Ayr and Listowel meetings continue

The Ayr Western meeting goes into its second day today and the Listowel Harvest Festival into its sixth, but for us the most interesting races are at Newbury, where we expect the Godolphin stable to enjoy another profitable afternoon. Dubai Prince (Mahmood al Zarooni/ Kieren Fallon) was trained by Dermot Weld last year and was one of the best 2yo´s in Ireland, but has not been seen out since being transferred to Newmarket. However if he is anywhere near his old form he can hardly be beaten in the 9 furlongs conditions race at 16.10. Dettori cannot do the weight, hence Fallon in the saddle. One opponent is the Munsun mare Bolivia (Lucy Wadham/ Richard Mullen), runner-up in the Diana-Trlal in 2009, but off the track now for almost two years. However even if at her best she should not be able to trouble Dubai Prince, regarded as a major classic hope earlier in the year. The situation with Colonial (Saeed bin Suroor/ Dettori) is similar; trained by Andre Fabre, he was unbeaten at two but was off the track for ages. However he seems to be back in form and should win the listed race over 7 furlongs at 18.30. Godollphin´s third runner is Oscan (al Zarooni/ Dettori) in the mile race for 2yo´s at 16.45, an easy winner of his only start. He also has a good chance, although the opposition here looks strong.

Main event at Ayr is the 5 furlongs listed race for 2yo´s at 17.30. Strictly speaking, Caledonia Lady (Jo Hughes/ Paul Hanagan) should win this after her excellent effort at Doncaster a week ago. However she has never yet finished in the first two in 6 starts, so we prefer the other filly in the field Ponty Acclaim (Tim Easterby/ David Allan), who is lower rated but at least knows how to win. Otherwise there are 2 sprint handicaps with huge fields. It seems possible (though not certain) that low numbers have an advantage this year, in which case we suggest Fol Hollow (David Nicholls/ Matt O´Connell) at 16.20 and Loki´s Revenge (Willie Jarvis/ Darryll Holland) as long shots with each-way prospects.

At Listowel today the best race is on the flat, a valuable handicap over 1 1/2 miles at 16.15. Most of the older horses look exposed, so we shall take the two 3yo´ s in the field - Gentleman Duke (Mark Halford/ Pat Smullen) and Hisaabaat (Dermot Weld/ Liam Roche) to fight this out under their low weights.