Performance raings & Epsom

ZETLAND GOLD CUP
Capable Guest 57

HILARY NEEDLER TROPHY
Knavesmire 54

HENRY II STAKES
Finalmente 70

NATIONAL STAKES
Icesolator 59

BRIGADIER GERARD STAKES
Smokey Oakey 74

SANDY LANE STAKES
Fat Boy 78

JOHN OF GAUNT STAKES
Major Cadeaux 75

SCOTTISH SPRINT CUP
Masta Plasta 63

There were several interesting horses from the above races in the book, including Fat Boy, who was well above par, but it was one of the losers which caught my eye. Third-placed runners from the Henry II Stakes have the best subsequent record and Royal And Regal didn’t have the race run to suit here before staying on strongly and will be of interest when having his stamina tested beyond two miles.

There’s no escaping Epsom this week and Jim Bolger’s decision-making regarding New Approach has received plenty of coverage in the press already, however, my thoughts have concerned the ground on the Downs.
No doubt it will ride soft come the first race on Friday, and it brings back memories for me of when I backed Further Outlook in 1999 to win the 6f sprint handicap on the Saturday after switching to the stands’ rail in the straight. This could be a key factor at the weekend, and there is an outside chance we may just witness the first Derby to be won up the stands’ rail – think of Ryan Moore in the Eclipse last year on Notnowcato.
It’ll be interesting to hear the jockey’s views over the two-days and pick up any clues during their media interviews as it could have an impact on the draw and tactics.

As some of you will know, I’ve already backed Tajaaweed at 14/1 for the Derby after the Dee Stakes and am happy enough with my bet, though I respect several of the others, including stablemate Tartan Bearer, who won the Dante Stakes.
Friday will be of more interest, though, as my two ante-post tips in the Racing and Football Outlook from April should both make the final line-up – always a result within itself!- with Katiyra (25/1) and Moonstone (40/1).
I managed to back both at decent odds and as I’m not one of the laying brigade on Betfair, I’ll be a tad nervous come 4.05pm Friday afternoon. I still can’t get my head around why people lay horses after backing them at big prices. I understand the mathematics and risk factor, but that’s one of the main reasons I got involved with betting as a 14-year-old – to take a risk. As it said on the well publicised Honda ad last week – ‘If it’s difficult, it’s worth doing’.
But hey, that’s just my view and if laying off – or trading - is your thing then good luck to you.

Moving on to Top of the Form and it’s been a fairly quiet few weeks after an explosive first few months – though Danehill Destiny did score at Windsor last night – and some of the horses I’ve been monitoring have performed moderately.
Anyway, here is the list of horses that I’m waiting for and their entries this week.



Bijou Dan (Tuesday and Saturday)
Capucci (Thursday)
Choose Your Moment (Saturday)
Coleorton Choice (Friday)
Galactic Star (still can’t believe they led with him on Sunday- don’t abandon him)
Jocheski
Karoush (Saturday)
Lake Chini
Looter (career best despite only third at Lingfield - further could suit)
Otaared
Pendragon (Friday and Sunday)
Ready To Crown
Smokey Storm (Saturday)
Swop
Tighnabruaich (Northumberland)
Top Seed (Friday)
Virtual (disliked the Sandown mud - nothing wrong with the form of his maiden)

I have a day off from the Guardian on Thursday, so will hopefully get the chance to preview one of the Epsom races