The big race of the weekend is the Charity Sprint Trophy at York, a race that has been won by some smart three-year-olds in the past. The last favourite to oblige was Tax Free in 2005 so it is a race to approach with caution.
The bookmakers certainly don’t seem quite sure what to make of it and have gone 7-1 the field. Heavens Guest and Moviesta have been installed as the early market leaders having both won last time out. Heavens Guest stepped up in grade from Hamilton Park to land a decent seven-furlong handicap at Epsom and represents Richard Fahey.
Heavens Guest is up 7lbs for his neck victory over Intrigo but he shouldn’t be inconvenienced by dropping back in trip. He was a good couple of lengths clear approaching the final furlong. Moviesta won here over five furlongs on softer ground last month and has gone up 6lbs in the ratings. The margin of victory was only a nose from Vincentti but jockey Paul Mulrennan got to the front quite early and always looked to have matters under control. Vincentti will have his supporters after that effort and certainly has excellent place claims on that effort.
He had previously won at Doncaster over six furlongs, running freely early on before being reigned back and produced late. He was more impressive on his last start and looks capable of further improvement. Brian Smart knows the time of day in these sprint races and I imagine that this race has been the plan for a while.
Cosmic Chatter runs in the Highclere colours and was close up behind Smoothtalkinrascal and Lucky Beggar here last month. The horse is yet to race beyond five furlongs and is short enough on what he has achieved to date. Lucky Beggar was easily put in his place by Richard Hannon’s Professor at Haydock last weekend and will do well to bounce back here.
Ralph Beckett’s Lewisham is an interesting runner. He was last seen hacking up on the all-weather at Kempton, a preparation that didn’t hinder Niceofyoutotellme before winning at Newmarket. Last season Lewisham was runner-up in the July Stakes so there is no doubting his ability. He holds Ahern and Chilworth Icon on that form. If the maiden race has boosted his confidence he could be thrown in here with just 8st 8lb.
Hasopop carries top weight and won a decent race at Newmarket before finishing third at Epsom. He didn’t get the best of runs in a muddling race that day but he will do well to win off a mark of 105. William Haggas is no mug in these races either and it wouldn’t surprise me to see Odooj step up on a moderate effort at Newmarket. The application of the blinkers for the first time and the one stall could light him up.
Moviesta looks the most progressive of these but Vincentti must have an each-way shout. I will also be having a small saver on Lewisham as he could be the best handicapped horse in the race.
Moviesta 9-1 Paddy Power
Vincentti (each-way) 12-1 Bet365
Lewisham 16-1 Paddy Power
