York - 9th Sept 2006

2:05 5f 89yds - Ladbrokes Portland (Heritage Handicap) (Class 2)

Being a bookie sponsored event a race not be get excited about the jolly however Hogmaneigh looks the real deal and rewarded this punter handsomely in his last race at Sandown.

A couple of concerns today. First the pace in the race is drawn high and this is a hold up horse and I don’t think Pivotal´s Princess is good enough to inject enough pace on the far side and toe him along. Secondly his trainer has stated that he’ll run if the ground is suitable. I’m guessing that the sun will dry out the ground and he won’t get the soft conditions he requires. Whatever the result today Hogmaneigh is one for the shortlist (especially if the ground turns up soft) in next weeks Ayr Gold Cup.

On the stands rail an honest pace race profile so I’ve selected Cape Royal if the race favours early pace. Although beaten off his current BHB rating he ran in a fast time last time out and maybe there is more improvement to come. If there is a late pace bias I’ve gone for Bond City who is another that won his race in a fast time and potentially listed class.

3:45 1m 5f - Ladbrokes St Leger Stakes (Group 1) (Entire Colts & Fillies) (Class 1)

With Ante Post vouchers on Red Rocks and Sixties Icon and all the talk of trainer form and stamina doubts a definite race to watch from the comfort of my living room with a beer in my hand.