The Whistling Shrew - Aintree Grand National Festival Day 1 Preview

Day 1 of the Aintree meeting has grown into a spectacular days racing to rival the Cheltenham Festival 3 weeks before. This years renewals have an added spice, and to be specific an Irish spice with Willie Mullins sending legions of his superstars over on the ferry to Liverpool in a bid to steal the English Trainer’s Title from Paul Nicholls. This adds a great subtext to three days of top quality racing which climaxes in the Grand National on Saturday with the two trainers running over a quarter of the field between them in a bid to land the prize money that would surely seal it if either are successful.

3 days of top class jumps racing accumulating in the

Grand National over the 30 most famous fences in the world

Aintree poses a difficult puzzle, with the added element of horses fitness to take into consideration – is this an afterthought or a long held plan? Will horses run to their best form or even improve? Because of this, how well Mullins’ superstars will run an unknown as this is the first time that he has attempted something this audacious. But one thing for sure is that we will not be short on star quality over the birch brush and spruce of the Aintree obstacles culminating in the greatest steeplechase in the world!

Shrew’s Shrewdies

 1:40 - Arzal 11/2

2:15 – Ivanovich Gorbatov 11/10, unless the rains come and then Footpad 11/2

 2:50 - Cue Card Evs (nb)

 3:25 - Annie Power 4/7 or Annie Power, Nichols Canyon (forecast) or The New One 9/1 E/w

 4:05 - Pacha Du Polder 7/2 (nap)

 4:40- Pearls Legend 10/1 e/w

 5:15 – La Bague Au Roi 7/4

 Race-By-Race Guide

 1:40 Novice Chase 2m4f 

The novice chases were possibly the most enjoyable and competitive races at Cheltenham with eight quality runners it should be no less entertaining. Of the eight, both L’Ami Serge and Sizing John ran well in defeat behind Black Hercules and Douvan respectively. The switch to a sharper left handed track will benefit L’Ami Serge who showed his tendency to jump left at Cheltenham That run was a career best and he could improve again and go close. Sizing John lost nothing in defeat in the Arkle and is a consistent sort – He’s a good chaser and you’d expect him to be in the frame if not winning.

 Garde La Victoire fell at the tricky fence four out in the JLT and it’s difficult to guess where he would’ve finished when looking like he was travelling well. He was a beaten 5/2f over hurdles here in 2014 and I think his form is a little way behind the market principles. He is still unproven at this distance but you’d expect he’d take it fine on his hurdles form. Wouldn’t surprise me if he won but not worth a bet at the price.

Rock the World flew into favouritism and looked well handicapped for the Grand Annual  and was close up in third in this race, this is a higher class affair and he has a bit to find on several of the principles.

 Bouveruil also ran well in second at Cheltenham over the distance – hard to see that that is Grade 1 form. Aso has a lot to find on Sizing John and is hard to fancy.

 This is Volnay De Thaix’s third chase start and you’d have to think this is too big an ask.

Arzal is the only one of these to not have lined up at Cheltenham and the fact he comes into this fresh is to me a big plus. He has run to a consistent level behind good horses this season and has won twice at Newbury and Ludlow. His Kempton and Doncaster runs back up that he is strong on a flat course. The unknown is the distance and he will need to prove staying credentials to win but at the prices is tentatively the selection ahead of Sizing John.

 2:15 Juvenile Hurdle, 2m2f

 This is a really interesting race with the top three from the Triumph hurdle all lining up to take on Fred Winter winner Diego Du Charmil and second Romain De Senam – You’d expect the latter to fair better off of level weights but one would also have to expect that the better form is all from the Triumph.

The front three in the Triumph, Ivanovich Gorbatov,

Apple's Jade and Footpad go head-to-head again

 Ivanovich Gorbatov will likely go off favourite as the winner of that race and he did quicken impressively in the manner of a good horse for the future. I’d expect him to hold form with Apple’s Jade if he is all sound having quickened impressively after the last. However, he has reportedly not been the easiest horse to train so at this young age may be difficult to part with money on. Any rain on the day would be a big negative.

