As predicted, Champions Day proved more of a mud bath than a bloodbath for punters as the heavy ground produced several shock results. Charm Spirit was our only saviour at a generous SP of 5-1 but the big race went to Frankel’s full-brother Noble Mission. There is no illusion of grandeur about Sunday’s offering at Bath but I have picked out a trio of interesting runners.
The Fillies’ Handicap at 2.00 looks as though it should rest between Jethou and Gharaaneej. The latter is trained by John Gosden and has been runner-up on her last two starts, chasing home Nathr in the same colours at Leicester. This is the first time that she has raced over a mile and there is a slight question mark about her getting the trip. Her dam did not win beyond five furlongs, although she shapes as though she will stay.
That doubt just sways me towards Henry Candy’s Jethou Island who was fourth in a Kempton maiden auction race last time. She was beaten five lengths but the runner-up was Andrew Balding’s Geordan Murphy who easily won a maiden next time. Jethou Island would have been third in another stride or two and had to be pulled around runners to deliver her challenge. She could be the better value at around 9-2.
Another maiden with claims in a handicap for the first time is Balding’s Bikini Island. The daughter of Dynaformer races in a hood but lacked nothing in courage last time out when just beaten on the nod by The Character at Chester. She settled perfectly for David Probert that day having pulled away her chance on her previous outing. I like the way she travelled and this similarly turning track should suit her perfectly.
The one that I fear most is Headline News who has been running in better quality races. She came up against a decent sort in Rewaaya at Newmarket but the big weight concession to Bikini Island could prove too much.
My final selection is Le Maitre Chat who gave a perfect demonstration of why jockeys should not go for a run up the inside at Ascot last time. Jim Crowley tried to find a way up the inside of Quest For More and had the door slammed shut before a similar manoeuvre on that horse’s outside also failed to find daylight. By the time he got out it was all over and he must go close off only a 1lb higher mark. The form threat is See And Be Seen who beat the subsequent Cesarewitch winner Big Easy at Newmarket last time and is only up 4lbs.
Jethou Island 2.00 @9-2 Bet Victor
Bikini Island 3.05 @5-1 Paddy Power
Le Maitre Chat 3.35 @5-2 Paddy Power
Betfair:
Bet on Henrik Stenson to become the BMW PGA Championship Winner.
Paddypower:
Back Australia to take the Ashes home with them.
Betway:
Back Rafael Nadal to become the Mens French Open Winner.
Coral:
Back One For Arthur to win the Grand National.
Bet365:
Back Mexico to win the Confederations Cup.
