Sporting Times is an obvious choice for a three-year-old Maiden Stakes over one mile of soft ground around Nottingham today. We’ve been waiting 259 days for Ed Dunlop’s charge, runner-up on his debut at Leicester where he achieved a useful time-handicap mark under James Doyle.
That would win this-type race nineteen times out of twenty and though Simon Crisford also journeys another well-bred, once-raced colt, Maratha, we’re convinced Sporting Times, mount of Fran Berry, will be too strong.
Ground will be contrasting but it could ride faster than most anticipate. We had weeks of cold, dry weather and gardeners, like myself, have been surprised by the lack of effect recent rains have had. I’m looking forward to computing the Times!
Underfoot conditions are seldom an issue on the all-weather scene and Newmarket trainerJohn Gosden doubtless knows twice-raced Master Singer will be suited by Newcastle tapeta in a three-year-old Maiden Stakes over ten furlongs. This is a special!
Nigh on a cert according to the TH which also pinpoints Keith Dalgleish-trained Hamidan’s Girl for the eight-runner three-year-old Maiden Stakes over five furlongs.
Hamidan’s Girl is advantaged by handicap experience, definitely ready to win under veteran Joe Fanning whose positivity so often proves a shining light for time aficionados.
EDMONTON
Walcott, the six-time reigning champion, won race three over 3-1/2 furlongs with favourite Makealittlenoise, making all the running aboard the brown gelding to trounce the three-year-olds by 5-3/4 lengths.
He found success again in race six over six furlongs when he combined with hot favourite Bear Famous Trip to beat the three-year-old and upwards by 1-1/4 lengths, getting up late under a determined drive.
Carter, meanwhile, raised the curtain on the day when he paired with 6-1 Apache Red to dismiss the three-year-old and upward maidens by two lengths.
Going six furlongs, Carter sat the four-year-old chestnut gelding off the pace before quickening on the final turn and chasing down the leaders in the stretch run.
He doubled his tally in race four, making all the running with 2-1 chance Special Kiss over six furlongs to trounce the three-year-old and upward maidens by 5-3/4 lengths.
Carter and the three-year-old bay gelding battled Irish Gold through the half in 46.28 before drawing off to win handsomely.
Nelson sustained his impressive early form, opening his account in race seven by partnering 11-1 bet Habida to a 3-1/2 length victory over the three-year-old and upward fillies and mares, going six furlongs.
He returned in the following race to clinch another six-furlong contest, getting the 3-1 chance Celtic Lad to a three-quarter length victory over the three-year-old and upwards.
Walcott leads the standings with nine wins, three clear of fellow Barbadian Quincy Welch, with Nelson third on five. (CMC)
Newcastle,
12.40 Master Singer
2.10 Hamidan’s Girl (nap-e.w)
Nottingham,
1.00 Sporting Times (e.w)