Mount Logan (5-4) got us back on the winning track yesterday at Yarmouth and looks like a decent colt in the making. Newbury and Ayr take centre stage on Friday and I’m keen on the chances of Richard Hannon’s Pupil in the one-mile Haynes, Hanson & Clark Stakes.
Those with long memories will recall that this is the race that saw the arrival of Shergar and Lammtarra on the racing scene, though I seriously doubt that there is anything of that class on show this season.
Pupil is a son of Mastercraftsman out of the speedy Blue Iris but stamina rather than speed seems to be his strong suit. Evidently he was well regarded at home before he made his debut at Newbury because he went off 7-2 favourite in a field of 12. There must have been some long faces after the race as he failed to pick up at all for Richard Hughes and beat only two home.
Whatever the reason for his disappointing debut, he looked a different proposition when stepped up to a mile at Doncaster on good to soft going. Once again, Hughes was able to settle him in rear but this time he made smooth progress with over two furlongs to travel. Mark Johnston’s Double Bluff took him into the race nicely and Hughes briefly had to get serious with Pupil to go in pursuit. In the final 100 yards he was well on top and powered clear to win by a length and a half.
None of the placed horses have reappeared to date so it is difficult to evaluate the form but Pupil looks sure to run well on Friday. Godolphin’s Pinzolo has won his only start at Newmarket but it looked a lot harder work than Pupil’s victory. It has to be said that he was going on strongly at the end so is another that should see out the mile well at Newbury.
Red Galileo has finished second on both of his outings, chasing home another Godolphin horse in Golden Town at York last month. He may have been slightly flattered to finish within a length and a half of the winner who wandered around in the closing stages. What About Carlo had Castle Combe behind him when winning at Goodwood but the latter could improve for the experience.
Pupil 3.40 Newbury 5-1 Bet Victor, William Hill
Betfair:
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Paddypower:
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Betway:
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Coral:
Back One For Arthur to win the Grand National.
Bet365:
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