First Dance could well provide an enjoyable, indeed rewarding, experience in a thirteen-runner 3-y-o Maiden Fillies’ Stakes over the Rowley Mile of ‘good’ ground Newmarket today; one to get us ‘rock and rollin’ for sure.
It’s 194 days since James Tate’s charge improved on a promising polytrack debut by finishing second over seven furlongs of this wonderful race-track; thoroughbreds which act well at HQ usually relish a return and jockey Martin Harley will be hoping this is third time lucky for them.
Harley was in John Whitley’s Racing Research computer champion ‘top ten’ last season; no surprise because his quiet, no nonsense, style has been a feature during the last few years for this racing writer who recognises jockeyship is fascinating and that reliability is key. Martin consistently get’s ‘job done’ and is much sought after.
Tough to get going in the midst of fierce competition and it doesn’t get anymore competitive than the United Kingdom, despite moderate prize-money.
Judged on what First Dance achieved as a juvenile this represents a solid each-way bet with three places available, even though maidens at this particular Cambridgeshire course are often littered with ‘graded’ prospects during Spring-time.
Rest of this second day seven-race programme looks too difficult and so further emphasis is switched to an evening fixture on Wolverhampton Tapeta which should suit twice-raced, Sir Michael Stoute-trained, El Cap in an ‘aged’ Maiden Stakes over seven furlongs.
In both races to date El Cap has achieved time-handicap marks that win this-type race nine times out of ten and so all we want are odds-against.
Mr Chuckles notched a ‘career-best’ over course and distance last month and justifies a punt in the opening Apprentice Handicap over six furlongs, mount of David Egan, son of 48-year-old veteran Jack!
Fahey goes through his Craven meeting team
Top trainer Richard Fahey had a successful Easter weekend and he talks us through his runners for the Craven meeting.
We had a good Easter weekend thanks to three nice winners and while Cullingworth took me by surprise a little bit he was a welcome winner for Sammy Jo Bell up at Musselburgh.
Forest Ranger and Kimberella were less surprising at Newcastle and Lingfield respectively on what we’d seen at home and both look nice horses for the season ahead.
Talking of nice horses, the turf season really gets going now with the Craven meeting taking place at Newmarket this week and while I haven’t got a huge team going down we’ll have four or five running down at HQ.
On Wednesday (today) we’ve just the one runner with Private Matter going for the European Free Handicap.
He’s a son of Mayson running in the Cheveley Park colours and he’s been gelded which has done him no harm at all.Last season was a good one for him and he’s subsequently got no easy options off his 106 rating, but this looks as nice a place as any to start him off.
He’s done well over the winter, is in good order at home and he’s fit and well. It was always the idea to step him up in trip so we’ll see if he improves for it.
Finally we run Mayfair Lady in the Group Three Abernant Stakes on Thursday.
She’s been covered and I hope she’s in foal but we’d love to get some Black Type with her which is why she starts off here as she goes well fresh.
Realistically I’d be delighted if she gets in the first four, but she’s fit and ready and is pleasing me at home so, you never know, she could outrun my expectations.
Newmarket, 1.45 First Dance (nap-e.w)
Wolverhampton, 2.40 Mr Chuckles (e.w)
3.45 El Cap.