NEWMARKET
- 1-40 BETWAY HANDICAP – 1 MILE
Emirates Skycargo ought to find life a bit easier now that he is back in amongst handicappers this afternoon. It appeared as though the step up to listed company at Sandown took its toll on the three-year-old, who trailed in nine lengths behind Consort last time. He is better judged on his effort over this course and distance two runs ago where he was unlucky in running behind Mutasayyid when beaten only by a neck. Fifty one days off the track should have freshened him up and he has to be considered in a wide open event.
Directorship is back down to his last winning mark and could be the biggest threat now that he is reunited with Fergus Sweeney. The Northern Irishman has partnered the nine-year-old to two previous successes and they merit the utmost respect. Ifwecan was beaten in a lower grade a few days ago and will face stiff competition for the lead from Boonga Roogeta. Despite the Mark Johnston horses remaining in excellent form he is passed over on this occasion.
James Doyle rides Emirates Skycargo for the first time on Saturday and he has a useful twenty per cent strike rate when teaming up with Charlie Appleby. A tongue tie is applied to the son of Iffraaj for the first time and it would be of little surprise if he were to bounce right back to his best here.
MARKET RASEN
- 2-55 BETFRED TV SUMMER HURDLE – 2 MILES 148 YDS
Hurricane Hollow has shown that he is fully capable of going well fresh, so a three-month break is not as much of a concern as it could have been. He is fully at home on this type of ground and he remains progressive on what is only his third start for Dan Skelton. He was a useful middle distance performer on the flat when trained by Keith Dalgleish and that experience of tackling large fields should stand him in good stead here. Harry Skelton is set to ride for the first time and the combination should be able to make their presence known.
Buckwheat and Commissioned both represent the John Ferguson yard and he has taken the two most recent renewals of this particular race. The former made short work of a select field at Aintree on what was his hurdling debut and he is likely to improve further for that effort. The latter was a taking winner at Catterick last month where he dismissed his nearest rival by eighteen lengths. He has been punished for that success by the handicapper but he too has to remain high on any shortlist.
Hurricane Hollow is one of the least exposed runners in this field and should have any amount of improvement to come. He can make the most of weight that he is set to receive from his two main market rivals and can go close here.
- 3-30 BETFRED SUMMER PLATE (LISTED HANDICAP CHASE) – 2 M 5 F 89YDS
Baby Mix has been making slow but steady progress since joining Warren Greatrex two seasons ago. He has made a few limited appearances since then but his two latest efforts suggest that he is running his way back into form. The drier the ground, the better are his chances and this seven-year-old with relatively low mileage remains of obvious interest.
Carrigmorna King saw off the selection on his most recent outing at Stratford and Philip Hobbs will be confident that his nine-year-old can do so again despite a reversal in the weights. This son of King’s Theatre has run well at much higher levels in the past and he looks a clear threat.
Champion Court has rolled back the years to record facile wins at Kempton and Worcester on his last two starts. He has to concede weight all around to some up-and-coming types on Saturday and whilst respected, this may prove a step too far. The likes of Valco De Touzain and Dell Arca have been returned to winning ways following big drops in class. This will be a lot tougher this afternoon and they cannot be trusted in a race of this nature.
Gavin Sheehan has partnered Baby Mix on their three most recent outings and should know exactly what he has beneath him today. Despite being off the track for a couple of months he has shown that he can go well after a break and he can go close today.
SELECTIONS:
SATURDAY 1-40 NEWMARKET - EMIRATES SKYCARGO
SATURDAY 2-55 MARKET RASEN - HURRICANE HOLLOW
SATURDAY 3-30 MARKET RASEN - BABY MIX
