Yesterday’s Review

0.5pt e/way Beau Army (96) – A slowly run race again for the selection which didn’t suit. She was restrained to the rear this time which I wasn’t happy with and could make no impression on the five that finished in front of her. A race to put a line through for her.

 

1pt e/way Hint Of Humour (105) – Another solid effort from the selection just bumping into a revitalised winner in Beaumadier (111) who put in a career best from the front. It was right to take on the favourite Cayman Tai (102) who was well below his latest effort. Result 2nd 7/2 adv…4/1 SP.

 

Today’s Advice

TAP LEADER (10f Gp2) – Heart Of Honour, favourite for the (4.35) Meydan has been around the world and back since winning a conditions race over the mile round here last January while recording a (109) timefigure. He has been a disappointing type for me on the clock since and one can see why connections applied the blinkers last April. He has yet to reproduce that performance but showed up a little better than usual with a (107) last time out in a Group 1 contest beaten 5 lengths by Imperial Emperor.

Mendelssohn Bay is a different type who has been ultra consistent on the clock recording three (110) timefigures in a row over the mile recently. The step up in trip will be a bit of a question mark for him as all of his best form is over shorter. The selection is one who will relish the 10f trip and has even won over further back in Russia where he was a Group 1 winner. Last time out he recorded a (109) timefigure over course and distance in a (0-105) handicap from a wide draw in stall 12 having raced in midfield. That was his Meydan debut and this five-year-old looks like he is going forward nicely for new connections. A kinder draw in stall 7 and plenty of pace to aim at should see him at his strongest in the final quarter of the race.

 

TELEMARK/KING GOLD (8f Gp3) – The (5.55) Meydan looks to revolve around the favourite Commissioner King who if back to his best will be a tough nut to crack. His output has slowly declined from his cracking (116) timefigure achieved over the 8.5 trip at Sharjah last November and last time out he was a bitter disappointment for favourite backers when plodding home behind stablemate Mendelssohn Bay recording a lowly (107) timefigure (having went off possibly too fast in front). Connections went with the tongue tie that day (which is on again today) and I am wondering if he is better without it. Stall 10 will make things a bit more difficult for him and I was happy to take a swing at two bigger priced runners who could outrun their odds.

The former selection is on the improve having put up a career best (109) timefigure last time out over course and distance when outbattling Mount Kosciuszko near the winning line having raced in midfield. A kinder draw in stall 4 today could show him in an even better light and his battling qualities at the business end of the race could come in handy if the favourite is not on the ball today. The latter has some very strong back class and while he was behind the favourite last time that was his first race in over three months and if he can come back to the form of his second place finish behind Raging Torrent in last season’s Godolphin Mile he could surprise one or two here.

 

PACIFIC AVENUE (8f Lst) – The Jumeriah 2000 Guineas (6.30) Meydan sees one time impressive winner Talk Of New York installed as the very short priced favourite having quickened clear to win his maiden by 5.5 lengths when last seen over the mile at Kempton back in October. William Buick has chosen him over two other Godolphin runners and if he can reproduce his homework he looks a difficult one to get the better off. However, as we know, second day at school can be a different story in some situations and at the prices I was more than happy to side with the selection who was very impressive to my eyes when winning a conditions race back in December by 2.5 lengths from August George at Doha. He raced widest of all from the rear that day when sporting first time cheekpieces and when given the office over two furlongs from home quickened nicely clear of his rivals inside the final furlong. A (106) timefigure illustrated the strength of that performance and a reproduction today could see him as an interesting alternative to the favourite under Mickael Barzalona.

 

SAYTARR (8f 13y Hcap) – The (7.00) Southwell looks an interesting contest and there should be plenty of pace on with the likes of Aisling Oscar, Glistening and Bravo Zulu in opposition. The selection won impressively last time out over 7f at tonight’s venue when coming through from the rear to win by a half length from Mereside Diva. He didn’t get the clearest of runs in the home straight and had to be switched but was strong at the finish under Daniel Muscutt. The partnership remains intact for tonight’s contest and the handicapper has only raised him 4lbs for that performance. He recorded a (107) timefigure on that occasion which reads very well in the context of tonight’s race. Second favourite’s Aisling Oscar’s recorded a similar timefigure at Newcastle in January when she finished a half length ahead of Goldmoyne while carrying four pounds less. A mile winner at Kempton last September he should appreciate the return to that distance tonight.

 

1pt e/way Tap Leader (11/2 Ladbrokes, Coral, Unibet) 4.35 Meydan

0.5pt e/way Telemark (8/1 general) 5.55 Meydan

0.5pt e/way King Gold (10/1 general) 5.55 Meydan

1pt e/way Pacific Avenue (7/1 Paddy Power, Skybet, 13/2 William Hill) 6.30 Meydan

1pt win Saytarr (11/4 Unibet, 5/2 general) 7.00 Southwell