Friday, 10th May 2024
Pearle D'or was one that made my shortlist for tomorrow’s Victoria Cup (2.40) at Ascot….
…. but I wonder if the drying conditions go against David O’Meara’s 5yo….
Preference is for HICKORY at the general 11s….
James Fanshawe’s charge has already shown up well in two valuable handicaps up this 7f strip at Ascot….
…. he was second to Baradar in the International Stakes last July….
…. and he found just Quinault and Popmaster – who reopposes tomorrow off a mark 13lb higher but trades just one point bigger in the betting – too good in September’s bet365 Handicap….
For sure, he bombed out in October’s Challenge Cup – sent off in the top three of the betting….
…. but he was on the wrong side that day and might have been done for the season….
He’s still rated just 89….
…. he produced a decent comeback performance at Kempton where he was a bit keen early doors….
…. and that sets him up for a big run tomorrow – under Saffie Osborne who had a chance to get to know him that last day….
I want to be two-handed in this one and my second pick is the lightly-raced MUSTAJAAB at the general 22s (there is still a little bit of 25s & 33s about)….
He only won once last term – at the first time of asking….
…. and he repeated the trick this term at Southwell last month….
That performance represented a big step forward – and was produced on the back of being gelded in the close season….
It might be that he pulls the same stunt as last term – and fails to back up….
…. and he has gone up 7lb for coming out on top in what was a modest race….
But he won impressively and comfortably enough under a hands and heels finish from Lewis Edmunds….
…. and looked very much like there could be more to come yet….
He’s a nice each-way price for a horse that could very well be on the upcurve….
The pick of the prices….To recap on my bets for tomorrow…. In the 2.40 @ Ascot….
e/w terms = Sky Bet pay 7 places You can get 6 and 5 places generally…. Advised prices are correct at the point of publication – but prices are subject to fluctuation. Shop around – you may find better quotes and terms than advised…. |
That’s all for today….
I’ll be back after the weekend – we’ve got a big meeting to target at York next week….
Meanwhile – Contact me direct at nick.pullen@oxonpress.co.uk
And remember – win, lose or draw – enjoy the racing….
Stay tuned….
P.S. Click here to view my advice for this afternoon’s races at Chester….
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