Ruby Walsh again rides Footpad, for whom a combination of exaggerated waiting tactics and dry ground meant he could only manage third at Cheltenham. I’d expect on good to soft and given a more knowledgeable ride then he could be a lot closer today.

 Sceau Royal was bitterly disappointing at Cheltenham and just never seemed to be travelling – probably left all his best form in the winter?

 Khezerabad is a horse I’d really like to know more about as this is only his second run. Probably safe to assume he doesn’t have enough experience and others therefore preferred.

2:50 Bowl Chase, 3m2f

Can Cue Card put a Gold Cup fall swiftly behind him to

win the Bowl?

 The Gold Cup 2^nd and 3^rd line up to take on the unlucky Cue Card, who would’ve gone close to Don Cossack if it wasn’t for the fall 3 out. It’s hard to know what effect that fall has had on Cue Card – He got up and galloped away fine so I’d give him the benefit of the doubt to retain form with Djakadam. His Aintree form has always been good although 2^nd ¾ times he has been beaten by very good horses, including top form Sprinter Sacre and the Cue Card of this season should be up to this. However, he has been on the go since the Charlie Hall in October and his main rival Djakadam comes into this presumably fresher. I’d expect a close race between the two of them and wouldn't want to call it definitely, but Cue Card by a whisker.

 The riding tactics of Don Poli weren’t the best in the Gold Cup but he stayed on well enough. He still has a fair bit to find on Cue Card and Djakadam but it’s not too hard to see him improving again for having Cooper on board with more prominent riding tactics – He would need the two principles to underperform but that’s not beyond possibility.

 On form Saphir De Rheu wouldn’t be too far behind him, but it’s difficult to know what they are doing with this horse nowadays having swapping back and forth from hurdling and chasing – you’d have to think that he hasn’t been aimed with this in mind and so wouldn’t be as ready for the challenge. This is a race that Paul Nicholl’s has farmed with Silviniaco Conti in recent years but he goes for the national this time and you’d have to think Saphir’s entry is there to pick up minor prize money in the trainers battle.

 Dynaste shouldn’t go close but it’s good to see him line up anyway.

 The others should be outclassed by the principles, but if one does hit the frame I’d say Taquin Du Seuil can come on from his sixth in the Ryanair with Houblon Des Obeaux likely to prefer damper ground.

 3:25 Aintree Hurdle, 2m4f

Willie Mullins will be hoping his mare repeats her Champion

Hurdle performance to edge him closer to the trainers title 

 Super mare Annie Power had the measure of these at Cheltenham and will most likely run home the winner again receiving 7lb from her competition. She has proven she can stay this distance with no problem in the past and looks difficult to oppose. The tactics were run to suit when going from the front and you can’t imagine that stablemate Nichols Canyon will be ridden to oppose her lead despite that possibly hindering his chances of winning. It was close home between him and My Tent Or Yours at Cheltenham but his previous course and distance form means he should be the one for the forecast. My Tent didn’t settle well in that race (and never does) and it’s hard to see him improving for a first time over 20f.

 However, The New One should benefit from a step up to the distance and is 2/3 at Aintree. He will be more suited to this test than Cheltenham and is the danger to the Mullins duo… but nothing they’d be losing sleep over.

 Camping Ground ran poorly at Cheltenham but the step up in distance will be to his benefit and he may well upset the odds by placing but it’s hard to see him touching Annie – if he is going to return to his January form then this is probably the arena to do so but probably best watched. Court Minstrel would also need a couple of others to underperform, but in a 6 runner race may upset some of the would-be placed horses.

4:05 Foxhunter’s Chase, 2m5f

 The Foxhunters gives the first festival preview of the National fences jumping Bechers Brook, Valentines and the Chair once on the way around.

Last year's 1-2 go head to head again - Can Pacha Du Polder

reverse the form?

I liked Pacha Du Polder’s run under Victoria Pendleton at Cheltenham. Now with Will Biddick in the saddle you’d expect him to improve for that. He has about 4 lengths to find on On The Fringe on Cheltenham form who will be ridden by Jamie Codd with Nina Carberry suspended. 3 ½ lengths split the pair with On The Fringe winning the 2015 renewal but his Cheltenham run this year was probably about a stone below where he was last year and this is a much bigger ask to follow up again. A bit depends on how fresh he was at Cheltenham but at the price I’d rather side with Pacha.

