Mr Hampstead cs – 2.05
has a gilt-edged opportunity to make it third time lucky in the seven-runner 3-y-o Maiden Stakes over twelve furlongs of ‘good to soft’ Chester this afternoon; final day of the prestigious May meeting and rates a ‘special’ on the time-handicap.
This Galileo colt, owned by the powerful Amo Racing Limited, is trained by Roger Varian who occupied the Newmarket winners’ enclosure last Sunday with 1000 Guineas heroine Elmalka, posted a useful mark three weeks ago when running on strongly into fourth place in a Newbury ten furlongs maiden won by Voyage. A few reputations were floored by the surprise Richard Hannon-trained winner, 28/1!
Extra distance looks a requirement and, hopefully, stable jockey David Egan will be positive aboard Mr Hampstead; to all intents this is a ‘penalty-kick’ because all others either have little form or no experience.
Mr Hampstead was well-backed at the Berkshire venue, doubtless attempts to recoup losses will be made and I’ll be surprised with defeat!
Running in tandem will be ‘good to soft’ Ascot where Alice Haynes’
Naana’s Diamond as – 2.20
is expected to go one better in the 2-year-old Maiden Fillies’ Stakes over five furlongs and this Invincible Army juvenile, again mount of stable jockey Kieren O’Neill, also looks a serious betting proposition.
Kieren was most impressed with Naana’s Diamond first-up when they finished just over three lengths behind Miss Lamai in a fast-run Thirsk dash three weeks ago at Thirsk where form always has to be respected because sprints are always run at licket-split pace, with no hiding place.
Naana’s Diamond led for a long way but, not surprisingly on demanding ground, wilted in the closing stages where the winner, earmarked for the ‘Queen Mary’ at Royal Ascot, was ultra impressive.
Keep a note of all two-year-olds mentioned favourably in this column, they are my definitive speciality and always will be!
A jumping card at Market Rasen on ‘good’ ground includes an eight-runner Maiden Hurdle over two miles which looks well within Fergal O’Brien-trained
Can’t Resist It mr – 2.10
against a bunch of moderates; Jonathan Burke rides because long-time stable servant, Paddy Brennan, retired at 43 last week as we forecast eight months ago!
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