So the flat racing swings around again! The larger stables will start to release their more high profile horses over the coming weeks and months, and I thought it was time for me pick to select my thoughts for the Classic Winners 1000 Guneas, 2000 Guneas, Derby, Oaks and St Leger – It’s hard enough to get a runner let alone the winner. I will also pick my 10 to follow for the season. So, without further ado here are my picks. Let luck be on my side…
1000 Guneas – Certify (Mahmood Al Zarooni) is already a 3-time Newmarket winner so we know she loves the track. She travels well in her races with a very smart turn of foot. She was a Group 1 winner in Fillies Mile already and will stay further, but I think the Guneas will be her starting point. Around 7-1 is fair value.
2000 Guneas – Toronado (R.Hannon) It would be easy to select Dawn Approach but at 7-4 I will leave alone. Tornado progressed nicely last year looking likely to improve at 3-year old as an unbeaten colt. At 12-1, is a good e/w.
Derby – Telescope (M.Stoute) Narrowly beaten on debut before hacking up at Newmarket, looks at typical Stoutey improver out of Galileo, and is well-bred for the job. 8-1 is solid price.
Oaks – Secret Gesture (R.Beckett) Secret Gesture is a real shot in the dark at around 25-1, and can be considered a working man’s price. After finishing 2nd on her debut, she went to Newbury where she spread a good looking field out like a clothes line. She looks a star, so take 25-1.
St Leger – Mars (A.Obrien) This one is hard to predict, but I was impressed with his debut and looks like middle distances will be his game. Go with Mars.
Ten to Follow:
1. Sir Graham Wade (M.Johnson) Improved rapidly winning 3 out of the last 4 races over middle distances and looks a high class stayer in the making.
2. Telescope(M.Stoute) I really love this horse and I reckon Telescope could win derby travels with great speed and turn of foot. A future star.
3. Reckless Abandon (C.Cox) won all 5 races at 2-years old including two group 1’s and two group 2’s over 5 and 6 furlongs. Looks a high class sprinter to me.
4. Liber Nauticus (M.Stoute) Won a Goodwood Maiden impressively. It is looking clear that the middle distances will prove her prime objective.
5. Educate (I.Mohammed) a rapidly improving handicapper that won his last 3 races and could well be listed or group 3 class.
6. Tarikhi (Saaed Bin Suroor) made favourite on debut, but could only finish second. Looks a 1m2f, maybe 1m4f, horse that could be a real star.
7. Bishop Roko (R.Charlton) not fancied on debut when routing the field at 16-1, and only had the one run, but looks a 3-year old to follow over staying trips.
8. Utterance (J.Gosden) Hacked up at Yarmouth after a promising debut. Was 5th before being put away for a 4-year old career. I think could be listed or group 3 class.
9. Lady Nouf (W.Haggas) with a good trainer who does well with fillies, and actually beat my Oaks fancy (Secret Gesture) on her only run. Also has an entry in that race, and the sky really is the limit with her.
10. Mujazif (B.Meehan) a very promising 5th on his debut before absolutely bolting up at Newmarket showing a blinding turn of speed. Jockey Kieran Fallon was excited afterwards that he was a bit special; 10f to 12f should be his optimum trip looks the business.
So now that’s me looking into my crystal ball. Only time will tell how good or bad my predictions are. Fingers crossed! Let me know your fancies/predictions/hopes for the season. Stay Lucky, mates.
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