Tom Roper's Weblog

Haydock, Ascot and Wincanton

I haven't posted my selections for a while, so to make up for it I go for six today, with less than a month to go till Cheltenham. I can't see Captain Chris being beaten in the big race, the Betfair Ascot Chase

Haydock 220: Kentford Grey Lady
Ascot 240: Vino Griego
Haydock 255: Teaforthree
Ascot 315: The Bear Trap
Wincaton 335: Zarkandar
Ascot 350: Captain Chris 

Lanzarote Hurdle

Some selections that I hope have the force of destiny behind them (sorry, the Verdi centenary year is getting to me). I seem to be predicting a Twiston-Davies double at Warwick, but the ever-shrewd PGs Tips agrees with me, though he opposes my selection in the 3.00 Novices' Hurdle.

Kempton 240: Oscara Dara
Warwick 300:  The New One
Warwick 335: Major Malarkey 

The Hennessy

A little cognac would go down very nicely this crisp afternoon. Alas, I am abstaining until after tomorrow's Crowborough 10k, an event for humans, not equines.

There can be no debate about the winner of the first race, the Sportingbet Long Distance Hurdle. Big Buck's has been odds-on for as long as anyone can remember. As I write he's being quoted at 1/10 or 1/12. Turning my attention to the main race of the afternoon, Hold On Julio seems to me to have a good chance.

200 Newbury: Big Buck's
235 Newbury: Scots Gaelic
310 Newbury: Hold On Julio
340 Newbury: Oh Crick 

I wish I were at Kelso

Alas, instead I am on a London-bound train. For today, the death-rattle of the flat, I select these:
200 Doncaster: Dorcas Lane
235 Doncaster: Kirthill
250 Wincanton: Prospect Wells
310 Doncaster: Sirius Prospect
325 Wincanton: Golden Chieftain

Ascot and Newmarket

I'm posting late, after the first races have been run, but nevertheless:

200 Ascot: The Taj
215 Newmarket; Victrix Ludorum
230 Ascot: Hawaafez
250 Newmarket:  Ghurair
305 Ascot: Mince
335 Ascot: Captain Ramius 

The Cambridgeshire

Oh, I wish I were at Newmarket on such a beautiful day. This must do

Newmarket 155: Steeler
Newmarket 225: Rosdhu Queen
Market Rasen 240: Bobowen
Newmarket 300: Elusive Kate
Newmarket 340: Click the Kite
Chester 440: Miss Cap Estel

Glorious Goodwood: Sussex Stakes day

Frankel is unopposable in the main race this afternoon. The interest comes in the other events.

200: Cape Express
235L Ghurair
310: Frankel
345: Trend Is My Friend 

Glorious Goodwood: Lennox Stakes day

200: Las Verglas Star 
235: Girolamo
310: Libranno
345: Jadanna 

These come a little late as I was detained at the doctor's, so I am in the unfortunate position of having to tell the world that my selection in the first finished second. Odd that I should choose this week to be at home, when, if I were at work, I'd be on Goodwood's doorstep.

The Eclipse

Traditionally I start my post on Eclipse day with some historical reflections on the horse after whom the race is named, and on the fate of his skeleton. Let's take those as read.
For today's race I go against Farrh
Sandown 205: Night Carnation
Sandown 240: Con Artist
Haydock 255: Great Heavens
Haydock 325: Quiz Mistress
Sandown 345: Cityscape

Irish 2,000 Guineas

I find it hard to make a selection with much confidence in this race. I arrived at a shortlist of Parish Hall, Trumpet Major and Takar. Of these, Takar is unrated on anything faster than yielding ground; Parish Hall may not like a mile, so Richard Hughes's mount, Trumpet Major looks like the one to carry the children's tuition fees fund.
Haydock 230: Archbishop
Haydock 300: Bated Breath
The Curragh 315: Trumpet Major
York 345: Secret Witness