Wednesday, July 23, 2008

Catterick, Lingfield (a.w.) and Worcester (N.H.)

Plenty of racing in the U.K. today, but all at a very modest level. With Sir Mark Prescott´s string now in top form, he can land a double at Catterick with Starry Sky in the 2yo maiden at 15.20 CET and top-weight Rapid Release in the 2yo handicap at 16.50, both with stable jockey Seb Sanders in the saddle. Best race here is the 5 furlongs handicap at 16.20. Top-weight Princess Ellis (Eric Alston/ David Allan) made most of the running until beaten into fourth in a much better race at Ayr on Monday and can possibly defy top weight, but Malapropism (Mick Channon/ Tony Culhane), who also ran well on Monday, in a lesser race at Beverley) also has good prospects at the weights. Prescott could also be on the mark at Lingfield´s all-weather meeting with Night of Fortune (Jean-Pierre Guillambert) in the second division if the 2yo maiden at 16.30. The 5 furlongs handicap at 17.30 is the best race here. Chjimes (Charles Dore/ Liam Keniry) is in good form and won over this CD in June, while Quality Street (Patrick Butler/ Richard Thomas) won this last year off a 10 lbs higher mark, but the one to beat is clearly Regal Royale (Peter Grayson/ Adam Kirby), who has win his last two races, including CD, and could still be well handicapped. Trainer David Pipe and jockey Tom Scudamore look the team to follow at Worcester´ s jumps fixture. They can take the novice hurdles at 15.40 and 16.10 respectively with Indian Pipe Dream and Mutual Friend - both penalised, but clearly the best on ratings - and also have a good chance in the handicap hurdle at 17.40 with Star of Germany, returning to hurdling after running over fences.