Lots of racing today, although we have to wait until the Breeders Cup action from Lone Star Park in Texas tonight for the highlights of the day.
Before that there are one or two horses we should look out for. The first of these could be Football Crazy in the 1.15 at Chepstow. He has won several races already this season most recently earlier this week at Cheltenham. He is game and consistent and should take all the beating here.
The 2.25 at Chepstow features Mr Ed who you may remember was second in the Cesarevitch at Newmarket a couple of weeks ago. He always does his best and should have enough class to win here.
At Kelso I like the look of Ballinclay King. He has not been in the best of form last season but has been found a winning opportunity here. Also at Kelso in the 4.50 Gargoyle Girl should win the 4.50. She has most to fear from Letitias Loss.
Over at Newmarket there are two to be interested in. They are Putra Pekan in the 3.10 and The Prince in the 3.45. The Prince is on a great run at the moment and he can win again here.
At Wetherby the first real test for potential Gold Cup horses sees last year Gold Cup runner up Sir Rembrant as the likely favourite. However, this may best be left to Grey Abbey who has the Grand National as his primary objective this year. He is a flamboyant front running grey and is exciting to watch. He can run well when fresh.
Another two to look out for at Wetherby are potential stayer’s hurdle hope Crystal d’Ainay in the 3.25 and last year’s exciting novice Mister McGoldrick in the 4.0.
Now to the Breeders Cup. I like the chance of Six Perfections to make it two wins in a row in this particular event. She hasn’t won as many this year but she should have her ideal conditions tonight and although she has a difficult draw to overcome I think she can do it. The American horse Nothing to Lose has won 8 of her 9 turf races this year and should provide the biggest test. Diamond Green and Whipper are two other French trained horses with chances.
The Breeders Cup Turf sees the big American favourite Kitten’s Joy as the short priced favourite. He will be very hard to beat. The Irish runner Powerscourt and former British trained Magistretti now successful in the USA should provide the main opposition.
The final race is the Breeders Cup Classic on the dirt track. Last year’s winner Pleasantly Perfect will be a popular choice and should be favourite. The former sprinter Ghostzapper is next in the betting but I don’t think he’ll stay in this race. Funny Cide is on the way back to his best but might not be quite at the required level yet. This leaves the interesting Rose in May as my idea of the most likely winner. There is an old saying in American racing which says "never oppose the lone speed in a paceless field". Roses in May may well be allowed to set his own pace and if this happens he may not come back to them.
SELECTIONS
CHEPSTOW 1.15 FOOTBALL CRAZY
CHEPSTOW 2.25 MR ED
NEWMARKET 3.45 THE PRINCE
WETHERBY 3.25 CRYSTAL D’AINAY
LONE STAR MILE SIX PERFECTIONS (NAP)
LONE STAR TURF KITTEN’S JOY
LONE STAR CLASSIC ROSES IN MAY