Today`s Daily Racing Preview with Charlie

There is the possibility of rain at Goodwood where the
feature contest is the listed Foundation Stakes for three-year-olds and upwards
over ten furlongs.

Roger Charlton’s Bullfinch has been most progressive on
polytrack winning his last three starts but steps up in trip this afternoon on
his first turf start since disappointing on heavy ground as a juvenile on
debut.

High End (2.55) returned from a near three-year lay-off when
runner up at Sandown last month and the hope is that he won’t “bounce” on his
second start back from such a long absence. As a son of Dubawi the selection is
likely to appreciate any rain that hits the track. Thundering Blue finished last
of eight on his reappearance over 12f, but 10f is his optimum trip and this
globetrotter is entitled to come on for last month’s run.

I like the booking of Saffie Osborne (4.40) for the veteran
Pettochside who is a standing dish at Goodwood and has been knocking on the
door of late. The 11-year-old led at the furlong pole when third here last time
over six furlongs and any significant rain would be a positive.

There is a valuable 3m handicap chase at Perth where the
top-class mare La Bague Au Roi (4.15) makes her reappearance. I thought Warren
Greatrex’s nine-year-old was going as well as anything when she had a
disagreement with Richard Johnson in the 2m 4f handicap chase at the Cheltenham
Festival when last seen back in March. I am still slightly concerned with the
form of the yard, but this looks an excellent opportunity for the mare to get
back to winning ways.

Fergal O’Brien has sent a strong raiding party to Perth and
he has a number of excellent chances including with Blue Monday (5.20) who has
won his last couple of chases going right-handed although he is 8lbs higher
than when scoring at Wincanton back in February. Any further rain would be a
plus although it is worth noting that he doesn’t have a particularly good
record fresh.

I thought Joly Maker looked the winner for the vast majority
of the race at Fontwell earlier in the month and I was disappointed with his
finishing effort although this slight drop back in trip will suit. He is one of
two JP McManus owned representatives in the race who have leading claims.

At Redcar Motamayiz carries a 6lbs penalty for scoring at
Bath last time but that is largely negated by Ray Dawson’s 5lbs claim and he
must have every chance of returning to winning ways. The vote, however, goes to
the lightly-raced three-year-old Bright Start (3.50) who drops back in distance
by a quarter of a mile having gone down to the progressive Prince Alex at
Leicester earlier in the month. I expect Hayley Turner to send the Godolphin
colt forward from a good draw in stall four.

At Kempton Secret Protector (5.00) looked a sure-fire future
winner when third over today’s course & distance on debut and Charlie
Appleby’s colt will be hard to beat with that experience under his belt. There
are some well-bred newcomers in opposition especially John Gosden’s Marrakech
Moon who is half-brother to an all-weather winner.

Amir Kabir (7.00) made all to score at Newmarket last time
and he is taken to defy a 4lbs rise in a competitive 11f 3-y-old handicap. The
selection has won two of his last three starts since being stepped up to 10f
and the hope is that this evening’s additional furlong can eke out further
improvement. Luncies has won two of his three career starts and looks the main
danger although all six who go to post hold realistic claims.

There is a terrific jumps card at Listowel where I hope to
see Malone Road (2.45) maintain his unbeaten record in the competitive Novice
Hurdle over the minimum trip. The selection returned from a 642-day absence to
score at Kilbeggan on his hurdles debut when he was workmanlike rather than
impressive.      

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