Katie Midwinter (05/04/23)
HAYDOCK
1:30pm – Challenger Two Mile Hurdle Series Final Handicap Hurdle (Class 2)
Nayati 25/1 – Donald McCain, Peter Kavanagh (5)
Donald McCain’s charge wasn’t given much of a chance when never in contention at Kelso last month and is now 1lbs lower, 2lbs higher than his last winning mark. Peter Kavanagh claims a useful 5lsb and any rain will strengthen his case. He is one to consider each-way at an excellent price.
MUSSELBURGH
1:50pm – Royal Mile Handicap (Class 3)
Lion Of War 6/1 – Charlie Johnston, Oisin Murphy
Lion Of War made a winning start to his racing career with success at Leicester before following up at Newcastle in the summer. He was disappointing in his following two runs on good to firm ground before showing slight improvement when down in class at Doncaster.
The colt is by the late Roaring Lion, a sire that many would love to see have success through his progeny as his stud career was sadly cut short by a fatal bout of colic. Albeit a slightly sentimental selection, Lion Of War has shown promise and could have massively improved from two to three. He raced greenly last season and struggled to settle in the paddock pre-race. There could be further progression to come.
3:00pm – Scottish Sprint Cup Handicap (Class 2)
Came From The Dark 6/1 – Ed Walker, Oisin Murphy
The Dark Angel gelding was winless during last year’s campaign but did run in black-type races and may appreciate this level of competition off his lowest mark in three years. An official rating of 97 suggests he is well-handicapped and the in-form Oisin Murphy takes the ride.
CORK
3:30pm – Cork Stakes (Listed Race)
Clever And Cool (EW) – J. S Bolger, R.P Cleary
This is a deep race in which a case could be made for a number of those likely to line up. Tenebrism is the stand out contender, 6lbs clear of her rivals on ratings and possibly stronger than ever now as a four-year-old. However she, along with a number of others, could benefit from the run and may be best watched. Hurricane Ivor’s form on soft leaves much to be desired whilst talented Ocean Quest was declared a non-runner on account of testing ground last weekend and may not take up this assignment.
Receiving the allowances, carrying a low weight is Jim Bolger’s Clever And Cool, a filly that could be much better than her recent form suggests. In her last three runs she has been slowly into stride and hasn’t shown her true ability but will surely be sharper and more prepared now with more experience. She won her maiden on soft to heavy ground and although this is a step up against older rivals, she is unexposed at this level and could be available at a big price come the off.
All prices/runners are correct at the time of writing.
THE CONDITIONAL 