Yesterday’s Review
1pt e/way Fayasel (91) – “Jockey said gelding was slowly away”….Very rarely we have to criticize in this sport, and an analyst must form an opinion. In this instance the gelding was slowly away because his jockey tried to anticipate the start, and did it badly. The formline was the correct one. Fayasel finished ahead of the winner Guiteau (98) lto, with Oisin Murphy getting his mount out of the stalls correctly and dictating a slow pace yesterday. For prominent racers getting them out of the stalls is a big part of the job.
0.75pt e/way Havana Goldrush (90) – The selection dictated a slow pace with Headingley, who looked like he needed the race in the paddock. Unfortunately, there was no response from Liam Keniry’s mount when asked for an effort. This will go down as very disappointing considering the gamble from 18/1 into 11/2.
Today’s Advice
Sao Timothy (12f Hcap) – This 3yo was a non runner due to travel lto when gambled on from 18/1 into 6/1 and selected by this column. Today’s (2.30) Lingfield race looks a much poorer contest, and the step up in distance should enable the selection to show more pace at the business end. The effort lto was a huge step forward on the clock (100), and today will be very informative as to the horse’s willingness to put his head down at the business end.
Dors Toyboy (7f 1y Hcap) – This 6yo fits a similar mould to a previously inconsistent horse called Bobby Joe Leg, in that he had only won 1 race from 28 prior to the 18th June 2022. Since then his handicap mark has risen 11lbs going from (51) up to (62) for today’s (3.40) Lingfield. He appeared to have reached a new level of consistency with three wins and three seconds on sand during that period last season. An excellent fifth over an inadequate trip at Newmarket (102) was enough of a sign in August that he retains a lot of his ability. I am willing to allow him his last effort on Heavy ground at Nottingham, and I am hoping for a return to form at a track he has done very well on in the past.
Buddy Batt (5f Nursery) – This 2yo holds the top speed rating of this field, and did as well as could be expected in a hot Listed race over C&D lto. The handicapper has raised him 7lbs for tonight’s (6.30) Dundalk, and regular pilot Dean Curran’s 7lb allowance, which he couldn’t use lto, will come in handy. There are question marks about his resilience considering a poor effort at Naas recently, but there is enough in the price to warrant an interest.
Phoenix Beach (5f 21y Hcap) – This Richard Fahey trained gelding recorded a career best speed rating of (106) lto over C&D, and the handicapper has left him untouched for tonight’s (8.15) Wolverhampton. A reproduction of that effort should see him go close, and a nice draw in stall (3) has been secured with Jack Garritty retaining the ride again.
1pt e/way Sao Timothy (13/2 General 4 places) 2.30 Lingfield
1pt e/way Dors Toyboy (11/2 General) 3.40 Lingfield
0.5pt e/w Buddy Batt (10/1 General) 6.30 Dundalk
1pt e/way Phoenix Beach (11/2 General) 8.15 Wolverhampton