Friday, July 10, 2009

York and Ascot - Hayley is back!

Newmarket is backed up by decent cards this afternoon at Ascot and York (both of whom race again tomorrow) and the good news is that Hayley Turner is back with 2 rides for Michael Bell at Ascot. The best female jockey in Britain was originally stood down for a year after her bad fall (with head injuries) in the spring, but yesterday won her appeal and is now free to ride again. Obviously if she can win on the 2yo debutant Prompter at 16.35 CET or the handicapper Great Charm at 17.10 that would be the best result of the day. Main fature at York is the Grpoup Three Summer Stakes for fillies over 6 furlongs, which has a good field. Lesson in Humility (Karl Burke/ Andrew Elliott) ran a great race when 3rd in the Golden Jubilee at Royal Ascot and tnhat form should probabyl ge good enough.However Dianas Choice (Mike de Kock/ Pat Cosgrave); Danehill Destiny (William Haggas/ Paul Hanagan) and Serious Attitude (Rae Guest/ Eddie Ahern), who was unbeaten last season but has not run since finishing 7th in the 1,000 Guineas, will not be easily defeated. Look Busy (Alan Berry/ Slade O´Hara) is a top filly over 5 furlongs, but this trip could be too far. Mark Johnston, who has runners all over today, can take the big handicap here at 16.55 with Whispering Gallery (Jean-Pierre Guillambert), who won his only start in promising style, but of course faces tougher opposition now.