Today selections
ROYAL DRESS – 1.00 Epsom (NAP)
ROYAL DRESS was unlucky not to win this race 12 months ago, suffering trouble in-running on more than one occasion, but finishing her race to good effect once in the clear and not beaten far.
She confirmed herself a smart filly when winning a Group 3 at the Curragh a few starts later, proving herself on a sound surface and getting the job done in taking fashion.
Royal Dress shaped well on her seasonal return on her first try at a mile and a quarter in the Middleton Stakes at York, shaping like the second best horse in a race which saw See The Fire confirm herself a Group 1 level performer.
You can’t say she didn’t stay the longer trip, but she has plenty of speed, and it looks a good move coming back to this distance, while the recent rain which has fallen will be in her favour. She must have an excellent chance.
REGALIAN – 3.50 Musselburgh
REGALIAN was very strong in the betting and overcame inexperience to make a winning debut over seven furlongs at Southwell earlier this year, beating lesser opposition in convincing style, and he improved in defeat under a penalty next time.
He also ran well on his turf and handicap debut at Newbury last month, leaving the impression he was still learning on the job, and also in need of a stiffer test of stamina. Regalian gets that now and the fitting of blinkers should sharpen him up further. He’s a lengthy, well-made gelding who is still growing into his frame, and very much the type to progress again.
GRAND VOYAGE – 4.40 Hexham
GRAND VOYAGE ended a lengthy losing run from a mark 20lb lower than his previous win over fences in a two and a half mile handicap chase at Ayr in March, though he was helped by the leader falling two from home.
He shaped as though still in top form when hitting the frame over three miles at this course last month, but the longer trip perhaps stretched him that day, fading out of contention in the home straight. The return to this intermediate trip will help and he can confirm himself still well treated in what doesn’t look that strong a handicap.
SYNERGISM – 5.34 Lingfield
SYNERGISM became yet another winning handicap debutant for Sir Mark Prescott this year when landing good support over an extended nine furlongs at Wolverhampton in April, despite looking far from the finished article (idled in front).
He may not have been able to defy prohibitive odds upped to a mile and a half at Catterick next time, but that was a tactical affair, and he only just failed to get past one who received an excellent ride.
That certainly didn’t tarnish his reputation of being a most progressive horse, and he’s sure to have found that race aiding his development, so he remains one to be very interested in from a mark in the 60s.
DOLLYMOUNT – 5.55 Worcester
James Owen has an excellent record with new recruits and DOLLYMOUNT is of big interest on his stable debut with that in mind. She ran her best race for her previous yard when midfield in a maiden hurdle over this trip at Thurles in March, and she’s just the type to progress further now handicapping at a lowish level. Dollymount represents a yard bang in form and a big run looks assured.
WAY OF STARS – 6.15 Doncaster
WAY OF STARS remains a maiden, but his SPs suggest he’s held in some regard, and his latest run when runner-up over a mile and a half at Chester suggests he’s still improving.
He was beaten only a length on that day by one who was thrown in and also had the run of the race, conceding first run on that rival as a result.
Way of Stars stayed on strongly in the closing stages, however, pulling well clear of the remainder, and a subsequent 4lb rise shouldn’t be enough to prevent him going one place better, especially as he’s entitled to progress further for this even longer trip.
MUMS TIPPLE – 7.00 Chepstow
MUMS TIPPLE recorded his first win in two years at York last week, confirming the promise of his previous run with a pillar-to-post success. That win also confirmed he’s still capable of running to a useful level, forcing a fair pace and never looking like being overhauled in the finish. There is a strong chance he’ll be able to dictate matters again in this field and he’s expected to prove himself a cut above these rivals, still well treated on the pick of his form after all.
Leave a Reply