Daily Thread Saturday 7 May

[racingnut]

A day that provides good quality fayre under both codes with decent conditions races and some ultra competitve handicaps for all the pinstickers.
Ascot has a nice,varied card.The first race is one of interest for me as it marks the return to the track of a horse that i thought might progress into something fairly useful last season,namely ALAINMAAR.Looked a promising sort at this time last year but met with some sort of setback and was put away,the fact that connections keep him in training speaks volumes as far as him retaining his ability is concerned and although he will no doubt improve tremendously for this first run i think he can go close today and then progress into a nice older horse for the rest of the season.In the fillies handicap i like MAID IN HEAVEN,she dotted up at Leicester last year then kept some very decent company and to be honest she didnt disgrace herself,this represents something of a drop in class,she loves quick ground,theyll go a good clip and she can finish it off strongly as is her want,solid ew claims for me.The Victoria Cup is a nightmare but i think all conditions are in place for MANASSAS to go well,ran a blinder behind Eton Forever on seasonal debut and his run in the Spring Cup at Newbury wasnt that bad,the drop in trip,the better ground bound to suit i think hes certainly worth a little ew.
Lingfield stages Classic trials but im steering well away from them and im looking at the 10f conditions event,only 3 runners but fairly useful form on offer here.Sri Putras Eclipse second is the best but im of the opinion that the race fell for him that day after he sat off a very strong pace,that wont happen here and i think PASSION FOR GOLD can see them off from the front.Very good form as a two year old,he was looked upon as real Derby type for last year but he met with some setbacks and wasnt seen out.Godolphin wouldnt keep him in training if he wasnt showing his old zest and if hes to challenge for better honours later in the season then he has to be winning this,at around 9/4 i think he warrants serious consideration.
Haydock has a mixed card with some cracking handicaps under both codes.In the Swinton i think conditions might fall for ORSIPPUS.He won at the Aintree festival last Spring and got a real clout from the handicapper but this is his time of the year,he ran very well behind Carlito Brigante in the Coral Cup and was in the process of running another solid race at Aintree only for a bad mistake and stumble to stop him dead in his tracks.They will go helter skelter in this and i can see him finishing off very strongly,any rain would help but hes got form on decent ground.Solid ew claims in my book.The last race is another one of interest as Luca Cumanis BOURNE returns to the track,he was a "notebook" horse after winning at Doncaster last backend and he showed real promise first up at Newbury.If the rain arrives then everything really would be in place and he would be a serious betting proposition.

Hope you are all still awake,happy punting

[Solerina]

Thanks for that, Racing : )

I'm working this afternoon so will miss all the racing.

Good luck to those having bets : )

Come on Buena Vista!!

Solerina

[racingnut]

Some cracking racing at all venues today and i reckon we might just have seen a horse that could end up being extremely useful.ALAINMAAR was different class to his rivals today,hes had his problems but he looked very good with the promise of more to come.He proved that 12f holds no fears,he went on the ground and a step up in grade is nothing to be scared of.Can certainly see him holding his own in races like the Hardwicke or The Princess of Wales.One to keep on the right side of.

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