And so to the Flat Turf......

22.0 is indeed a very good price, KCP. However, it may reflect some people on the exchange taking the view that the Sheikh Hamdan runner might be pulled as a mark of respect for the old man. Three days of mourning have been announced in Dubai, but on the other hand it is Dubai World Cup night on Saturday, so hard to know which way Hamdan's family will go with this one. Haqeeqy, who is owned (I think) by Sheikh Hamdan's daughter has meanwhile shortened further in places to as low as 5/2 with Hills.

 

Yeah didn't realise it had the beating of Eastern World on a previous run. I'll be having my £20 win on it as soon as it's non-runner no bet with Coral. I'm backing Danyah too e/w. Minds made up. Especially after Hamdan dying rest his soul.

 

bugger, thought we had relayed the pitch for a minute!

 

Odds of 4-1 for Cloth Cap in Grand National more than fair says Tom Scudamore | Horse Racing News | Racing Post

 

He's the only negative for me.

 

Hamdan runners declared to race.

 

Woo!

 

Put my bets on for those two. Got 4's on Haqeeqy and 11's e/w on Danyah Best Odds.

 

Stay away from Brunch (e/w) it will only help you clap on the pounds.

 

After much consideration I have decided to back Brentford Hope in the 3.10. It looks like by dropping him back down to a mile last time the connections have found his distance at last. His last run was very impressive at Haydock and it looks like he's still highly thought of. Will cover myself with a small place bet on Danyah as I've already put 2 quid on the ante-post win.
I also like the chances of Juan Elcano in the 2.00. He has form for coming back fresh and he looks very consistent to me and again the drop down in trip looks like a good move. Undervalued I think. As always I'll be doing win and place bets on these and looking for best odds in the place markets.

 

Juan Elcano has cost me a few quid in the past but it's nagging at me. I might back it e/w if it drifts to double figure odds. The Cammidge Trophy looks wide open too. I liked the look of Ainsdale, Emaraaty Ana, Tis Marvellous and Mr Lupton. It's taking some sifting through because there are 4 decent meetings tomorrow.

 

The 3.45 (Cammidge Trophy) is interesting. On form it looks to me to lie between Brando, Mr Lupton and Summerghand. Brando is an admirable old horse and has an Ayr Gold Cup and two Abernant Stakes (G3) to his name. Lady Kaht and I were on track in April 2019 when he narrowly failed to take a third Abernant. We saw Pete Tingay and his entourage in the paddock. Then in walks Sheikh Hamdan with a rather bigger entourage, closely followed by Sheikh Mo and.... you guessed it! But back on point, Brando hasn't won for nearly two years and lacks a recent run. The same is true of Mr Lupton, who would be receiving weight from Summerghand here if this were a handicap. Sumerghand has already run three times this year and his placed finishes the last twice when conceding lumps of weight were as good as anything he has achieved in his career, according to Timeform. So given he is available at 11/2 I make him a strong bet with the two runs behind him.

 

Could Ainsdale be a potential improver?

 

Certainly one of the less-exposed ones Mr D, but he'd probably have to find ten pounds with the likes of Brando or Summerghand. His four wins have all come on soft or heavy, which was the going preference of his sire. The forecast for tomorrow at the moment is Good (Good to Firm in places). Les Eyre's Just Frank is another possible improver down the bottom, but three year olds have only won the Cammidge twice in the last forty years! Think I'd still be persuaded by the fact that Summerghand has two good recent runs behind him, and if you take the view that Brando might be on the downgrade now, he is arguably the best horse in the race, but only third favourite!

 

I agree that the 3.45 is wide open. There's about 6 that could win that! If I was having a punt I would probably go with Chiefofchiefs. He has track form and on turf over 6 furlongs he is consistent even given his age. I think some of these aren't consistent and/or as Mr Kaht suggested lacking fresh runs. He is a tad underrated I think. But as said its a tough cookie. Anything could hack up. Probably leave it alone unless I'm quids in!!

 

I've sided with Emaraaty Ana in the end because it holds Mr Lupton and Brando on the Newmarket run which I didn't think was a bad effort. It got tired late on.

 

Summerghand a Pricewise and Timeform Verdict pick, and now in to 7/2 best. As Cheltenham showed, it can all mean nothing but at least anyone getting on earlier is on the right side of the price!

 

fewer horse deaths is always a bonus.

 

Doubt anyone would disagree with that.

 

Summerghand 11/4 now! I rather like the look of Vintage Clarets for Hanagan/Fahey in the Brocklesby (1.25). In the maiden at 4.20 the Haggas and Gosden horses both look guaranteed big improvers, but I can't get my mind off the pedigree of Charlie Appleby's Khaiz, to be ridden by James Doyle. Appleby is on 40% strike rate this year. Over at Meydan I make Space Blues (1.30) and Lord North (3.30) big chances.