A quieter week on the horizon compared to the Classic action of last week, but still plenty to look forward to. We’ll see the Newmarket July course for the first time this year on Saturday alongside the Scottish Sprint Cup at Musselburgh, Hilary Needler day at Beverley and Group racing at Haydock.
Trainers
- Tim Easterby – A very good week for the yard especially with the improving Eeh Bah Gum who accounted for 2 of the stables 7 wins. Just under 50% of Easterby’s 27 runners last week placed and he can expect more of the same.
- Roger Varian – Highly talented trainer who has some very well-bred sorts, landed 6 winners last week including an across the card 4-timer on Friday. His Sheikha Reika has bundles of potential and runs at Leicester on Monday.
- Alan King – Better known for training jumps horses but is getting more runners on the flat and despite only having 6 on the level last week he had 3 winners. Worth keeping an eye on his flat runners this week as he has a number entered.
Jockeys
- Silvestre De Sousa – I put him in last week and simply have to do so again as he had 10 winners during the week and a further 10 places, including at 33/1 & 20/1 in the Coronation Cup and Derby. Still riding out of his skin.
- Martin Harley – Had 5 winners from 16 rides last week giving him a strike rate of over 30%. Interesting teaming up with Alan King and goes to Leicester for just 2 rides on Monday.
- David Allan – 5 winners last week that were all for Tim Easterby. Also interesting when he rides for James Tate, 4 of the combinations 6 runners this year have finished in the first 3, pair boast a 27% win strike rate when teaming up.
Horses
- Ghostwatch – Cost 2.1million Guineas as a yearling, showed potential in good quality maidens before being slightly disappointing on handicap debut at Chester but he didn’t have a smooth run around. Was well-backed that day and should be more come, entered in the 6.25pm at Sandown on Thursday.
- Bathsheba Bay – Strong maiden form suggests this handicap mark of 87 is more than workable, ran well on seasonal return. Entered in the 7 pm at Sandown on Thursday.
- Laugh A Minute – A likeable type who was consistent last season, made a very promising return in an eye-catching run at Ascot in a Group 3 where he got hampered. Best is yet to come and he could run at Hamilton on Wednesday at 3.30pm.
- Elwazir – Frankel colt who’s a half-brother to dual Group 1 winner Speedy Boarding. Second on debut and was fourth on his next start when sent off 4/7 for a hot Newmarket maiden that’s worked out very well. More to come from him this season and he’s entered at Sandown in the 8.05pm on Thursday.
