Bank Holiday weekend

I noticed at the 48-declaration stage that the Sandy Lane Stakes is missing from Saturday’s Haydock card, owing to the addition of the Temple Stakes from Sandown, but if the race appears at a later date I’ll alert you all here.

On the same card at Haydock is the ultra-competitive Silver Bowl Handicap featuring no less than eight last time out winners, including John Gosden’s Virtual. This colt was highlighted in my Top Of The Form column a few weeks back and looks set to go well from a cosy inside draw under Jamie Spencer. One negative at the back of my mind is that the majority of past winners were drawn a touch wider, and with Spencer on board, I’m hoping this isn’t a ‘Jamie special’ hard-luck story.
Over at Newmarket comes another warm three-year-old handicap in the Coral Sprint. This is a race I’ve watched with an eye for the future rather than find the winner of over the years, but I’ve decided to have a punt this year and here is a brief analysis from a trends perspective.

Fol Hollow – Lacks a creditable run last time out, which also came over the minimum trip, unlike the past 12 winners.

Brave Prospector – Another lacking a solid run this season.

Prohibit – Fits the trends, solid third in a Listed event last time out where the mud wasn’t suitable. Return to fast ground will suit – sire Oasis Dream’s four victories came on quick ground.

Ancien Regime – Raced over 7f last time when sixth, not an ideal last time out run. Distance winner though and drop back will suit – stable in rich form this week.

Oasis Wind – Two suspect runs this year unlike past winners – blinkered first time.

Sophie’s Girl – Another lacking a crisp outing last time when held by Prohibit at Ascot. Only outing in these conditions – 6f on fast ground – resulted in victory though.

Victorian Bounty – Won the race at Salisbury that Resplendent Glory used three years ago. Likes to dominate but may not be able with Fol Hollow drawn six stalls away.

Westwood – Trends suggest middle to high draw place to be, so box four not ideal. Also lacks a recent run.

Mister Hardy – Some scratchy performances this year including last time out – lacks the important ‘D’ by his name on the racecard.

Carleton – No recent form to boast of and also lacks a distance win.

Quest For Success – Has some of the credentials, including recent third, high draw and distance win. Unfashionable yard could see him go off at decent odds like several winners of this.

Brassini – Impressed in these conditions in a fast time at Lingfield latest – a venue used by Blue Goblin in 1997. Low draw is a negative.

C’Mon You Irons – No small yard has landed this event in the last 12 years – trained by M Hoad – and looked held by Victorian Bounty last time. Stall 5 yet to win this.

Opus Maximus – Couldn’t rule out after fast ground win over 6f last time at Hamilton, but that venue not been used prior to this before and no winner has scored below 8st. Low draw also not ideal.

Short-list: Prohibit, Victorian Bounty, Quest For Success.
(I can also pass on a good word regarding the wellbeing of Prohibit who our Newmarket contact at The Guradian rates as the best of Gosden's at HQ on Saturday).

I don’t think I’ll get to see the race itself as it’s my first wedding anniversary this weekend and my wife and I are returning to the hotel we held our reception at in London. I promised her we’d go to Harrods during the day but doubt whether Al-Fayed has opened a betting shop there yet! Looks like I may have to spot a betting shop nearby in the taxi there and then when shopping near race time claim that I need to pop out for the cashpoint - sounds good to me!

Don’t forget the three Irish races and the Zetland Gold Cup at Redcar on Monday from the book – where Sir Michael Stoute’s Cabinet will be popular. I’ll be back on the Tuesday – hopefully not too poorer – with the week’s performance ratings.

Here’s to a trends-friendly Bank Holiday weekend.