The John Smith’s Northumberland Plate at Newcastle 3.15 is avery competitive event. All the money in the last week has been for Far Pavillions who has won his last three races. But 11/4 is too short a price for an event of this nature. I like the chance of Mark Johnston’s Golden Quest who was an excellent second at York and given a decent low draw he can run well. I also like Swift Sailor of Johnston’s along with Odiham. Taking everything into account I would go with Swift Sailor, if he is absent I would go for his stablemate Golden Quest.
At Newmarket the 3.30 is a 7F Group 3 event. I have been waiting for Nayyir to reappear and if he shows up here he would have a great chance. We have to take his fitness on trust and he will improve for the run, however, I am certain that he will be straight enough to do himself justice. If he doesn’t run the race could go to the unbeaten Sleeping Indian.
The Fred Archer Stakes at 4.0 Newmarket is a very interesting race. The very useful Mubtaker is not in the same form as in previous years but he can still prove too good for his rivals today. If he proves not to be as good as he was then Collier Hill or Imperial Stride can take advantage.
The Curragh stages two excellent events today with the Pretty Polly at 3.40 and the Curragh Cup at 4.45.
The former features the admirable Alexander Goldrun who has been globetrotting but back at home will prove very difficult to beat. Among those most likely to cause her problems are the three year old Playful Act, Hazarista, Red Bloom of Michael Stoute’s and Chelsea Rose.
The Curragh Cup should feature Vinnie Roe, assuming he has recovered from his exertions in the Gold Cup at York over a distance that is just too far for him. He will much prefer the 1m 6 furlong trip and should have too much class for the likes of Collier Hill, Day Flight and Yehudi. It might also pay to look at the chance of Holy Orders who has a bit to find on the official figures but this enigmatic character is well capable of running into a place.
SELECTIONS
NEWC 3.15 SWIFT SAILOR
NEWM 3.30 NAYYIR
NEWM 4.00 MUBTAKER
CURR 3.40 ALEXANDER GOLDRUN
CURR 4.45 VINNIE ROE