The only horse to really come near these two on form is Current Event, who was 2 ¼ lengths down in 4^th at Cheltenham. His form over these fences is reasonable but the unseat in this last year is unfortunate.

Mendip Express ran a poor race at Cheltenham and although he has good form on this course after his second in December hasn’t shown much in his last two runs but could bounce back to form.  

4:40 Red Rum Handicap Chase 2m

 Aintree’s equivalent of the Grand Annual, runners in the Cheltenham closer often go well again here and winner Solar Impulse looks likely to be favourite off 2^nd top weight. He was racing off of 12lbs lower for that victory and this looks a big ask for an albeit progressive 6 year old. His last race over course and distance saw him finish 6/6 which isn’t exactly great…

2^nd to him at Cheltenham was Dandridge who gets off a little lighter with the handicapper and his Doncaster win hints that he will probably be better suited by this track. He has an improving profile and there’s a lot to like.

Also out of that race was Pearls Legend in 5^th – the handicapper seems to have him about right now and he doesn’t seem to be as progressive as the other two, but is interesting off of this mark – he was third in this last year. He is preferred to Workbench who has decent enough form tying in with both Pearls Legend and Solar Impulse

Fayette County has just the form stats you want to see in a JP McManus handicap runner F4-P2, he is lightly raced and may well prove to be ‘well aimed’ at this race at the bottom of the handicap.

Minella Present seems fairly difficult to get right but on his day is more than capable of winning this – he hasn’t run since November and may well have been kept quiet for this. Should go close.

 5:15 Mares Bumper

 The mares program is a good addition to the calendar insofar as it provides national hunt broodmares for the future. From a racing perspective I haven’t a clue. You’d expect Augusta Kate to go well despite a tough race at Cheltenham but the money seems to be for La Bague Au Roi who is significantly unexposed on three wins. A bit to find but looks a likely sort…

The Whistling Shrew - Irish Grand National Preview

5:00 – Fairyhouse – Irish Grand National, 3m5f

After a successful Cheltenham Festival and Easter, we turn our thoughts to the close of the jumps season with this bonus Whistling Shrew, focussing solely on the Irish Grand National, which should whet the appetite for the big event at Aintree in a fortnight’s time!

There is a wide open contest as ever for the Irish Grand National with 29 expected to go to post including last year’s winner Thunder and Roses. Gigginstown will be hopeful of following up again with no fewer than 8 of the runners going in their colours. If only we knew the pecking order as far as hat colours were concerned beyond the first two it would make this a bit easier, but we can probably assume the purple jacket and red hat combo of Wrath of Titans puts him somewhere near the bottom of that list.

J P McManus runs a meagre 4, with Kim Muir winner Cause of Causes topping the weights. Noel Meade only sent 2 horses to Cheltenham both of who ran well and he has a couple of likeable sorts here in Bonny Kate and Tulsa Jack. They are two of several who seem likely sorts in a race that often goes to experienced progressive novices.

Shrew’s Shrewdies

4 Against The Field: Venetian De Mai 9/1, Another Hero 11/1, Bless The Wings 16/1, My Murphy 16/1

Runner By Runner Guide

1.       Cause of Causes

Ridden by Barry Geraghty today after quality Cheltenham win. Forecast rain not in his favour and didn’t run to his best last year at Fairyhouse. It would take a big weight carrying performance to go close here.

2.       Mala Beach

Will go well on the softer ground. A lot of weight to carry but has gone well here before and would’ve won the Bobby Jo if he didn’t fall at the last time out. Not hugely experienced and progression seems to have eased. Considered but others preferred.

3.       My Murphy

Form seemed to drop off slightly when asked to step up to CD last year. Better over a slightly shorter trip. Does hold Mala Beach based on their Thyste’s form and will prefer conditions. Has a lot of runs under his belt but still seems to be progressing. Shortlisted.

4.       Living Next Door

Won the Paddy Power in 2014, best form seemed to have come at Cheltenham last year. Would be surprised if he was up to this.

