Adayar, winner of the Epsom Derby and Hurricane Lane, successful earlier this month at Doncaster (St Leger), were confirmed Sunday for the Arc de Triomphe in Paris next weekend; both are owned by Godolphin and ‘housed’ at Newmarket premises licensed for private trainer, Charlie Appleby. I’m surprised they have been set to contest the ultimate middle distance European classic, what’s the point of such a clash?
Anyway my sentiments are worthless and finding the winner more important; on my time-handicap Adayar is a few pounds superior but not necessarily the selection and, as ever, advice is not to play ante-post market given how precarious such practice proves, too often.
In the meantime choice of William Buick will be important but he can’t ride both and perhaps he’s vexed, in a nicest way possible, by the prospect.
Currently Adayar is priced 3/1 on Betfair betting exchange and the ‘Hurricane’ is 7/1; the next few days will be fascinating as the market takes shape in readiness for a magnificent meeting at Parislongchamp.
Mark ‘winning machine’ Johnston continues to service his Middleham ‘juggernaut and thrice-raced Capital Theory should be nigh on a ‘cert’ for the seven-runner Maiden Stakes over a mile of ‘good to firm’ Ayr this afternoon when the 83-rated Muhaarar colt will again be ridden by veteran stable jockey Joe Fanning.
Capital Theory is clear ‘best-in’ judged on his excellent fourth in the ‘Convivial’ at York last month but might have been feeling the effects of a hard race from a disadvantageous draw when disappointing over this trip down the Doncaster mile. He sweated profusely and finished fourth to Israr, posting a time-handicap way short of that achieved on the Knavesmire.
To be honest that’s disconcerting but ‘Johnno’ is now apparently delighted with recent gallops and I’ll trust his judgement even though there are two well-bred newcomers in opposition along with George Boughey-trained Mr Alan, a lovely Ulysees colt which hasn’t been journeyed a ‘million miles’ for the Scottish air!
Six handicaps make no appeal whatsoever but recent course and distance winner Nomasee does in the thirteen-runner Novice Stakes over a mile of Wolverhampton tapeta tonight, despite being drawn twelve!
I know ‘you can’t beat the draw’ but Nomasee will be loaded last and was drawn eleven a fortnight ago when landing a gamble under Ray Dawson whose expertise at the gate will be vital. Westmorian is an obvious danger but on actual time-figures has it all to do and yet I’ll have an each-way saver in an attempt to win twice. Cracking race.
Stick to my selections which included runaway winner, Mr Mccann, at Epsom, Sunday!
Selections, Ayr, 2.10 Capital Theory; Sedgefield, 2.35 Rattle Owl (e.w); Wolverhampton, 6.00 Nomasee.
Jeffrey Ross, horse-racing correspondent for WMN since 1983 when winning the most prestigious racing journalist award, Sporting Life Naps Table, before winning it a record number of six times collectively in the Racing Post, the current ‘trade’ paper, including 2019