Category: Sport

WITH the weather unsettled and therefore the going hard to predict this is probably a day to play Safe.

That should prove a profitable policy in Newbury's big race, the Hungerford Stakes (3.35), where SAFE VOYAGE can sail home – whatever the ground.

He has progressed well this season, winning a handicap, a Listed event and a Group 3 – all over this 7f trip – at Haydock on soft ground.

His latest effort was another improvement when a close third at the Curragh. The winner that day, Romanised, has since won a French Group 1 and the runner-up, Hey Gaman chased home Sir Dancealot at Glorious Goodwood.

Hey Gaman attempted to make all at the Curragh, tactics which are ideally suited to that track but which are much more difficult here. That should help Safe Voyage find the half length improvement needed to reverse the form.

The Goodwood winner is attempting the same double he completed 12 months ago but is not as good with cut in the ground and it seems certain there will be some – and probably lots.

Flaming Spear, Space Traveller and Donjuan Triumphant were all beaten at Goodwood and it is tricky to find reasons to support any of them.

That is not the case for long-absent Librisa Breeze, a Group 1 winner in days gone by who relishes soft conditions. He could outrun his odds and get close, which will be handy as a Safe Voyage needs a following Breeze.

Earlier QARASU is interesting in the 1.15. He made a hugely promising debut here last year and was third in a red-hot Nottingham novice won by Pondus on his reappearance.

That form makes him look chucked in on a mark of 85. He has since won a weak race at Windsor before flopping on handicap debut at Newmarket.

I Spy an eyecatcher…

It is probably unusual to put up a horse who finished last as one to follow but TIPPERARY STAR is not one to give up on yet.

The John Best-trained threee-year-old was a quietly fancied 13-2 shot for the 7f handicap at Kempton on Wednesday. He was starting toi make progress when he went for the cutaway up the inside with about two furlongs to run.

But Attainment cut across in front of him and all chance was gone. Tipperary Star looked likely to beat Attainment, who finished a close fourth beaten less than a length, so he is handicapped to win off his current mark of 83 and he may well be dropped a pound or two.

His earlier course win has worked out well and this Star will surely shine soon.

That run was simply too bad to be true and he deserves a second chance. All his earlier good efforts were on softish ground over today's trip of 1m2f and this is not a great race.

The older horses look exposed so the dangers lurk among the other three-year-olds of whom Murray River and Caravan Of Hope could be the pick.

In the Geoffrey Freer Stakes (2.25) mud-loving Morando looks like going off a hot favourite. He has been getting beaten in better company and has a good record at the track so holds obvious appeal.

But the six-year-old is not improving and has to concede a penalty to one who is, The Queen's SEXTANT. He showed plenty of promise last year – and loads of temperament too.

But he was gelded over the winter and has not looked back since, showing progressive form in quality middle-distance handicaps. The only blip came at Epsom and that tricky track was never likely to suit this imposing galloper. He is ready to take the step up to Group 3 level.

This race was once a recognised St Leger trial for the three-year-olds but none of today's runners of that age are likely to line up on Town Moor – unless it is in the Mallard Handicap!

Sameem may have been flattered when making all at Hamilton last time and Technician has not progressed as well as was hoped after his early season exploits so Durston may be the pick of them.

Sunday stonker

Doncaster and particularly Ripon look very bookie-friendly but there is a fascinating fillies' Listed race over six furlongs (3.30) at Pontefract on Sunday.

Perfection has been running well in similar company and is the pick on official ratings but I was very impressed by the three-year-old TAPISSERIE when she won at Carlisle last time, despite having to come from last and racing very wide.

That was just her fourth career start and she is improving at a rate of knots. The drop back from seven furlongs is a slight concern but Ponty is a stiff track and she should handle it.

She has won on soft so her chance is not weather-dependent.

At Newmarket OH IT'S SAUCEPOT is the best bet on the card. She has not won for a while but caught the eye with an excellent third at Kempton two runs ago and then stayed on nicely when second to an improver at Windsor.

She has always gone well on the July course and trainer Chris Wall has his string in excellent form. The three-year-olds are usually the big threat in this sort of race but Holy Kingdom keeps climbing the weights for not winning and Australis shapes like more of a thorough stayer.

As the Mark Johnston winner-machine rolls on Winged Spur, although not that well handicapped, could be the biggest danger.

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