I WAS thrilled by the victory of Laurens in the Fillies’ Mile yesterday. It was a first Group One for PJ McDonald and there was something uplifting about the northern-trained filly conquering the Coolmore juggernaut. The silks of owner John Dance are becoming a familiar sight in winners’ enclosures and it is a reward for a meaningful and growing investment in the sport. There is fabulous fare today and whether you love the Flat or the jumps there are plenty of punting opportunities…
The Cesarewitch (3.40) at Newmarket is devilishly difficult. Who Dares Wins won the Cesarewitch trial a few weeks ago and has a 4lb penalty. He is the model of consistency and should run a solid race. But I’m drawn to stablemate Oceane as he will relish the fast ground. He is worth an each-way interest at 50/1 and is from the same connections who caused a 50/1 shock with Grumeti two years ago.
It could a be a very good day for Oceane’s trainer Alan King whose stable is in good form. Dino Velvet (3.35) ran a stormer in the Fred Winter at the Cheltenham Festival after making a shocking blunder four out. He is well handicapped and could make a winning reappearance off an attractive mark of 125.
Wishing and Hoping for victory
Also well handicapped is Wishing and Hoping (4.10) who appeals at a double-digit price in a competitive Totepool Silver Trophy.
Rock The Kasbah (4.45) won first time out at this fixture last season and has slipped back to a handy rating.
I was really impressed with Shabaaby (2.40) at Doncaster and will be disappointed if he doesn’t win the Rockingham Stakes at York although he will be a warm order.
Beyondtemptation (4.35) is a standing dish at Hexham and could be hard to peg back now he is reunited with Thomas Dowson and, finally, Art Of Swing (9.15) has been running well without winning and a return to the sand could be the catalyst for him to get his head in front at Kempton. Be lucky!
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