Garswood kept up the good work for us on the opening day of the Craven meeting, running out a most impressive winner of the European Free Handicap. Such is the nature of racing these days that any horse that wins a half decent race is given quotes for everything from the Derby to the Boat race! However, I was surprised to see Garswood being quoted for the 2000 Guineas.
Before the race even trainer Richard Fahey had some reservations about whether or not he would stay seven furlongs. The colt dispelled those fears by winning with his ears pricked but you have to question whether or not it was classic form. I don’t think I shall be re-investing the winnings at 25-1 for the Guineas but he certainly looks one to follow.
Talking of re-investing winnings, Wednesday’s card poses a problem with our 9-1 Doncaster winner Move In Time turning out quickly for the Group 3 Abernant Stakes. At first glance this looks like a stiff task after winning a handicap off 95 on Saturday. Even if we give him a rating of 100 for his victory he still has to find at least 7lb with Captain Ramius, Hawkeyethenoo, Jimmy Styles, The Cheka and Tiddliwinks. Of those, Captain Ramius is race fit having chased home Jack Dexter at Doncaster but he might need seven furlongs on this better ground. I tipped Hawkeyethenoo when he won the Stewards Cup last season so I have plenty of time for his chances and The Cheka usually runs well fresh. With the bookies going 5-1 the field, I think I am going to have to put this race in the “too difficult” drawer.
A field of just four for the Craven Stakes is disappointing but they are all smart colts. Richard Hannon runs Havana Gold and Toronado and the vibes from the stable suggest that the latter is a genuine classic contender. Dundonnell and Tawhid are no slouches and this could be a very tactical affair. Another potential classic colt is on show in the Tattersalls Millions Trophy when Ghurair is expected to go off odds-on favourite. On official ratings he has the best part of a stone in hand on this lot but he is untried over a mile and a quarter. There are some promising types in the field, notably Luca Cumani’s Greatwood who looks sure to relish the extra distance. The stable had a runner in the Nell Gwynn Stakes today that ran very poorly so I shall keep a watchful eye on Greatwood for the time being.
The Nell Gwynn produced a 10-1 winner in Hot Snap, trained by Sir Henry Cecil. Although she beat a good sort in Sky Lantern it seems a little early to be making her 1000 Guineas favourite. Bookies slashed her odds to 5-1 from 40-1! Connections were apparently thinking about the Coronation Stakes as her main target before the race but will presumably run her at Newmarket now. I’d rather see the other trials before wading in at those sort of odds.
I do have one bet for Thursday and it is provided by Move In Time’s trainer David O’Meara. Bet365 have chalked up Sandy Lane at 2-1 for the 4.30 at Ripon tomorrow. The horse had the race won two furlongs out last time and could have won by fifteen lengths. Enough said!
Sandy Lane 4.30 Ripon 2-1 Bet365
