The Weekends Racing – by The Sportsman Racing

From the top end of the market Hawkeyethenoo and sprint king trainer Dandy Nicholls’ Victoire De Lyphar must hold decent chances although it’s hard to tell whether a low draw will be to their advantage. The race historically favours horses drawn high with four of the last five winners coming from stall 15 or higher. Another horse who can be considered unlucky with the draw is Ancient Cross who will have horses all around him from stall number 13. Mick Easterby is looking for a double with Ancient Cross after landing last year’s race with Hoof It but it’s a big ask for this son of Machiavellian. It’s a similar story for the well regarded Lu Rei drawn in the next berth of 14. Old-favourite Borderlescott has been stuck with stall 11 but can’t be ignored having form figures at Goodwood of 212341. I like Shropshire who has been given a high drawn box of 21. Shropshire finished third behind the mighty Frankel in the 2011 Greenham but has since proved himself an established sprinter with a progressive profile. Shouldering a 6lb penalty following his defeat of Mac’s Power at Ascot when last seen on the track there is sure to be more improvement to come. Each-way proposition at a best price of 25-1. The owner’s of Alben Star believe there is a big handicap win in their horse be it this year or next. Alben Star was Richard Fahey’s best two-year old, winning two of his three starts before picking up an injury which ruled out his three-year old campaign. A bull of a horse he picked up an injury which ruled out any races as a three-year old and somewhat strangely he was to be found running on the all-weather tracks over the Winter. Running on all-weather tracks over the Winter was simply to boost the horses confidence and although seven furlongs may yet prove his optimum distance, a big field and strongly run race looks sure to bring the best out in him. I expect Alben Star to be running on late from stall 22` and 14-1 with Bodog is a decent each-way price. On Sunday in Chester’s 4.10 EBF Conditions Stakes for two-year old’s over six-furlongs, William Haggas’ Odooj looks worth following. The bay colt went into the notebook following a dynamic maiden win at the same course at the tail end of May. Entered for the Gimcrack Stakes at the end of August this highly regarded Haggas juvenile must run well on Saturday to seal his place in Gimcrack company. At the time of writing there are a few higher rated horses but Odooj will improve and hopefully a decent price may be on offer.]]>