5.       Sub Lieutenant

Bryan Cooper’s choice of the 8 – Largely consistent over 6 chase starts so far and fair to assume still progressing, not badly treated, considered and shortlisted.

6.       Thunder and Roses

Put up a career best when winning this last year with Katie Walsh in the saddle. Has David Mullins onboard this year and would be the first horse to double up since Brown Lad won ¾ from 1975-78. His form this season though has been patchy at best. His last run showed a little promise but you’d really want to see more. Others preferred.

7.       Bonny Kate*

Jumps beautifully and will most likely go from the front. Seems fairly well treated and in with a chance. Has proven form over a long distance backed up by her Punchestown win and looked like she was still progressive when making it a hattrick at Limerick last time out. Shortlisted.

8.       Rogue Angel

Has failed to complete in 4 starts over longer than 3m since 2014. Leopardstown 4^th was fine but more needed and no evidence to suggest it’s coming

9.       Russe Blanc

Kerry Lee scored here first grade 1 success here yesterday with Kylemore Lough and Russe Blanc doesn’t look too badly treated to attempt following up. A very likeable stayer who may find himself outpaced, but I’d expect him to get around and give a good account given latest Warwick win on heavy. Considered, especially if the rains come.

10.   Venetian De Mai

Has risen steeply in the weights for win at Naas last time out. This will be only his 5^th start over fences but he was a consistent sort over hurdles and more progression surely to come. Shortlisted.

11.   Another Hero

Even less experienced than Venetian De Mai with just two chase runs under his belt, but they were both wins. Jonjo O’Neill knows what it takes to win this. There is a fear this may be too much too soon, but shortlisted nonetheless.

12.   Baie Des Iles

Can’t decide if he’s a hurdler or chaser, form not quite up to these. Others preferred.

13.   Bless The Wings

A favourite of mine and he ran quite well in 3^rd in the cross country at Cheltenham – Ruby Walsh rides which is a positive. He’s an old boy now at 11 but if he can reproduce his Cheltenham run or his CD win from November he’ll go close – chance at hitting the frame at a price. Shortlisted.

14.   Cantlow

Fairly regressive for some time now. May catch him on an on day but those are becoming harder to come by nowadays.

15.   Folsom Blue

Whatever the yellow cap represents it’s probably not the same as the yellow jersey in cycling – inconsistent and best form not even up to this – seems to be better over a shorter distance too.

16.   Killer Crow

A lot of people felt let down Killer Crow didn’t make it into a handicap at Cheltenham after being talked up from a long way out. Last time out he was second to Empire of Dirt who won well at the festival to frank the form. Needs another step up but that’s far from impossible, shortlisted.

17.   Captain Von Trappe

Handicapper hasn’t given him much chance. Others on better marks preferred.

18.   Kilford

Has won well last twice at Navan – This will be an altogether different test. Considered at a price.

19.   Raz De Maree

Good stayer but up against it.

20.   Unic De Bersy

Was progressing nicely and may have had something other than the (3^rd choice?) blue cap today if not for the two non-completes putting a stopper in that form line. Could go well if completing.

21.   Jarob

Yet to race over 3m so could be anything over the trip. 2 ½ miles seems more his forte

22.   Portrait King

Too many miles on the clock these days, others preferred.

23.   Ballyadam Approach

Copy and paste from 21! Form not up to the same standard this year.

24.   Bearly Legal

Copy and paste again.

25.   Wrath Of Titans

As previously established, possibly the 8^th string…

26.   Tulsa Jack

Horse seemed to peak in November last year, when winning at Cork. Chance if able to recapture that form – shortlisted but I expect his form has dropped off for the year.

27.   Futuramic

Seems quite a way out of the handicap, will need a step up to be taken seriously.

28.   Riverside City

Has the occasional 1 by his name, but you’d expect this group much stronger.

