The first classic is upon us already and it looks like a really interesting race. Depth wise I'm not sure it is one of the strongest renewals we have seen but the difference in quality in the horses towards the top of market may not be as large as the market suggests.
Native Trail has looked a top notcher in all starts to date but I don't think we learnt too much last time and he is opposable at such a skinny price. I quite like POINT LONSDALE at 14/1 given Aidan O'Brien has such a good record in the race. He was beaten by the favourite last year but more often than not O'Brien's horses improve over the winter and if that is the case he may be able to reverse the form here. He was a well touted horse before that race at the Curragh so clearly connections think plenty of him. At the prices he is certainly worth chancing.
One at a fancy price that might just be good enough to run into a place is LIGHT INFANTRY. He won the Horris Hill last year on heavy ground but bolted up on debut on quick ground at Yarmouth. Horses that can look impressive on both surfaces are normally pretty good and at this stage he looks like a horse with any amount of potential. With Spencer booked he will be ridden to come home but he clearly stays well and he could be picking up the pieces late on.
It's Hunt Cup day at Thirsk tomorrow and this is a race I like to have a punt in. Two eye catchers from last weekend both run and both are trained by Tim Easterby. CRUYFF TURN travelled a dream last week at Haydock before fading late on on his first run back. His form in the book entitles him to go close here and if they go steady around those bends then this handily ridden horse should be ready to strike.
If however they go too quickly up front a hold up horse like DELGREY BOY could benefit. He looks a much improved horse and travelled into the same race at Haydock last week with intention. His inexperienced rider perhaps left him too much to do that day but with Duran Fentiman back on board today I expect him to be played at the right time.
Newmarket 3.40 – Point Lonsdale / Light Infantry
Thirsk 2.05 – Delgrey Boy / Cruyff Turn
