Yesterday
first time cheekpieces and a sharp track suited Two For Gold who finally made good on the potential he had previously shown. He beat Aso a neck in what looked a good race. Smarty Gold ran reasonably enough but could not make up ground on the two who ran prominently throughout and the selection (sent off 7/2 joint favourite with the winner) finished fifth. Mister Whitaker is one to note who may come on for this race back at Cheltenham.
Today's Race
The 6.40 at Newcastle comes in handy for late risers like me. It's a very open 7f contest at Newcastle that looks pretty good for its Class 5 grade.
Today's Contenders
Chosen World's recent narrow win from Bobby Joe Leg recorded a decent time figure. Up 4lbs but still on just a mark of 62, he is 5lbs lower than when second in this race last year. He's well drawn and should very much be thereabouts.
Ghathanfar merits respect (trainer is in good form) but is on the highest mark of his career yet and will probably find at least one of these too good today.
Maysong needs something to bring out his ability. First time cheekpieces should help. The apprentice jockey and short break don't inspire confidence; he's often disappointed. He did run to a very good time on his only previous visit to the course and is one to consider.
Kapono's recent efforts here have been disappointing but the two runs over CD in October were very smart. Jason Hart has been amongst the winners recently. This a drop in grade and he's another with definite possibilities.
The Great Heir's two runs here previously (both in December) look decent, especially the first. I like The Great Heir and am undecided whether the 7lbs claiming jockey is an advantage or not (poor stats but I think he's a competent rider). The racehorse won a big race at Doncaster as a 2yo off a mark of 87 so he's had to wait a long time for the rating to come down to something that reflects his level. Stable form (very few recent runners) is a worry that puts me off a bet.
Giuseppe Cassioli's form reads a little oddly. He showed marked ability when winning for Charlie Hills on his first handicap start. Ran very well twice over 1 mile at Kempton for new trainer Marco Botti and then disappointed at Lingfield last time. Ryan Moore (not usually seen at such a level) informed the stewards he was instructed to ride more prominently there. Ben Curtis is back aboard here. This is his first run on Tapeta. I'd be interested how the market perceives him. He could well come good but there are a few concerns.
Bobby Joe Leg doesn't appeal and With Promise will have to improve to get involved.
Saisons D'Or has previously returned better for a break and current mark of 68 is the lowest he's ever been. 0 from 10 on AW but has won 3 times on the turf including at class 4 level. Respected trainer and jockey. Current odds look quite appealing for an each-way tilt. Not discounted at all.
Moonbootz is interesting on his first run at Newcastle and first run in a handicap. Has ultimately disappointed since going close on his debut in June last year. First time tongue tie is unlikely to make enough difference.
Tricky. Maysong, The Great Heir, Kapono and Giuseppe Cassioli can all definitely improve. The pre-race market should be a good guide to their chances today. Saisons D'Or can go well off a low mark. But all told I'm going to go with Chosen World. Was well up to the job when last seen here. Up 4lbs and still on a very low mark of 62. Graham Lee takes the ride. With doubts about the reliability of others, 5/1 Chosen World seems the best option.
Today's Tip
(To Win) Chosen World (11/2 Betfair, 5/1 General)
Recent Results
15 Feb: 3.55 Warwick Smarty Gold 5th/12 @ 7/2
14 Feb: 4.20 Punchestown Dounikos (E/W) 5th/18 @ 40/1
13 Feb: 8.15 Wolverhampton (AW) Greengage 2nd/7 @ 7/2
12 Feb: 7.00 Dundalk (AW) Caesar's Comet 8th/13 @ 16/1
11 Feb: 6.30 Newcastle (AW) Fendale 1st/8 @ 7/2
10 Feb: 5.45 Wolverhampton (AW) Almost An Angel 8th/9 @ 4/1
9 Feb: 3.50 Kempton (AW) Commanche Red (E/W) 2nd/10 @ 11/1
Account (Level Stakes Profit)
Feb 2021 LSP: +18.8
All 2021 LSP: +18.8
