Despite the fact I am still in full National Hunt racing mode I have managed to have a dabble in the Flat action that is now roaring onto our screens.
Here are 3 horses from the weekend that caught my attention for one reason or another -
ETON RIFLES (6-4-12-0-0 (22) / 2.67 / 0.73)
5th in the Lincoln handicap at Doncaster
The Howard Johnson 6yo ran an eye-catching race in the feature event of the day on ground that may have been a touch on the lively side for him. He moved sweetly in the far side group until either fading or failing to quicken from the furlong pole. The Pivotal gelding is currently on a career high mark but there was no suggestion on Saturday that he can't defy his current rating. His best form looks to come on ground with at least the minimum amount of juice in it (good to soft or worse) and I have a feeling the 8 furlong trip of the Lincoln may just have stretched his stamina reserves to their limits. I'll be looking to have an interest in him when he gets his preferred ground and a drop back to 6 or 7 furlongs (although 8 furlongs may not be fully out of his grasp).
IRISH HEARTBEAT (7-2-7-0-0 (16) / 3.57 / 1.00)
10th in the Lincoln Handicap at Doncaster
Richard Fahey's gelding started favourite here but in truth never really managed to land a serious blow. The result of both the Spring Mile and the Lincoln suggested that the high numbers were the place to be so looking at the wider picture suggests that Irish Heartbeat didn't run a bad race from his 7 box. He is another that possibly prefers a bit of cut in the ground and despite winning last season's Spring Mile (8 furlong) I have a feeling that 6 and 7 furlongs may prove to be his ideal trip. His current mark of 96 may be right at the ceiling of his abilities so any leniency from the handicapper would not go amiss. One to keep an eye on with cut in ground, possible step back in trip and a little drop in the ratings.
BATED BREATH (6-3-9-0-0 (18) / 3.00 / 0.83)
10th in the Cammidge Trophy at Doncaster
Obviously a very talented beast but I'm starting to have my worries about him. I never like it when a horse starts getting excuses made for its defeats; 1 or 2 every now and again is fine but 3 in a row from only 6 career starts is a bit of a concern. If a horse continually finds trouble in running then something needs to be done. Bated Breath obviously has a race winning turn of foot so why not stick him closer to the pace, therefore lessening the chance of meeting traffic? He is evidently a smooth travelling horse so putting him closer to the pace should pose no significant problem; if he is as good as is being suggested then a small change in tactics should not be hard to implement. He currently sits in my 'talented but starting to concern me' pile.
Happy Punting
Ben (NTF)
4 comments:
Ha, ha! I agree with you on Eton Rifles as I made a note of him as one to take from the race on my own blog (I hadn't read your's prior to posting, was too busy writing-up my own). I would also agree with you on Bated Breath - he got no race at all on Saturday, but then a lot of runners had trouble in this.
I think Manassas ran surprisingly well in the spring mile. I had backed him when the markets opened on thursday but quickly laid back the bet when he came into the pre-parade, looking quite big, with his full winter coat on and sweating profusely on what was quite a warm day. He showed up for a long way, and had a good blow afterwards- he's back to a winning mark too.
Ben do you have a view on Gunner Lindley from Saturday - ran a stinker- yet was supposed to haev been working well with group animals?
Way Lad - What can I say, great minds..... :)
John M - Manassas was certainly another eye-catcher and should be able to win from his mark. Would probably have prefered the ground to be even firmer than it was and hopefully he can land a decent pot in the summer time.
Anon - Lincoln is a hard race to win from the front so I wouldn't be too put out by his run. May also be a tap too high in ratings? Time will tell on that one....
Thanks for comments guys (and sorry for the delay in responding)
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