2:50
MSN Prix Eugene Adam (Grand Prix de Maisons-Laffitte) (Group 2) (3yo) (Turf) 1m2f
It will be a shock to us if Ultra gets beaten. Andre Fabre’s colt was the best 2yo in this field and whilst he hasn’t had a comeback run, with any improvement from last year he should be able to account for Raseed and Golden Bridge who have similar profiles and look capable of winning a race like this if the favourite isn’t stoked up for this race. An interesting outsider is Kidmenever who has had two wins, the latest in Switzerland and put in a big figure three runs ago that puts him in the place reckonings. Its not very original but we have to back the best horse in the race.
3 units win Ultra
3:05
CUR Friarstown Stud Minstrel Stakes (Group 2) 7f
We will rule out Gordon Lord Byron who has won us good money over the years but at 8 he isn’t getting better and this will be tougher. Adaay is a horse we like a lot and a good 2nd in a Grp 3 over 7furlongs at Haydock in his latest run puts him right in to the reckoning. Sovereign Debt deserves a win after 3 consecutive 2nds, the lastest in the City Plate at Chester where a rejuvenated Birchwood was too strong was a good run. Toscanini is very interesting after an easy win in his latest run over 6f on slow ground suggesting in both run style and breeding seven should be good for Michael Halford’s charge, who is in excellent form and finally what Irish Group race would be complete without an Aiden O’Brien horse and Dick Whittington comes with a live wire chance for his stable. This is a very good race and we need to back two.
1 unit e/w Adaay
1 unit e/w Dick Whittington
3:50
MSN Prix Messidor (Group 3) (3yo+) (Straight) (Turf) 1m
A really good Group 3 over a mile where they should go a decent gallop, not always guaranteed in French racing. However if Dariyan is to win then that’s what they will need and for that reason this could play in to the hands of the best miler in the field, that being Territories, for Andre Fabre and Michael Barzelona. He hasn’t inspired but we get the feeling that his latest 5th in a messy race, beaten a length and half signaled a return to form on what will be better ground.
2 units win Territories
4:15
CUR Kilboy Estate Stakes (Group 2) (Fillies & Mares) 1m1f
There is some black type on offer for these fillies and mares and a big field of fourteen makes it look very competitive but it may not be. Its about potential versus those on a recovery mission and the two selections fit in to the latter category. We don’t think there is that much potential in this field outside our two selections and whilst both Lucida for Jim Bolger and Bocca Baciata for Jessie Harrington have to prove they are better than recent form it looks like they are just better than the rest at their current level so they are our picks in a field where are lot are hopeful rather than probable.
1 unit e/w Bocca Bocciata
1 unit e/w Lucida
4:00
DUS Aengevelt Meilen Trophy (Group 2) (3yo+) (Turf) 1m
Ignoring any horse saddled by Andreas Wohler at the moment in group races in Germany would seem churlish at best, particularly after the thrilling Derby in Hamburg last Sunday but that is what we are recommending. His charge Noor Al Hawa simply doesn’t seem able to get his head in front in these Group races yet but at 3 he will still be improving and may well get there soon if not in this race. Our pick is the Italian raider for the incomparable Botti family, Kaspersky, who surely can “protect” our investment with a win.
2 units win Kaspersky.
