Yesterday’s Review
1pt win Rogue Diplomat (100) – This was a long way short of the selection’s impressive victory at Leicester. It would be easy to use the Good (Good To Firm in places) going as an excuse, but the winning times were very close to standard. He did race more keen on the day than at Leicester, and did not have things his own way in front from almost five furlongs out. He will need to relax more during his races to fulfill his potential.
Today’s Advice
MAX QUE (7f Hcap) – The (9.40) Sha Tin looks like one of those races where the short priced favourite Dazzling Fit is usually held up out the back, and will be looking for both luck in running and to fulfill previous potential. The selection improved on the clock last time out over course and distance, and appears to have quite a bit in his favour this morning.
A kind draw in stall one should be used to his advantage by experienced jockey Hugh Bowman, and the selection has shown decent speed from the stalls in the past but has been restrained for a lot of his races. A midfield position should see him in with every chance of mounting a decent challenge in the straight. While he does take his time to get himself organised, he is still learning his trade in Hong Kong, and I am happy to have a small interest at the prices on offer.
STORY HORSE (14f Hcap) – This five year-old looks to have quite a few boxes ticked for today’s (2.55) Newmarket following a solid seasonal return at Southwell last month. That was his first race in 174 days after a disappointing effort on soft going in the Cesarewitch last October. It was a return to form for the son of Bated Breath who finished in third place beaten just a length and three quarters behind Caballo De Mar. He raced prominently that day before leading over two furlongs from home, but eventually gave best over a furlong from home. This was a strong performance on the clock on the day, and any improvement fitness wise should see him challenging for the win today.
He does have course experience which stands for so much round here, and was seen leading the Cesarewitch Trial over 2m 2f last season three furlongs from home before weakening two furlongs out. The step back to today’s trip should be much more to his liking. Saffie Osborne has been booked for the ride, and she won on the selection at Haydock last season over today’s distance from just a three pound lower handicap mark.
The favourite Kihavah won nicely on his seasonal debut at Musselburgh just fifteen days ago, but this represents a different test and I will be surprised if he can back that effort up so soon under a welter burden of 10st 2lbs.
0.5pt e/way Max Que (9/2 Paddy Power/William Hill/Betfred 4 places) 9.40 Sha Tin
1pt e/way Story Horse (8/1 General) 2.55 Newmarket