NEWMARKET
2:25 G1 Cheveley Park Stakes
Dark Lady (Pat Dobbs)
This is always a great race to have a runner in as it very often produces a top class filly and has a major say on next year’s 1000 Guineas. Dad won it with Indian Ink who went on to win the Coronation Stakes at Royal Ascot the following year and the brilliant Tiggy Wiggy scored for me back in 2014. Dark Lady is yet to run a bad race in six starts and it was great to see her get her head back in front in the G3 Dick Poole Stakes at Salisbury and while she didn’t win by far, I think she idled a bit in front and won with a little bit up her sleeve as she only does what she has to. This is obviously another step up the ladder but six furlongs is her trip (for now) and I still think there is more to come from her. Obviously it would also be great to win it for Mr & Mrs Thompson of Cheveley Park!
3:00 G1 Middle Park Stakes
Mums Tipple (Oisin Murphy)
There aren’t many horses that win those big sales races by 11 lengths in record time and I have to admit even I was surprised by the manner of his victory – to say I enjoyed it is an understatement! We’ve always liked him and he’s been in great form at home ever since York. Hattie Heal, who rides him every day, is really pleased with his well being and as long as she’s happy, I’m happy. Mums Tipple is a very relaxed, uncomplicated horse, which is quite unusual for a colt by Footstepsinthesand, but it makes my job much easier and we are all really excited about getting him out again and seeing how good he really is. The stats people tell me his York performance was right up there with the best so he’s more than entitled to take his chance here and, while it is an extremely hot renewal, I couldn’t be more pleased with this colt.
Mums Tipple has been declared for Saturday’s G1 Middle Park Stakes!
: @RacingTV pic.twitter.com/eo4ehEXIYK
— ODDSbible Racing (@ODDSbibleRacing) September 26, 2019
Threat (Pat Dobbs)
He’s very different to his stablemate (Mums Tipple) as he can get quite worked up and it’s a case of trying to keep him as relaxed as possible, but it doesn’t seem to hinder his ability on the track and I was really impressed with him at York and then again in the Champagne Stakes at Doncaster where he travelled like a dream and picked up nicely to win. To be honest it was a very difficult decision to run here and not wait for the Dewhurst and we only decided to declare 10 minutes before the cut off point on Thursday which shows how tight it was. It’s a stiff 6f at Newmarket so I’m not concerned about the drop back down in trip and while all of his form is on decent ground, if there is much more rain stamina will come into play, which will be in his favour. I’m very lucky that I have two very live chances in this race and if we can finish first and second I’ll buy everyone on the course a drink!
A brilliant finish between two very good horses! Threat is all out to hold off Royal Crusade in the @PommeryOfficial Champagne Stakes at @DoncasterRaces for @rhannonracing… pic.twitter.com/ixC9VIB1wP
— At The Races (@AtTheRaces) September 14, 2019
4:50 Nursery
Separate (Pat Dobbs)
She’s a very tough filly who won nicely at Newbury the other day on her first run over seven furlongs and I’ve been happy with her since then. Giving weight all round won’t be easy but she has a lot of experience and will certainly not go down without a fight.
Elegant Erin (Tom Marquand)
She’s another tough little filly who has a great attitude and I think there is still improvement to come off her current mark, although to be competitive here she does need to step up, but she’s more than capable of putting up a bold show here and I certainly wouldn’t be writing her off.
5:25 Handicap
Riviera Nights (William Buick)
He got put up 6lbs for winning at Ascot last time on his first run back since undergoing wind surgery but that procedure clearly helped him and hopefully it will have the same affect again. William Buick was on board at Ascot so it makes sense for him to keep the ride and I’m confident he can put up a big show.
Who wins the Middle Park?
— Unibet Racing (@UnibetRacing) September 27, 2019
CHESTER
2:10 Handicap
Rum Runner (Sean Levey)
He’s only ever won at Sandown or Newmarket so we’ll see what he makes of Chester – it will certainly keep him guessing, that’s for sure! The Handicapper has probably got his measure so there’s no room for manoeuvre but he’s drawn well enough in three so hopefully he can run a decent race.
RIPON
4:10 Handicap
Ritchie Valens (Rossa Ryan)
He’s done nothing wrong in all four runs since being gelded and wasn’t beaten far at Kempton last time. A mile and four furlongs round here will be right up his street and I fancy his chances big time.
