I've got a busy 5 minutes planned tonight at around 6.40. Both tips today run in the space of 5 minutes of each other so I'm hoping for scintillating 5 minutes or a quick, painless kick in the guts.
First up is FIRST IMPRESSION at Hamilton who I think has been underestimated at around 12/1. The red hot fav is clearly the one to beat but his strength in the market means there are a few at a bigger price than I think they should be. The selection put in a bit of a stinker last time out but his absence suggests all may not have been well. His two earlier runs suggested he is definitely capable of defying this mark and if he can replicate either of those runs then I think he is definitely in the three.
Over at the Curragh the Irish Cambridgeshire is the highlight on the card and there are countless horses in with a squeak. This isn't a strong fancy but I do think BIG BABY BULL is worth some each way support for shrewd connections. He certainly has the ability to go close in this race but he has had somewhat of an indifferent season. Last time out was a better performance and the better ground here should really help this son of Tagula.
Friday
Hamilton 6.40 – First Impression
Curragh 6.45 – Big Baby Bull
It's a busy Saturday up and down the land and I've got tips at three courses. First up at Beverley, it's their big day with the Beverley Bullet taking centre stage. It's a really open event this year and a real mix of horses are lining up here with a couple of handicap graduates taking their chance at this higher level. SIGNIFICANTLY is one of those and although he isn't at his beloved Ascot I do think he has a chance here. His prominent racing style should suit this track and the bigger field should also play to his advantage. You would have a slight doubt that he may not handle the undulations of Beverley but he has solid form in the book at Newmarket and courses alike so I am more than hopeful he will be ok. His connections believe he is good enough to compete at this level and I'm going to take a punt on him to raise his game.
Down at Goodwood, you will be glad to know I'm sticking ESCOBAR up again. I love this horse, he is such a consistent type and always gives you a run for your money. I am sure he will win if his trainer could find a soft ground mile race at Ascot so he may have to wait a little longer in the season for that but his 4th place in the Lennox at Goodwood means he should have a great chance tomorrow. There might be one or two lurking at the bottom but if they aren't what they threaten to be then this old boy will teach them a thing or two.
Richard Hannon has found a great opportunity for CHINDIT to get his head back in front. This classy three year old has faced some tough tasks so far this season including last time out in France. He finished close enough to the winner that day for me to think he is certainly more than capable of taking a Group 2 prize at Goodwood. A similar performance will see him win here.
Finally up at Redcar this evening, I'm hoping SCOTTISH SUMMIT can finally have his day in the sun this season after coming so close in recent months. His mark of 95 definitely underestimates his ability and he has solid course form so everything looks set for a big run. The one slight worry you would have is that if the weight may catch him out but if you look at his form he has lumped some big weights to victory before and it certainly doesn't hinder him too much.
Saturday
Beverley 3.15 – Significantly
Goodwood 2.25 – Escobar
Goodwood 3.35 – Chindit
Redcar 6.10 – Scottish Summit
