The Neighsayers - The Week Ahead 12/06/24

 Another bitterly disappointing week last week, finishing on -1.37. 2 winners both well backed which is the problem with being SP only but swings and roundabouts as we've had drifter's win. Safari Dream nailed in the final 20 yard was a tough one too. Plenty of crap amongst them too...

Wednesday

19:50 Hamilton - Winter Crown

Promising comeback at Redcar last time out, first run off a break in a small, trappy event. Sat last while the winner made all and was first off the bridle before finishing with a wet sail on ground that would've been far from ideal. Quicker ground today should suit better and has big claims here.

20:15 Kempton - Night Breeze

Has looked better the further he's gone this horse, particularly last time at Goodwood on the apprentice card. Raced handy before losing position when the pace quickened, gathered himself and ran on again to finish second. Step up in trip should suit on that evidence and the fact that his dam is a half sister to Melbourne Cup winner Cross Counter (OR118), not saying he's anywhere near that level but the trip is a positive. Dam is also a half sister to Endless Victory (OR98), multiple AW winner over 9 & 10 furlongs over the winter.

Thursday

17:40 Newbury - Raaki

From a very good middle distance and upward family, half brother to Masked Marvel who's now a prominent NH Stallion and full brother to an AW winner who stayed a mile and a half. Reappearance at Kempton was just a bizarre race, paid to prominent apart from the winner Wild Waves (One of our Horses to Follow) who won easily, and slowly... but he was well handicapped and nearly 20lb higher than this Kempton race. Then went to Windsor where winner made all and the second was beside Raaki coming for home, but was pinned on the rail and had to wait to switch, ran on well once in the clear, should be less traffic issues on a track like Newbury.

Friday

14:15 Chester - Old Chums

Chester eyecatcher here, 7 furlongs at York last time just a no no for this horse, would love to see him blasted in front again, drawn in 11 so that's likely their only option. Got to see some of money though on his showing at the May meeting.

19:50 Goodwood - Mcloven

Will assess this in more detail when sending out update's but showed serious pace in the 3yo dash when it was impossible to be involved from a low draw. All speed and could win down in this grade.

Saturday

16:45 York - Theme Park

This horse just seems to do his best at York without winning. Showed a return to form last time in a much better race than this. Drop in trip and class should help. Would want good ground at least though.

Sunday

14:55 Newbury - Pumalin Park

Ran very well at Donny, just on the wrong part of the track. Traded at ~1.51 in running and just couldn't see it out on the far side. Another that's dropping in trip and grade. Saffie currently jocked up, all positives.

Monday

15:00 Carlisle - Valley of Flowers

Joanna Mason seems to be key to this horse. Travels into races so well for the level. Ran a belting race against better horses at Nottingham. Has won at Beverley/Newcastle so stiff finish no issue.

19:30 Windsor - Serried Ranks

Likely to be Beckett's runner in this race with Matters Most entered up in the Scurry Stakes this weekend. Never had a clear passage at Sandown last time but did run on once in the clear. Looked to have trained on there and the Goodwood Nursery last year the best piece of form in here.