Raven’s Corner has plenty in hand of eight rivals in an ‘aged’ Maiden Stakes over a mile of Lingfield polytrack today; trained by John Gosden, ridden by James Doyle, carrying colours of Godolphin and, top-rated on my time-handicap!
This represents a real ‘special’ and yet we might be unwittingly accomodated by bookmakers because Banish, mount of Ryan Moore, is forecast favourite on the strength of a recent close second to Noble Peace, over seven at this venue.
Both are twice-raced but Raven’s Pass is likely to prove much superior, his length and a half defeat by War Story measures to up what is usually required 19 times out of 20 based on experience of classification.
Critical Speed and well-bred Hamdan Al Maktoum-owned newcomer, Jabbaar, might also interest punters but I’m totally convinced our nap will ‘Pass’ them all, without fuss!
Alan Swinbank is obviously hell bent on becoming the first trainer to send out a winner on the newly-laid Tapeta surface at Newcastle and Steccando attempts to recoup losses in the opening Maiden Stakes over an extended ten furlongs.
It’s a sad occasion in my book; they have ‘dug up’ one of the best turf courses on this planet to facilitate Northern trainers with an all-weather track but, here we are, no need to dwell, it can’t be changed and this might just be a gold mine for punters with a straight mile. No other track has more than five furlongs without a bend!
Steccando justifies support but on account of two Newmarket raiders, Roger Varian and Simon Crisford, with well-bred newcomers, Gibbs Hill and Jetstream Express, it’s best we stick to each-way betting for all tips on the daily patent. That is concluded with twice-raced Tommy G in a 3-y-o Maiden Stakes over furlongs.
TH ‘best in’ Tommy G has only raced over seven to date but that is a savage distance and often translates well to sprinting; it would take two pages to explain why, trust me!
You can’t live in the past and, although we did, this is a ‘new beginning’ to all common sense intents and purposes; your veteran correspondent is looking forward to it, with relish!
SELECTIONS
10.20 Raven’s Pass
10.00 Steccando (e.w)
1.10 Tommy G