TODAY’S TIPS RACE
1
HE’S A GENTLEMAN displayed plenty of promise on his debut at Ascot on soft ground and the £105,000 purchase gets the vote to shed his maiden tag at the second time of asking. Atomic Lady has been knocking on the door on her two outings and demands respect with a 5lb allowance now opposing the colts, while Hello Jumbo is a half-brother to the classy sprinter Major Jumbo and warrants interest on debut.
WIN: HE’S A GENTLEMAN
RACE
2
ARIEL despatched his rivals relatively cosily at Kempton on his previous outing and it would be somewhat of a surprise if a 4lb rise prevents him from recording successive victories should we see a similar level of form. Despite not completely sticking his neck out, the Exceed And Excel colt finished with purpose to stretch clear down the outside and he’s preferred to Salsoul, who could be able to capitalise on a workable mark after being dropped 4lb for a lacklustre reappearance run at Chester. The Sedberghian has been tough to keep out of the frame on all three of his starts and he can sneak minor money if returning from a break with a similar attitude.
WIN: ARIEL
RACE
3
DANGER: SALSOUL
TEES SPIRIT came agonizingly close to supplementing his C&D victory at Doncaster and, despite a further 4lb rise in the ratings, he looks the one to beat in this contest. There are a few potential dangers, however, including David O’Meara’s handicap debutant General Sago and the top-rated The Thin Blue Line, who was successful on the all-weather at Newcastle when last running in Class 5 company.
WIN: TEES SPIRIT
RACE
4 5
6 7
DANGER: JUSTIFIED
This can go the way of BABINDI, who was an unlucky loser on her return at Newmarket before going under by a length at the line. The step up in trip is an unknown quantity for the daughter of Frankel but trainer William Haggas obviously thinks she will stay, and if she does then she ought to come home in front. Barn Owl lost a shoe and can be forgiven his fifth over the mile at Lingfield and has also had a breathing operation since, and he could show plenty of improvement now, yet Harlem Soul could be the main danger to the selection with this better ground likely to suit after a below-par effort on heavy going at Newmarket.
WIN: BABINDI
RACE
DANGER: FLYING PURSUIT
In an open race the marginal preference is for STONIFIC, who put in a promising display when finishing sixth in a competitive contest at York on his return to action 11 days ago. Justified failed to fire at Lingfield last time but is a player based on his previous victory at Chelmsford. Contrebasse is arguably the pick of the remainder, while Stormin Norman completes the shortlist.
WIN: STONIFIC
RACE
DANGER: GENERAL SAGO
Tim Easterby looks to have a couple of excellent chances here with Flying Pursuit, who won a Class 4 handicap over C&D last month, and BOSSIPOP. David Allan has seemingly opted to ride the latter, who made virtually all over 5f at Pontefract last Friday, and he could prove tough to beat under a 4lb penalty. Treacherous also warrants respect after running a blinder at Ascot last time.
WIN: BOSSIPOP
RACE
DANGER: HELLO JUMBO
DANGER: HARLEM SOUL
The more rain the better for Thirsk winner Lucky Beggar who strolled home that day by three lengths but with drying conditions expected he may not get the ground he needs to be seen at his best. HARROGATE seems to handle pretty much any going and won here in May before a solid third at Catterick on heavy ground. He has won off far higher marks in the past and on much faster going and will Billy Garritty keeping the ride, he could make it win number five this evening. Sam’s Call is one to watch on his return from 20 months off for Michael Easterby, but does drop in class and has been gelded since last seen in action.
WIN: HARROGATE
DANGER: LUCKY BEGGAR