Shortlist: My Murphy, Sub Lieutenant, Bonny Kate, Venetian De Mai, Another Hero, Bless the Wings, Killer Crow

The Wandering Shrew - Dubai World Cup Night Preview

California Chrome - a star attraction in the Dubai World Cup

The Dubai World Cup Night featuring the world’s richest horse features a stellar cast with showdowns between Tryster and Intilaaq in the turf and California Chrome against Frosted in the World Cup. The card also features King George winner Postponed and Hong Kong Vase winner Highland Reel in the Classic and old favourite Sole Power who runs his 56^th race in the Sprint. It’s all about the speed and we should hopefully see some close races.

We’ll be back on Sunday night with a preview of the Irish National

Shrew’s Shrewdies

Race Time – Likely Winner – Each Way at a Price

12:20 – Maftool 6/1 – One Man Band 10/1

12:55 – Vazirabad 11/8 (nap) – Star Empire 12/1

1:35 – Vale Dori 4/1 – Lani 14/1

2:10 – Peniaphobia 6/1

2:45 – Muarrab 11/2 – Super Jockey 6/1

3:45 – Intilaaq 5/2 - Flamboyant 33/1                                                                                                                             

4:20 – Highland Reel 4/1

5:00 – California Chrome 11/8 – Special Fighter 14/1

Race By Race Guide

12:20 – Godolphin Mile, 1m

Maftool can give Godolphin a wining start

I’m a sucker for course and distance form and hot favourite Marking is yet to have the two combined but has won over a mile and has won here at Meydan over a shorter trip. Maftool goes well here and is yet to be unplaced. His latest outing over CD was a win over Cool Cowboy who has since franked the form following up in a good group 3. He was allowed to dominate on that day and likely won’t be afforded the luxury today. One Man Band has performed brilliantly all carnival and has won here 7 times already – maybe one too far and others better aimed but worth a shot at the prices.

Sloane Avenue was touched off into 2^nd last year when travelling round the long way – will have to come from a wide stall again and challenge late, but this should be run at a true pace and he should be thereabouts come the end.

12:55 – Dubai Gold Cup, 2m

Vazirabad looks the one to beat in the Gold Cup

Keeping it simple, Vazirabad is the best horse in the race here and will take a lot of beating and he holds Manatee to the tune of 7 lengths based on their run in October. He should cope with the ground well.

The race in previous years though has seen success for UK trained horses and the best chance this year is for Goodwood Cup winner Big Orange who lines up for Michael Bell – he has a bit to find but could be a threat if the favourites weaken. After that we’d be clutching at straws, but Star Empire is preferred over others for a place having won here 3 times before, I would expect him to reverse form with Ceratech today.

1:35 – UAE Derby, 1m1f

Polar River defends an impressive unbeaten run

A small field for this headed by hot favourite Polar River. The filly is 4/4 having picked up the Guineas and Oaks already. Last time out she was less than impressive though in just seeing off Vale Dori though into a 3/4l second. Of the two Vale Dori therefore has shown the most progressive profile and it may be difficult to split them today.

Of the others, the one who looks unexposed is Japenese runner Lani who although losing last time out is a better horse than that and could well bounce back here.

2:10 – Sprint, 5f

Prix De L’Abbaye winner Goldream was a disappointing 7^th on his first start since landing in Meydan. His best form before that had all been on good to firm and you’d be inclined to give him another chance to acclimatise if it weren’t for downbeat bulletins from his trainer. Assuming he isn’t hedging, then he’s one for the note book but opposable today.

56 not out for Eddie Lynam's super sprinter

2015 winner, Sole Power, has been a superstar for many years and I’d love to see him win this again, but I’d expect others to be better than him nowadays. More attractive is last year’s second Peniaphobia who seems to have been consistent since then running well in Hong Kong throughout the winter.

He has a direct form line with Ryan Moore’s mount Not Listenin’tome who was a length third to him in December and will be right in the mix. At the prices to Ertijaal who provides the biggest threat and superb course form coming into the race off the back of three wins.

Lady Shipman is clearly talented but this requires a big step up

2:45 – Golden Shaheen Sprint, 6f

X Y Jet is rapid. He will go from the front and try to make every yard. His frontrunning style may make him vulnerable here. One horse who could pick him up is last year’s second Super Jockey who has been aimed at this and has shown improvement in his last couple of runs.

