Autumn in the air

Today´s 5 meetings in the U.K. and Ireland have a very autumnal look, with 8 races at each meeting and some large fields, especially in the 2yo races. The two exceptions are the two supposedly better races at Salisbury at 16.05 CET (7 furlongs) and 17.15 (6 furlongs), both with tiny fields. Richard Hannon and Mick Channon supply almost all the runners, and the former can score with Big Issue (Richard Hughes) in the earlier event, and Channon with Galtymore Lad (Kieren Fallon) in the later one.

Channon also had Jinky entered here, but he nows runs in the 6 furlongs race for 2yo maidens at 15.20 instead, with Sam Hitchcott in the saddle, and the hint should be taken. Also at Nottingham the well-bred newcomer Devastation (by Montjeu out of Attaction) should be watched in the race for maiden fillies at 17.00, while Frankie Dettori rides Godolphin´s Quick Wit (Saeed bin Suroor) in the 3yo handicap at 16.25; this promising colt showed good form last October but has not been seen out since.

He is the only Godolphin runner at the East Midlands track, while Parlour Games (Mahmoud al Zarooni/ Ahmed Ajtebi) is their only runner at Newcastle; he runs in the opening 2yo maiden at 15.10 and probably has only Jalors (Mark Johnston/ Joe Fanning) to beat. There is also one Godolphin runner at Kempton´ s evening meeting, Cross Examination (bin Suroor/ Dettori?) in the race for 2yo maiden fillies at 19.50, where Henry Cecil´s debutant Loving Thought (Tom Queally) is expected to run well. Queally also has prospects of winning the 2yo handicap at 20.50 with top-weight Handsome Jack for Robert Mills.

In Ireland, there is a mixed meeting (5 flat races and 3 over fences) at Sligo. The most interesting flat race is the 10 furlongs maiden for 4yo´s and older horses at 16.35; smart bumper horse Tornado Shay makes his debut in a regular flat race here. Last time out he was third in the Grade One bumper at Punchestown in April, and although this trip is on the short side, he must have a great chance here. Dazzle Dancer (Willie Mullins/ Pat Smullen) is recommended on recent form. Over jumps Prince Erik (Dermot Weld/ Ruby Walsh) is the class act. This smart hurdler runs in the beginners chase at 19.15; so far his jumping has been shaky, but he has the right man on board today.