Starnberg winning at York
HAYDOCK
3:00
Shouldvebeenaring (Sean Levey)
He was very good in a Listed race at Newmarket last time and you could set your watch by him because he’s so consistent. This is another step up but he’s in good form, will like the ground and deserves to take his chance. He won’t mind the drop back in trip.
3:30
Happy Romance (Sean Levey)
She ran two excellent races in the Middle East before winning in style at Bath on her return to these shores where she proved she still retains plenty of speed. This is a wide open renewal, but her form is right up there, and I can’t see any reason why she won’t put up another huge effort.
YORK
2:10
The Line (Danny Tudhope)
He was very green on debut at Ascot but when the penny finally dropped he finished his race really well, so you’d like to think he’s improved quite a bit since then. The step up a furlong will suit and I fancy him to go close.
3:50
Starnberg (Jim Crowley)
I’m not quite sure he saw out a mile on soft going at Nottingham last time so the return to seven will help, as will the better ground here. He’s still a Maiden but is a capable lad, and while he’s not particularly well handicapped, this could still be a suitable opportunity to break his duck.
Zabbie (Cam Hardie)
She’s generally quite consistent and wasn’t beaten far at Newmarket last time. I think seven furlongs is her best trip and she has a chance.
GOODWOOD
2:05
Dark Thirty (James Doyle)
He really enjoyed himself making all to win at York last time, which was great to see, and that will have given him a lot of confidence. This track will really suit and he could take some pegging back from the front.
Classic (Pat Dobbs)
This should be a lot easier than the Greenham and he’s got valuable experience over course and distance form from last year. That run has sharpened him up and he’ll be winning again soon.
Hectic (Alec Voikhansky)
He was below par at Newmarket earlier this month but produced a fine effort on his return (at Newbury) and if he can reproduce that, he’d have a big chance here. I’m not concerned about the drop back in trip and Alec’s claim is an obvious help.
2:35
Magic Light (NON RUNNER)
La Guarida (Pat Dobbs)
She showed a lovely attitude at Newmarket on her first run and has improved a lot for the experience. This is a good race, and likely to throw up plenty of future winners, but our filly has lots of ability and won’t be far away.
3:10
Sir Rumi (Pat Dobbs)
I was delighted with his run at Ascot where he finished third under top weight, and looked the winner 100m from the line but just got tired up the hill. This sharper track is a big plus as it’s very similar to Epsom (where he won in April) and the extra distance shouldn’t be a problem.
4:55
Swift Asset (Pat Dobbs)
He needs to step up considerably on what he’s shown so far this year so I couldn’t be confident of his chance here; although the Handicapper has dropped him a few more pounds – but needed to!
CHESTER
2:55
Battaah (Kevin Stott)
He’s posted two very good efforts in both starts to date and has the plum draw in one. I think the better ground will help and he must be taken very seriously.
4:05
Dawn Of Liberation (Jefferson Smith)
We’re stepping him down in trip so we’ll try and make plenty of use of him (if we can from stall nine) and the good ground will definitely be in his favour. He’s in good shape at home and has a very realistic chance.
4:40
Royal Dress (Liam Keniry)
She ran well over course and distance last time and has a lovely position on the inside in one. Arguably her best form is on softish ground, but she’s a lovely moving filly so the better surface here wont be an issue and I like her.
5:15
Playactor (Liam Keniry)
He’s into Handicap Company for the first time and is another of ours who has the plum inside draw. His work has been good and he heads up there with very solid credentials.
SALISBURY
We have a handful of runners down at Salisbury and Notta Nother (Sam Hitchcott) makes his debut in the 5:35. He’s a smart son of Havana Grey who has been showing up nicely at home so will hopefully run well, but it does look a hot Novice. The others, Optiva Star (6:10), Manuelito (7:40) and Graham (8:10) all need to step up what they’ve shown so far this season.
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