Rich Tapestry and Muarrab have reversed form with one another last two times out, with the latter coming out on top the latest run – recency bias would prefer the latter but it depends which Rich Tapestry turns up. Reynaldothewizard was third in that race when not fully giving his running, but even at best I think would be held by Muarrab

Confrontation has a bit to find on these but has been running over further – the drop to 6f may well suit.

3:45 – Dubai Turf, 1m1f

Tryster comes into this as one of the most visually impressive performers worldwide and will likely go off favourite based on his exceptional form since coming to Meydan in February. His turn of foot is lethal and he’s sure to go close.

Tryster can put a race to bed in a matter of strides

Intailaaq has some excellent form on good to firm ground in the UK. He was disappointing in last year’s 2000 Guineas but won his two starts well after that. There is a huge unknown as to how he has acclimatised but I think he could be 10 lengths below his most recent start and still go close here.

The Ryan Moore factor will need to come into full effect to bring Real Steel up to the same standard as the principles, but doesn’t have the world to find and could be disputing the finish.

The Corsican has the form to be in the mix up here especially based on his victory over Sky Hunter at Newbury, but this is an altogether different affair and there are a lot of unknowns to take a punt on.

Very Special holds Euro Charline on good course and distance form and might be fancied for minor honours if it weren’t for the slightly better course and distance form of Forries Waltz. Flamboyant has not yet run at Meydan, but is progressive and could well outrun both of them at a better price.

4:20 – Dubai Sheema Classic, 1m4f

King George winner Postponed gives Roger Varian a great chance of winning this race. Victory in his prep race over the consistent Dariyan suggests he has transferred his form across from the UK. He may have to be back to his King George winning best though to fend off two hot rivals in what will be a thrilling race.

Highland Reel strikes a pose -

Can he follow up on his HK Vase win? 

Highland Reel comes here off the back of a top victory beating Flintshire to land the Hong Kong Vase last time out and will be one of Ryan Moore’s best rides of the night. But they are also joined by the exciting Japanese prospect Duramente. He has only raced 4 times but has been impressive coming home in front in the last three, including a win over Real Steel last season – it will be interesting to see how he goes in the turf.

The winner should come from those three – Highland Reel and Duramente look to be more progressive than Postponed, but don’t have the course form. Duramente has a better draw on the inside but Highland Reel will likely get to the front earlier and has the right jockey to keep him there.

5:00 – FEATURE RACE: Dubai World Cup, 1m2f

Keen Ice is the only horse to have beaten last year’s top rated horse in the world American Pharoah and that alone draws some attention to him. He also beat Frosted on that day too and on evidence of what Frosted has achieved since shows that his victory over the best horse in the world was perhaps in small part down to him being a quality horse rather than pure fluke. He hasn’t been at his best since then but is sure to get a good spin round under Ryan Moore from stall 1. Frosted’s prep on the other hand has been good, transferring his good form to win his first race in Meydan by an impressive 5 lengths.

California Chrome has another wide draw to contend with

to go one better than last year

For either to win here today would cause another huge upset to an American favourite as the exceptional California Chrome lines up to contest a race he was second in last year. I have never been to Meydan so don’t know where the car park is situated, but assuming it’s outside the track by the 10f starting post, that’s where California Chrome is drawn. His pure form is good enough to be best in the race and he won well in his prep – but the draw, as it was last year could be the difference between 1^st and 2^nd  although I don’t expect this to be too much of a disadvantage against Frosted who is drawn 9.

Last year he was beaten by 14/1 shot Prince Bishop and it may be worth looking at another bigger priced horse to take him on with today. Hoppertunity lines up for Bob Baffert and being trained by the twice winning trainer gives him a shout, but you’d expect California Chrome to hold form from 2 starts ago.

Mubtaahij won last years UAE derby here by an impressive 8 lengths, but has so far failed to follow up – his two appearances at Meydan recently have been less than inspiring and it would require a big return to form under Christophe Soumillon. Mshawish also ran well here last year only 5 lengths behind Solow who has since proven he’s a top quality performer. He has about 5-7 lenths to find on the principles top form, but should go well for Frankie Dettori out of a nice low draw.

