DAILY RACING PREVIEW BY ANDY HOLDING
THURSDAY AUGUST 21
1.50 YORK
Arguably not the strongest of Lowther’s and it looks well within the capabilities of STAYA (best price 11-2), who brings to the table some of the best available form lines.
Running well despite being undone by the draw in the Queen Mary, George Scott’s filly made amends with a convincing display in the Dragon Stakes at Sandown next time and if events would have panned out a little more in her favour back at Ascot last time, she may have added The Princess Margaret Stakes to her collection.
While eventual winner, Fitzella, was enjoying an uncontested lead at the head of affairs, the daughter of Havana Grey was twiddling her thumbs at the rear of the field and although she made up plenty of late headway, she was unable to bridge the gap on Hugo Palmer’s well ridden filly.
Draw at opposite ends to main market rival Royal Fixation, which one of the pair ends up being in the right place remains to be seen, but with pacey types, Come On Eibhlin and Timeforshowcasing likely to provide a good target to aim at over towards the far side, a better-timed challenge this time can reap maximum rewards.
STAYA – 1-point each-way@11-2
3.00 YORK
After a bit of a sabbatical, Thunder Run provided a real shot in the arm for three-year-olds in this valuable mile handicap and the trend can continue with REMMOOZ (best price 5-1) in this year’s renewal.
A strong fancy to land the Jersey Stakes at Royal Ascot following back-to-back victories at Doncaster earlier in the season, Owen Burrow’s inmate acquitted himself with credit despite beaten seven lengths into fourth but it is his latest success over today’s C&D which really highlights his claims.
Having his first attempt at handicap company, the son of Blue Point travelled well in behind a generous pace and when asked to go and win his race inside the final furlong, he answered every call once off the bridle.
Clearly the step up to a mile helped this progressive youngster no end and with likely improvement still to come, he can take this before going on to better things.
REMMOOZ – 1-point each-way@5-1 (five places)
4.10 YORK
The race won by Sand Gazelle here last month was noted for its strong speed figure and Rainbows Edge and CHARLOTTE’S WEB (best price 11-2) look the obvious two to concentrate on in similar contest if the data is a reliable guide.
The main reason for siding with Simon & Ed Crisford’s filly over her old rival boils down to her being better value and the fact she has yet to finish out of the money in all 13 starts so far to date – five of which have been on turf.
Also, the way she stayed on over the extended 1m2f trip suggested she shouldn’t be too inconvenienced by today’s extra yardage and her overall profile makes her a solid each-way proposition at the morning prices.
CHARLOTTE’S WEB – 1-point each-way@11-2
6.25 LEOPARDSTOWN
Sometimes as a tipster, you just get a gut feeling about a horse and DEFIANTLY (best price 11-2) has seduced this writer enough in two starts to warrant a small interest to see whether he is up to handling today’s step up in class.
Joseph O’Brien’s inmate was a massive eye-catcher first time out over today’s course when making up a huge amount of ground in the closing stages after being extremely slow into stride and although he made heavy weather of justifying favouritism at Killarney next time, he was ultimately well on top once hitting top gear.
Giving his rather lazy way of racing, it’s easy to see why connections have reached for the cheekpieces in order to keep him focused throughout and providing the headgear has the desired effect, the son of Kameko has more than enough ability to feature in a race of this nature.
DEFIANTLY –1- point each-way@11-2