Dear Member

We took the risk with Highland Pass last night but sadly it didn’t pay off.

He blew the start, had to be held up in 2nd last and could never quicken down the straight. It’s tough coming from behind at Chelmsford so I’d be prepared to put a line through the run completely (kickback was reported to be quite severe last night so even more reason to put a line through the run).

Onto today…

Sword Exceed ran out a lovely winner. I was pretty confident about this one and my confidence was rewarded as he simply cruised into this before sprinting away by a good 2l’s.

Counter Shy was pulled up with a lame right fore after about 1/2m of racing. This is racing; it happens all we can hope for is that this promising young horse recovers soundly.

Golden Pearl was a shade disappointing. I expected more given how strongly he was backed.

Two still to go at Chelmsford, fingers crossed both put in good performances.

I am keen on Eagle Creek in here, he’s one of a few in here who I am confident stays a true 1m (Charles Molson suspect over 1m, Sacred Act suspect of 1m, Certificate suspect over 1m and Shady McCoy suspect over 1m). He ran a big race at Kempton last time out from a poor draw and with a better early position from stall 3 he should take some beating from a 1lb higher mark. He won his maiden in fantastic style over this C and D making all and it wouldn’t surprise me if De Sousa decided to employ similar tactics here for all that he is quite happy sitting in. I am also surprised by the price surrounding Utmost in here. He has had just two runs and it is quite clear Gosden has wanted to take his time with this horse. Whether he has had a problem or not I’m not sure but the ability shown in two starts is enough to make him interesting in here. His run last time out at Newcastle in behind Forest Ranger is high class form and certainly suggests a mark of 100 could easily be workable. He’s a much bigger price than I thought he’d be and for that reason I can’t leave him un-backed.

Anteros won this race last year of 125 by 7l’s, he returns tomorrow of 128 and I really struggle to see how he won’t go close. He was running a big race last time out when falling, it didn’t look a nasty fall so I am fairly confident there won’t be any ill effects. This is his Gold Cup and he will have been primed for it to the minute. The bookies always seem to offer leniency with this horse and I am happy to capitalise on that.

A really interesting sprint and one I always like to get involved with. Immediately it is clear this race is going to be run at a good pace, Caspian Prince, Mythmaker, Mazzini and Gifted Master all like to lead so I am looking for horses who like to be held up. Before the draw Magical Memory was interesting however being drawn in stall 11 alongside a short price are good reasons to look elsewhere. Out Do has a nice draw in stall 1 and he caught the eye last time out at Kempton being denied a clear run. He loves tracking a good pace and should be well placed to pounce from stall 1 providing he starts well. Tudhope and O’Meara won this last year and I just think their hope this year is overpriced with the draw being a massive factor. Spring Loaded also looks interesting in here. He has a fantastic AW record and he is fit from a successful turf campaign this season. Stall 8 is just about okay here and a fast pace is perfect for this horse who likes to pounce late on. The start will be crucial as Joey Haynes will need to get him settled and most importantly not lit up out wide. If all goes to plan then he will settle in behind and come cruising into this one on the bridle like we saw last year when he landed a massive gamble at Wolverhampton on Boxing Day.

Red Indian should take some beating in here. The form of his last run now looks very strong given what the winner has done since and a 2lb rise looks very lenient. Nico is obviously an eye-catching booking for the Ben Pauling yard and if he is ready to go then this horse surely takes all the beating. He is still lightly raced, brings potential to the table alongside a form line 2nd that couldn’t be any stronger.

Annie Salts is a previous C and D winner who drops in grade tomorrow and has the plum draw in stall 1. Factor in that she is down to a favourable mark and has the fantastic 7lb claimer Nicola Currie booked and it is easy to see why she may go close tomorrow. She was given a prominent ride to win here by De Sousa last season and from stall 1 I would expect Currie to have her handy. Obviously a good start will be needed but if she gets it then I struggle to see how she won’t go close.

It seems a bit stupid going against Top Offer in here however his price lacks value and given that he’s been raised in the weights I am happy to go against him. The value pick looks to be McCain’s Know Your Name. He’s a C and D winner of 60 and today races of 57, he was involved in a pace battle last time out (when beaten by Top Offer) and that ruined him for the finish especially over a furlong further. Back in trip tomorrow and with seemingly no other pace angles he could quite easily get away on the front end tomorrow. He has the draw; he has the very talented Tom Eaves booked and is handicapped to put in a bold show.

Good Luck

DG Tips.