating.
Gallop over to all the latest racing betting on PP.com
Brokopondo, Dundalk, 7.30pm
A fairly consistent performer but needs to get more aggressive in his running style on recent efforts. They’ve put the hood on him for the first time today and Ronan Whelan gets the leg up for the first time. A return to 12f isn’t a problem and he should be produced to pounce late.
Ask Dad, Dundalk, 8pm
Been in good form recently as most of the field are out of form or running over the wrong trip. His win here last month was after a little lay-off and despite nearly blowing the start he sat handy before delivering his winning run.
If he gets it right at the gate tonight he’s still very well treated on his best form and upcoming trainer Damian Joseph English has proven to be a very good handler.
Shrewd, Hamilton, 7.25pm
Was a major improver over hurdles and has brought that form to the flat for trainer Iain Jardine with a solid win at Wolves last time. He had an excuse in the Scottish Champion Hurdle as he returned with a screw stuck in his foot.
The fact he returns 27 days after his Ayr disaapointment shows he’s bouncing. Coudl be a fair price & he should be a fair price too with the Queen sending Michael Bell’s Fabricate up from Newmarket.
My Amigo, Hamilton 7.55pm
This grey colt won on his debut at Newcastle last year and was sent south to Goodwood where he was a slightly unlucky fourth to Jaadu over 7f. Posted a good good return at Doncaster last month when third after a long break to John Gosden’s unexposed Remarkable. The Ann Duffield team are hot and he’s going to take a world of beating.
Classy Anne, Hamilton, 9pm
Jim Goldie’s runner finally drops down into Class 5 company after banging her head against the wall for long enough last season. Had a sharpener at Musselburgh a few weeks back to put her spot on for this.
This is her track (3 time winner), trip (5f) and favoured ground and the booking of Paul Mulrennan looks significant.