6pm – FAYEZ @ 9/2
Fayez has been threatening to score here and looks the safest bet in a tricky opener, although Mr Tito’s is respected on the downgrade after making his debut at Churchill Downs last year. Plan Of Attack is also considered.
6.34pm – HARTLING @ 5/4
Hartling may have failed in her bid for a five-timer in a more valuable claimer latest, but her easy wins in similar events to this before that suggest she can make the most of this drop back in class. Lady Archa scored from Amelia Madelyn (second) and Words Of Devine (third) here on her penultimate start in February and looks the main threat.
7.07pm – PANAREA @ 13/8
Kozy Dreams finished a close second in a similar C&D event on her penultimate outing but may have to play second fiddle again, this time to Panarea. The selection made the frame in a more valuable track-and-trip contest last time out and has scope for further progress now eased in grade. Gran Michelle is a respected newcomer.
7.39pm – I’M PRAYINGFORTHAT @ 4/5
I’m PrayingForThat brings some decent form to the table in this maiden claimer and won’t get many better opportunities. Wild About This and Dancingwithjimmieb are the main dangers.
8.11pm – TIGER BLOOD @ EVS
Tiger Blood justified favouritism and was impressive when beating What’s Inside (second) here last month and that is the form to concentrate on. Frenchmen Street is another to note.
DON’T MISS:
- Why horse racing is still going on in America… but not in the USA or Ireland
- Ruby Walsh: The Irish Grand National win that gave me no satisfaction
- Brendan Duke’s five to watch for the Irish flat racing season
- Cheltenham 2021: Ruby Walsh’s 10 to watch for next year’s Festival
8.43pm – SIMPLE STORY @ 13/8
Lady Fiorella and East Coast Swing are capable at this claiming level, but the eye is drawn to the unexposed quantity in the race Simple Story, who won well second time up here last month.
9.15pm – COMBINATION @ 7/4
Combination has won three of his last four and, under top pilot Luis Saez, gets the vote in a competitive heat. French Quarter has the form in the book to win a race like this, likewise Phantom Ro.
9.46pm – SECRET STASH @ 7/2
More is to come from the lightly-raced Eve Of War now she tackles a route, but Secret Stash has the form in the book having made the frame in the Florida Oaks. Sunset Promise and New Day Dawning also drop in class, while Skye Snow and Apogee have bright futures, and former Jessica Harrington inmate Nope isn’t out if it.
10.17pm – SLAM DUNK @ 7/4
There is more to come from Graceful Princess now she has joined the Todd Pletcher team, but Slam Dunk made the frame in the Frizette Stakes last year and can use this as a stepping stone back into Graded company. Whispering Beauty and Hunting Season round out the shortlist.
10.47pm – CANDY COMA @ 5/4
Candy Coma made a debut full of promise when finding only one too strong over track and trip, and natural improvement should be enough to see Wes Ward’s gelding home in front. He holds Fifty Cents on that evidence and has more to fear from Nothin But Net.
BETTING SUMMARY
6pm – FAYEZ @ 9/2
6.34pm – HARTLING @ 5/4
7.07pm – PANAREA @ 13/8
7.39pm – I’M PRAYINGFORTHAT @ 4/5
8.11pm – TIGER BLOOD @ EVS
8.43pm – SIMPLE STORY @ 13/8
9.15pm – COMBINATION @ 7/4
9.46pm – SECRET STASH @ 7/2
10.17pm – SLAM DUNK @ 7/4
10.47pm – CANDY COMA @ 5/4
FROM PADDY POWER’S RACING ICONS DOCUMENTARY WITH RUBY…
- I took Annie Power home for the summer… and horse joined our family BBQs!
- My biggest Cheltenham regret and one race I’d love to have a second chance at
- Ruby’s hilarious story about dad Ted’s terrible medical advice after nasty leg break