Terrific Card at Sandown Tops The Bill
Sandown, which takes place in the evening, is the pick of today’s meetings. The others are at Bangor, Chelmsford, Haydock and Newcastle.
Moore’s Artistry Can Land Henry II For Mullins
Sandown’s 6.35 is the Listed National Stakes, a 5f dash for 2-year-olds. Mehmas and Global Applause renew acquaintences and there is little to suggest that the Newbury form will be overturned, other than the drop back down in trip. Chupalla can be expected to go close, but Mehmas should just about have the Helmet filly’s measure.
The 7.05 is the G3 Henry II Stakes, which was won by Vent De Force in 2015. Willie Mullins has Max Dynamite in this one and with Ryan Moore booked for the ride, it’s hard to see beyond the French gelding. Burmese didn’t enjoy the best of luck, in the Sagaro Stakes and should at least keep Max Dynamite up to his work though.
The G3 Brigadier Gerard Stakes should be the best race on the card, with 4 well-matched runners heading the market. Western Hymn, Intilaaq and Scottish all have bags of ability, but the preference is Time Test – one of the stars of last year’s Royal Ascot. Zonderland takes on Royal Artillery and Forge, in the Listed Heron Stakes, with the latter of those 3 expected to come out on top.
Buck For Your Bang
Buck Mulligan might just spoil the party for Ronan McNally, whose hopes rest on See Double You in the 3.10 at Bangor. Evan Williams’ horse remains something of an enigma and has not managed a win for almost 2 years, but 6 runners-up spots have come in that time and this race does not look particularly strong.
With his dirt pedigree, Mark Johnston’s American runner Tailor’s Row can prove a cut above rivals in the 2.20 at Chelmsford. Johnston’s 2-year-olds have been in great form and the Street Cry colt is much preferred to both Kodiac Khan and Al Hamdany (both are also on debut). Kreb’s Cycle’s experience obviously makes him a big threat, but Gary Mahon should just miss out here on Richard Hannon’s horse.
Scott Can Scupper Reeh
Tom Marquand could find himself on the back of yet another winner today, in the shape of George Scott’s Suraat who makes her debut today in the 2.30 at Haydock. She’s a full sister to a Listed winner and was bought for 140,000gns. Reeh is expected to head the betting market, following a mature first display when 5th at Ascot.
The 8.35 at Newcastle is a 6f handicap for fillies. There were some signs of a long-overdue return to form for Gran Canaria Queen, last time out at Ripon, so keep an eye on the market before the race gets underway. Time Check looks likely to start as the clear favourite. 6th-place at Ripon can largely be put down to an unlucky draw and she’s better-judged on her Doncaster win.
Toast To Brown-Off Rivals?
The last of 8 encounters, at Tipperary, is a 2m Pro/Am flat race for mares (8.55). The Green Lady, Glendine River, Innocent Verdict, Katy P, Miss Eyecatcher should all run their races, but Toast showed plenty of stamina at Tramore and can earn a crust for Willie Mullins today.
It’s a very busy day. in France. The Prix Damas has a stingy purse, for A G3 French contest, but some useful sorts have still been entered. Alsaker, RB Burn, Al Mouhannad and Sahabba should all be in the shake-up. There are also 8 races at Vaal, in South Africa.
Today’s Picks
SANDOWN
6.00 Inniscastle Lad
6.35 Mehmas
7.05 Max Dynamite
7.40 Time Test
8.15 Forge
8.45 Heatstroke
BANGOR
2.10 Kilty Caul
2.40 Detour Ahead
3.10 Buck Mulligan
3.40 Desertmore Hill
4.10 San Pietro
4.40 Red Type
CHELMSFORD
2.20 Tailor’s Row
2.50 Weld Arab
3.20 Kindly
3.50 Titan Goddess
4.20 Go On Gal
4.50 Sober Up
5.20 Not Your Call
HAYDOCK
2.00 Gerrard’s Return
2.30 Suraat
3.00 Snap Shots
3.30 Fashion Parade
4.00 Wayside Magic
4.30 King Of Paradise
NEWCASTLE
6.25 Tallinski
6.55 Rockwood
7.30 Exoteric
8.05 Hard To Handel
8.35 Time Check
9.05 Jaarih
TIPPERARY
5.10 Imagine If
5.40 Chiclet
6.10 Anya Tara
6.45 Here For The Craic
7.15 Har Jay
7.50 Stuccodor
8.25 Call Me Pj
8.55 Toast
DAX
R1 Aussie Style
R2 As De Coeur
R3 RB Burn
R4 Missing Ones
R5 Line Fairy
R6 Calm
R7 Arry
R8 Skim My Love
COMPIEGNE
R1 Beyond Apollo
R2 Minotaur
R3 Iron Spirit
R4 Blue Panis
R5 Baroudar
R6 Zariyano
R7 Bibactic
R8 Magiq Rio
NANCY
R1 Rigel Star
R2 Valentine Spring
R3 Ilek
R4 Estraline
R5 One Best Victory
R6 Bourbon Jaq
R7 Jadala
R8 Soletzig
VAAL
R1 Missibaba
R2 Maleficent
R3 Justash
R4 Flying Dream
R5 Streetwear
R6 Netflix
R7 Elusive Flyer
R8 Tokyo Drift
