GIVEN the grim and shocking scenes we have witnessed with the dreadful Notre-Dame cathedral fire it would fitting to see Christophe Soumillon win on his four rides as he donating his winnings this week to the Notre-Dame fund. Paris in particular has had some very tough times in recent years and we in racing should support Paris and France as much as we can.
Qabala’s impressive win in the Nell Gwyn yesterday had the 1,000 Guineas written all over her success, which showed the home of flat racing to be in flying form on the first day of the Craven meeting.
Today a fascinating renewal of the Craven Stakes could see Christophe Soumillon win on the Saeed Bin Suroor trained Royal Marine in a 2,000 Guineas trial in which Frankie Dettori, Ryan Moore and Gerard Mosse are amongst many of the stars riding.
I’m looking forward to my day at the Craven meeting ahead of a jump racing day at Cheltenham on Thursday. Not a bad mid-week when you are going from the home of flat racing to the home of jump racing.
Today’s selections are a combination of flat and jumps selections.
1.50 Newmarket 6f
Oberyn Martell has blazing early speed, as he showed when winning at both Sandown and Salisbury, showing a liking for quick ground in the process. Had an outing at Wolverhampton in February which should have blown the cobwebs away after the winter, and is drawn close to the rail to attack from the outset.
Unibet 12/1 each way
3.35 Newmarket 1m
Royal Marine who was a Group 1 winner at Longchamp last season can win the Craven Stakes with Christophe Soumillon in the plate. In supporting this colt, who has 2,000 Guineas and Dante entries, you are accepting that he just didn’t act on the dirt at Meydan in January.
Based on his turf form he looks a very exciting prospect and he can hold off Zakouski and Global Spectrum, who can run a big race at a big price.
Unibet win 7/4
3.50 Cheltenham 3m 1½f Chase
Thedellercheckout for Paul Nicholls often travelled well in his races when hurdling but never really finished them off with any gusto. That all changed with the application of blinkers and fences last time, where he never looked like losing from the moment they turned in at Taunton.
Unibet each way 11/2
In the same contest last week’s Unibet nap Fifty Shades makes a swift reappearance after his easy success last Wednesday at Warwick when easily winning in admittedly a less competitive race.
Fifty Shades is up the weights and in a much sharper contest, yet is only a six-year-old, who delivered a string of strong performances on good going last year of 12113.
Unibet each way 14/1
5.20 Newmarket 1m
Solid Stone showed yesterday at Newmarket when winning the final race of the day in eye catching style on his first run of the season that Sir Michael Stoute’s yard are in fine form, with Karnavaal (nap) looking to continue that trend this afternoon.
Karnavaal always looked like he’d be a good 3yo and the form of his Chelmsford win last October is working out well now. The mile will suit and he looks sure to shorten in price.
Unibet 4/1 win