Gun Pit seems to be a progressive Dubawi Colt but was held by Special Fighter on last appearance. The latter appears to go one way or the other and his form when sixth behind Frosted can be dismissed if bouncing back to the form of his last run here.

Vadamos bombed out on his sole venture abroad so far when finished 13/13 on Champions Day at Ascot. Trainer respected, but a big ask first time on the surface.

The Synthetic Shrew - All Weather Championships at Lingfield Park 2016 Preview

£1.1million prize money will be on offer for the richest race day on the all-weather calendar. The very best contenders from the UKs all-weather racecourse congregate on Lingfield to compete in 7 championship categories. In now only it’s 3^rd year, the championships have been an excellent innovation to give the all-weather horses a climax to the season and some exceptional prize money to offer.

Grendisar will be hot favourite to follow up his Winter

Derby win with the all-weather classic

Today, The Whistling Shrew welcomes guest tipster and flat specialist The Synthetic Shrew to preview the championship races where in the feature race Winter Derby winner, Grendisar, is the star of the show and will be hot favourite to follow up. The meeting as a whole serves up as a great addition to the racing calendar as well as a lead into a mouth-watering Dubai World Cup Night where last year's classic winner Tryster will be taking on California Chrome – Plenty of speed and close finishes to savour. At least 8 line up in each race today which means plenty to play for win and each way!

Good Luck,

Stay Shrewd!

Shrew’s Shrewdies

Race Time – Most Likely Winner – E/W at a Price

1:40 – Cold As Ice 8/11 – Saucy Minx 8/1

2:10 – Lancelot Du Lac 11/4 – Lightscameraaction 16/1

2:40 – Moonlight Landing 2/1 – First Mohican 14/1

3:15 – Sovereign Debt 5/2 – Mister Universe 8/1

3:45 – Grendisar 6/5 – Complicit 25/1

4:15 – Gracious John 6/4 – Kadrizzi 6/1

4:45 – Haalik 15/8 – Special Season 9/2 – Reverse Forecast

Race By Race Guide

1:40 - ALL-WEATHER FILLIES´ AND MARES´ CHAMPIONSHIPS CONDITIONS STAKES (CLASS 2) (4yo+)

Cold as Ice had a difficult run last time out and looks to be a worthy favourite. She was closing at the line and the defeat by Rivellino still represents a good enough level of form to win this. The outside draw is statistically a plus over CD and she can’t really be opposed

The betting also highlights her closest pursuer in Volunteer Point who would be the one to pick up the pieces if she underperforms. She has been the more progressive of the two and was not hard pressed when scoring here at the start of the month. She holds Secret Hint and Bint Daddy on form easily on the last two runs, but given that they are priced at 25/1 and 40/1 there is possible value in looking for an improving horse to place ahead of volunteer point.

Saucy Minx scored here on last run and the wider draw may be to her favour here if following the favourite home.

2:10- ALL-WEATHER SPRINT CHAMPIONSHIPS CONDITIONS STAKES (CLASS 2) (4yo+)

This appears to be one of the closer races of the day and there are several contenders who jump of the page.

All speed - Lancelot Du Lac heads the betting in the Sprint

Lancelot Du Lac shares top rating with Goken and Lightscameraaction. He hasn’t run at Lingfield since winning in December 2014 before a spell in Meydan, but has followed up with two wins since his return to the UK all-weather this season including a comfortable win over Intransigent.

Goken won a listed race here in November and may have a bit to find on recent form but as a 4 year old may still be progressive enough to win this – he hasn’t been since that victory and the break is sure to have freshened him up to make a bold bid. A significant market move may be wise to follow.

Lightscameraaction has been much less consistent. On a going day last time out over CD he beat Take Cover, which on his day may be good enough to win this, but his 4^th place behind Rivellino before that left a bit to be desired. Of Rivellino, he is a horse that only seems to win here and the CD form could count a lot.

Gamgoon has run well of late and can hit the frame here, but he seems to lack 1’s after his name for his efforts. Bosham conversely has a lot of 1’s but in lesser company. Realise has run consistently well for his new yard and the drop back in trip is interesting – he will need to prove he has the raw speed to go close.

