Tuesday, December 30, 2008

century for Hayley Turner?

today´s two all-weather meetings offer very little in terms of quality racing, and main interest will be centred on Hayley Turner´s attempt to ride a century of winners in 2008, a feat achieved by no other female jockey in Europe. After a double at Great Leighs yesterday, she is now on 98 for the year, and has 3 rides this afternoon at Lingfield and 5 this evening at Wolverhampton. At Lingfield, she appears to be riding the stable´s second string in the opening claiming race at 13.20 CET, Obrigado for Gary Moore, and probably has better chances on Newlyn Art for David Elsworth in the 2yo handicap at 15.30 and Star Strider for Gay Kelleway in the mile handicap at 16.05. This is the best race on the card and very open, with Titan Triumph (Wilf Knight/ Jim Crowley) the likely favourte after 3 recent wins. Hayley possibly has better chances of a winner (or two) this evening at Wolverhampton. Kilkenny Boy in the opening 2yo maiden for Willie Jarvis at 19.20 gave a promising debut recently, Mullitovermaurice for James Given on the 2yo claimer at 19.50 is an outsider, but Northern Empire for Kevin Ryan in the 5 furlongs handicap at 20.50 is the likely davourte after a CD win 11 days ago; however this is a difficult race with oldtimer The Tatling (Milton Bradley/ Jack Dean) and CD specialist Almaty Express (John Weymes/ Jim Crowley) just 2 of several dangers.Hayley partners Synonymy for Michael Blashard in the 2 miles handicap at 21.20, but CD winner Zuwaar (Ian Williams/ Jim Crowley) looks the likeliest winner here, while her final mount Tri Chara for local trainer Reg Hollinshead in the 7 furlongs handicap at 22.20 should run well after finishing 2nd here last time out. Should she fail to reach the 100 today, she has more chances at Lingfield tomorrow, but it won´t be easy.

Betting forecast:
1.Race: Sakheart - Granny Mcphee - Kilkenny Bay
2.Race: Special Bond - True Britannia - Amazing Blue Sky
3.Race: Imaginary Diva - Chimbonda - Officer Mor
4.Race: Northern Empire - The Tatling - Little Edward
5.Race: Zuwaar - Amron Hill - Special Pearl
6.Race: Ravi River - Dvinsky - Silvanus
7.Race: This Ones For Eddy - A Big Sky Brewing - Tri Chara