DAILY RACING PREVIEW BY ANDY HOLDING
WEDNESDAY AUGUST 19
1.50 YORK
The rain in the last 24 hours or so might not be welcomed by some but as far as the chances of COROLLA POINT is concerned, his prospects have been enhanced.
Without for one minute suggesting Ed Bethell’s gelding is a mud lover, he wouldn’t want the ground too quick and it is noticeable that two of his better efforts on the clock have come with some give underfoot.
Just as importantly, he holds solid form over today’s course next to his name and when third on his only previous visit to the Knavesmire he had only Jakajaro and Heavenly Heather ahead of him, who went on to finish fifth and sixth respectively in the King Charles III Stakes at Royal Ascot.
Since then, the son of Blue Point has finished runner-up in a competitive Newcastle sprint before scoring at Hamilton last time out and housed in a favourable draw down the middle, it would be a surprise if he doesn’t play a significant role in the outcome.
COROLLA POINT – 1-point each-way@11-2 (six places)
3.35 YORK
The market suggests this Group 1 is a match between Ombudsman and Constitution River and while that notion may end up being correct, I can’t help thinking ALMAQAM has been slightly overlooked.
Well held by the former on the basis of their most recent Ascot clash, the ground at the Berkshire venue wouldn’t have suited Ed Walker’s inmate as favourably as his old rival and it is worth pointing out he does have a victory over Ombudsman from Sandown last season.
Again, there was only just over a length between the pair when they met in the Qipco Champion Stakes later in the campaign and since then, the son of Lope De Vega has gone on to defeat the likes of Bay City Roller and Minnie Hauk in the Tattersalls Gold Cup.
Runner-up on his only previous outing at York, the speed figure he posted in defeat to Royal Champion – again on ground too quick – is worth noting and providing there is sufficient juice in the ground, he has every chance of outrunning his odds.
ALMAQAM – ½ point each-way@9-1 (without Ombudsman)
7.18 SLIGO
MIDNIGHT EAGLE has only won once in 24 starts but there have been positive signs of late that he can add to his meagre tally in the not too distant future and a chance is taken on Andrew McNamara’s gelding unlocking the key tonight.
The green shoots of recovery were definitely there for all to see at Killarney two starts ago when he finished a solid runner-up to the in-form Lips Freedom and although he failed to better that position at Cork last time out, his effort according to the clock suggested he had run to a better standard.
Moreover, the fact he came out best of those held up off a pace favouring track (winner made all) warrants even more merit and with today’s extra yardage likely to see him in a better light on the evidence of his run 16 days ago, the six-year-old easily rates the value pick at the morning odds.
MIDNIGHT EAGLE – 1-point each-way@17-2