We got off to a great start on the opening day with Feel Like Dancing (100-30) and what a good ride by William Buick. He never allowed the leader to get too far ahead and his mount kept answering the call despite coming under pressure a long way from home. Even so, I seriously doubt whether it is St Leger form.
We were out of luck in the handicap where Buick’s mount Space Ship was outpaced before staying on again in the closing stages. He may have had enough racing for the time being whilst Goodwood Mirage may want a bit of give in the ground. Thankfully our banker bet on Montiridge (5-6) was never in danger so we’re still in their fighting going into day 2.
The standout bet tomorrow has to be a double on the flying fillies Sky Lantern and Rizeena. The grey was the most impressive winner at the Royal meeting when winning the Coronation Stakes by four lengths from a poor draw. The four-runner field raises question marks over race tactics but I’d think Sky Lantern is the quickest of these off any pace. I would have thought it impossible to get into difficulty with only four runners on Newmarket’s wide expanse but I only need to recall the recent win for Lost In The Moment to realise that is not the case!
Rizeena produced a terrific burst of speed to win the Queen Mary Stakes and I cannot see the extra furlong making any difference to the result here. Fig Roll and Bye Bye Birdie may be useful fillies but Rizeena looked to have a touch of class and I’m happy to put her in a double with Sky Lantern.
William Hill and Coral are both going 10-11 and 11-8 respectively at the time of writing. They may be offering enhanced terms for the double so good luck if you’re prepared to shop around.
The opening race looks tricky and Sir Michael Stoute’s Dream Wild is a bit of a mystery at the bottom of the weights. She put in a very laboured performance when beaten at odds-on at Salisbury and I’m not aware of any excuses. If she bolts up tomorrow we will no doubt find out! I prefer to side with the proven form of Jubilante. She is very closely weighted with Nardin but the booking of Ryan Moore just swings the vote in her favour.
The main betting race of the day is the handicap at 3.15 and I have to keep faith with Moviesta after his gallant effort at York. He was actually fly jumping in the early stages and I was surprised that he still managed to finish second. If he settles better he should win.
Double
Rizeena 11-8 Coral
Sky Lantern 10-11 Coral
Jubilante 6-1 William Hill
Moviesta 8-1 Ladbrokes
