The pick of the Saturday prices....

Friday, 19th July 2024

The pick of the Saturday prices….

It’s a quieter weekend on the handicap front….

…. but we’re not without targets….

…. and the aim is – as ever – to make a few quid out of the game….

The Weatherbys Super Sprint Stakes for the juveniles at Newbury isn’t a handicap….

…. but it frequently throws up big performances at prices….

…. and I always have a swing at it – angles, clues & pointers here….

I’m across the Irish Sea for the big handicap of the afternoon….

…. the David Power Memorial Premier Handicap (formerly the Scurry) at the Curragh….

…. and I’m also playing in the Mettal UK Handicap back at Newbury….

Let’s go….

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In the Super Sprint Stakes – 3.35….

There’s a ton of early pace in this big-field of juveniles….

…. most of it located in the top-half of the draw – in the double-figure stalls….

…. and it’s not hard to envisage some scorching early fractions helping set it up for something coming from a little off the pace in the latter stages….

The one I’m earmarking for that assignment is Richard Hannon’s MISS COLLADA at the general 14s….

Hannon’s general rule of thumb for this race is to turn up seriously team-handed….

…. but he’s got just the one runner this time….

…. which might mean the cupboard is bare at home….

…. or that this one is a clearcut contender – and Hannon don’t need no spare bullets….

In the last decade Hannon has sent 39 horses to this race – an average of 3.9 per year….

In only three editions has he saddled two or fewer runners….

…. in one of those years – (2017) – he drew a blank….

…. but he found the winner in 2018 – Ginger Nut was sent off at 20s….

…. and he found the second horse in 2016 – Stormy Clouds was sent off at 20s….

…. so a lone representative for the yard ain’t necessarily a bad omen….

Hannon has a fantastic record in this race….

…. he knows what’s required….

…. he’s a dab hand at the prepping….

…. and he’s a whizz at getting his horses into the race favourably treated….

This filly has done nothing wrong to date….

…. I expect improvement….

…. and I anticipate a big run….

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In the David Power Memorial – 2.35….

RED LETTER BRAY is my pick of the prices for this one – at the general 14s….

He won a handicap over course and distance sent off at 100s on seasonal return in May (his first go for his new trainer Liam Cusack)….

…. but showed that performance was no fluke last time when only fading late in another big-field course and distance contest in June….

…. a race in which he finished 4/16 and beaten just 1.75 lengths….

…. advertising the fact that he can do business of his current mark of 94 if or when he gets the rub of the green….

There’s a suspicion he went a little hard early doors that last time under Chris Hayes….

…. and that same rider is back onboard tomorrow for a second go – perhaps with the aim of getting it right this time….

Cusack certainly appears to have improved this horse and I believe there’s more to come….

He’s still lightly-raced….

…. he’s fit and firing….

…. he appears to be on the upgrade….

…. and not many of his opponents tick those boxes heading into tomorrow….

The 14s is a nice price….

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In the Mettal UK Handicap – 2.25….

On all known evidence….

…. SHAGPYLE has a bit to find with various of tomorrow’s opposition….

…. if she’s going to come out on top….

But she’s one of the youngest horses in the races….

…. she’s certainly the least exposed of the ten….

…. and she heads to Newbury on an upward curve of progression having won last time at Ffos Las….

That was her first ever go at the 2m trip and it produced close to a career-best on the RPR scale….

That win was produced off a mark of 85….

…. because she’s been put up 4lb the time before for a 10l defeat in a G3….

Perhaps that rise was a bit harsh – but it didn’t stop her winning….

…. and she’s only up a pound for the win itself….

There’s more to do tomorrow – for sure….

…. but there’s more to come yet too – and if it comes tomorrow then she’ll be on the premises….

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That’s all for today….

I’ll be back next week….

Meantime – contact me direct at nick.pullen@oxonpress.co.uk  

And remember – win, lose or draw – enjoy the racing….

Stay tuned….

Against the Crowd