2-40 ALL-WEATHER MARATHON CHAMPIONSHIPS CONDITIONS STAKES (CLASS 2) (4yo+)

Anglophile lost this race narrowly last year and looks good value at 11/2, but Raif Beckett's Moonlight Landing gave him quite the beating last time out and looks a very likely improver for the step up in distance. This will be his first run at Lingfield since his first 2 races but that may be clutching at straws for reasons to oppose.

Of the others, they seem much of a muchness. If the race were run on turf over hurdles then Pearl Castle would have a hell of a chance… but its not. First Mohican seems the most consistent and is very likeable on best form should the favourite not progress as expected.

3:15 - ALL-WEATHER MILE CHAMPIONSHIPS CONDITIONS STAKES (CLASS 2) (4yo+)

Sovereign Debt is fancied to go close in the mile

Sovereign Debt brings a high level of turf form in to this and was beaten into 2nd in a blanket finish to this race last year. He looked likely to come on for his last run ( same prep race as last year) and is fancied to reverse places with Mister Universe. 

Mindyourownbusiness is the all-weather specialist and has beaten Sovereign Debt when in receipt of 10lbs. With Crowley up he should go well and could make amends for his flop in this last year. He seems to show better form away from Lingfield and at the price has to be opposed.

Captain Cat is not easy to win with but has good turf form and has to have a chance too.

 3:45 - ALL-WEATHER MIDDLE DISTANCE CHAMPIONSHIPS CONDITIONS STAKES (CLASS 2) (4yo+)

Grendisar won the Winter Derby here in February in an authoritative manner and has to be considered a worthy favourite. He has a nice draw on the inside and the booking of Adam Kirby is a big plus. His form this year has been very good and slightly above what it was last season, he has gone from strength to strength and is expected to follow up.

The question then is who follows him home?

Complicit has a bit too find against some of these, but saved his best form last year for two big runs behind Tryster over course and distance. Stall 10 isn’t ideal but he could be worth a shot at the current price of 25/1

Can Maverick Wave reverse form with Grendisar?

Maverick Wave is held by Grendisar on their last meeting and although 4^th last time out the level of form was still good – he’ll be thereabouts and on his best form would probably be favourite – but based on the Winter Derby performance can’t be fancied. Battalion was shaping nicely for a challenge in this before last time out when 6^th over course and distance. Both horses have reasonable draws in the middle of the park but it’s hard to see them getting past the favourite.

Fire Fighting  is another possible danger out of stall 3 but seems to be a better turf horse than all-weather and saves his very best for other tracks. Man Of Harlech does run well here and could hit the frame at a price but you’d have to expect he is of no danger to the favourite who should be well positioned and have enough finishing speed to win this.

4:15 - 3 YEAR OLD SPRINT ALL-WEATHER CHAMPIONSHIPS CONDITIONS STAKES (CLASS 2) (3yo)

Gracious John had a terrible time of things in his last race but still ran on very well in the closing stages. He finished the race lame but still ran on well for third. Given better fortune from stall 2 he looks to be better than these. His main danger may be the improving Wolowitz – but he is too short at 3/1.

Wolowitz did beat Kadrizzi home last time but it didn’t seem the latter gave his running that day. He has shown the best top speed of any of these behind the favourite and is fancied to provide the biggest challenge.

Field of Vision will need to put a disappointing run behind him to feature. Both Agueroooo (one o to many?) and Quatrieme Ami will need a bigger step up than expected but its not beyond reason.

4:45- 3 YEAR OLD MILE CHAMPIONSHIPS CONDITIONS STAKES (CLASS 2) (3yo)

Haalik has some very good turf form and came out recently to win well at the course and there seems little reason why Race Day should reverse the places. That form line would tend to rule out Special Season who is closely matched with Race Day on their 1-2 here in November. Special Season does hold good CD form though and will go close; but his run last time out puts me off.  

The bigger danger may come from Cape Speed who is improving and stepped up to the distance well last time out when winning at Kempton. He holds distance form over the favourite but will have to improve again to challenge.