UK- Newmarket- 6/4
Jun 4, 2020 10:08:23 GMT -5
Post by tenfurlongs on Jun 4, 2020 10:08:23 GMT -5
Newmarket begins a four-day meeting today with a gaggle of six contests for unraced 2yos, and four handicaps for 4yo+. Tomorrow's feature is the Coronation Cup (GI) at 1 1/2 mi. featuring defending champion Defoe, Epsom Derby hero Anthony Van Dyck, champion stayer Stradivarius and Godolphin rising star Ghaiyyath, the likely favorite. Saturday offers the 2000 Guineas (GI) at a mile for 3yo and the return of undefeated Godolphin superstar Pinatubo, along with three supporting stakes. Sunday its the 3yo fillies turn in the 1000 Guineas (GI), with two other Listed races carded.
Newmarket 4:45- 6f (Rowley Mile course) Handicap (Div I) (Class 4) (4yo+) (0-85) #1- Count Otto (5-1) is always right there at the line and 6F is his sweet spot. Already had four runs through February, so fitness should not be an issue. #2- Mia Mento (5-2) 4yo filly won her debut and has since fished around for the proper level and distance, but ran ok in the 3yo filly stakes division last season. Two AW sprint tries this year should have her in fine form, the return to a firm grass course might be just the ticket. #3- Ginger Fox (6-1) appears to be better on the AW, and has been running at 7F this season with success. Can't dismiss with two wins in last three starts. #6- Drummond Warrior (12-1) won first two in easier company but just got necked last August over C&D before going sour. A return to early form would put him in the mix. #8- Highly Sprung (15-1) veteran 7yo handicapper has an admirable lifetime record at 6F turf (38/10-7-4) and three wins last term. If crafty trainer Les Eyre (who pulled a similar upset on opening day at Newcastle) has him ready to run, he could be the one.
EX- 1,8/1,2,3,6,8 Result: 8,9,1 Highly Sprung ($26.00) was ready, but Count Otto got beat a long nose for second.
Newmarket 5:20- 6f (Row) Handicap (Div II) (Class 4) (4yo+) (0-85) #2- Magic J (7-2) gets Oisin Murphy back aboard today, who was up for the debut win. Expensive Scat Daddy colt only made three starts last season, all on the AW. Head scratcher. #8- Saluti (10-1) held good form in the second half of last season. Distance hits him right, and ability to handle 7F also will help on this testing uphill course where he won in May 2018. #11- Gold at Midnight (20-1) gets blinkers added today, has a solid record going 6F turf (7/2-2-1). Gets Hollie Doyle in the saddle today, who has been aboard for two of the filly's three victories. Poor AW runs this winter, but that's not her game, and she should have stayed fit despite back-marker status.
EXBOX- 2,8,11 Result: 1,2,4 The good Magic J showed up today, but no one was going to catch Bungee Jump ($51.40) who made all the running and widened at the finish.
Newmarket 5:55- 7f (Row) Handicap (Class 3) (4yo+) (0-95) Nominal feature race of the day. Wide open race, and I could only eliminate five of them. The two I like best are #8- Excellent Times (20-1) who despises soft ground, so draw lines through all such efforts. 5yo mare is accomplished at 7F turf (5/2-0-1) and won back-to-back at York and Thirsk last season. The York race had a quality purse and field, including the likes of Agincourt. Could surprise here again at a price. #10- Arbalet (9-2) ran against much better fields last summer without getting pummeled, will appreciate today's class drop. Of the others, will use 1,3,4,5 underneath.
EX- 10/1,3,4,5,8 WP- 8 Result: 6,3,11 Inside speed again as Jack's Point ($45.60) went flagfall to finish while favored Arbalet could only muster a fifth-place result.
TW