Take Note (8-1) was one of three winners at Leicester on Tuesday for Betcirca followers, extending our winning sequence to six consecutive days on UK racing. Wednesday sees the start of the St Leger meeting at Doncaster and we have selections in the first five races on the card.
Having cashed in on Hugo Palmer’s Only Joking when she bolted up by eight lengths in a Thirsk maiden, I simply have to follow her on her handicap debut in the 2.00 race. She was very impressive that day and Palmer has picked up two Group 3 races with his two-year-olds in recent weeks. With William Buick booked for the ride, she is going to be difficult to beat off 8st 7lb. The likely danger is Richard Hannon’s When Will It End who has twice been beaten by Mark Johnston’s useful Grigolo.
I was sorely tempted to go for Markaz in the 2.30 race after the grey ran such a good race at Goodwood last time. However, the form has been let down repeatedly and he looks to have a stiff task on these terms against Angelic Lord. Tom Dascombe’s colt has been racing in top company and ran on dourly behind Ivawood at Newmarket. He was alongside a smart colt in Belardo at the line and a repeat of that run would be good enough.
The Scarborough Stakes at 3.00 looks like an ideal opportunity for Godolphin to start getting some of their money back for the purchase of Reckless Abandon. He was held back by niggling injuries last season but looked to be returning to his best when a close third to Tropics at Newmarket. I liked the way he battled all the way to the line that day and it will be disappointing if he cannot beat a field largely consisting of handicappers. Mecca’s Angel could be the main threat but she really wants a bit more give in the ground than seems likely.
I would not normally get involved in the Legends race but Michael Hills stands out like a sore thumb on Dansili Dutch. He has not long hung up his riding boots and is riding a filly in form with a perfect draw. David O’Meara is also enjoying a good run so it will be disappointing if the grey does not do the business here.
Finally, I was about to start counting my winnings on Clon Brulee at Sandown last week when he cruised to the front. Unfortunately the weight told in the closing stages and he was reeled in by a couple of lightweights. Ryan Moore will be tracking Godolphin’s second-string Cap O’Rushes and aiming to deliver a decisive late challenge here. I am a big fan of Nabucco but, like Mecca’s Angel, he really wants it softer.
Only Joking 2.00 @3-1 Paddy Power
Angelic Lord 2.30 @5-4 Ladbrokes
Reckless Abandon 3.00 @5-2 William Hill
Dansili Dutch 3.35 @6-1 Paddy Power
Clon Brulee 4.10 @2-1 Bet365
