Monday 29th May

[Devasteve]

Well Saturday was the disaster that I sort of expected. See what today brings, though it's a little rushed as my holiday comes on Thursday this week!

Redcar 15.25 Cl 2 Hcap 162 (102) 10f gd/fm – 10 Run

Last year – 162 (104) gd/fm 12 ran
Revolutionist 8/1 4-9-10 (100) Dr 10 by 1.25l from Central Square 9/4 F 4-9-0 (90) Dr 2
Swift Emperor 8/1 4-8-13 (89) Dr 9 was 2l 3rd

King Bolete 5-10-0 (102) Dr 6
Made all in winning his first two starts last season having moved over from the Cumani yard, but perhaps failed to stay the step up 14f off a 10lbs higher mark at Goodwood last July; his 2 runs since have both been when acting as pacemaker for stable companion Postponed at York last August and Meydan in March; while these can be ignored from a form point of view one wonders what effect they may have had on the horse himself; moreover, he has yet to win above Cl 3 and drops back in trip for his return.
Plus: class (F); going (W); distance (W); trainer 14d; trainer (C); down in class;
Minus: curse (?); 86-day break;
Verdict: capable front-runner who can go well fresh. But not sure the drop in trip suits under this welter burden and not the strongest contender perhaps.
Banditry 5-9-3 (91) Dr 2
Has won 3 times over 10f in a hood since joining this yard at the start of last season and maybe found 12f in a visor not to his liking at Newmarket early month; had previously put up a career best when finishing runner-up Brorocco in the City & Suburban at Epsom; notice we’re back to the hood today!
Plus: class (W); going (W); distance (W); trainer (14d); trainer (C); recent outing (22 days); down in trip; down 1lb;
Minus: course (?);
Verdict: chances on Epsom running and a contender.
Briardale 5-9-2 (90) Dr 8
21 May Cl 2 Hcap (140) 9f gd Rip 15/2 0.25l 2/9 off 90
tracked leaders, went 2nd 2f out, strong challenge and every chance throughout final furlong, no extra final strides
Has been in good form of late winning over 10f at Newcastle last month and then only just being denied by Gurkha Friend in a career best at Ripon last week when Rainbow Rebel (-3) was 1l back in 4th; runs off the same mark today and should confirm that running.
Plus: class (F); going (W); distance (W); trainer (14d); recent form run (8 days);
Minus: course;
Verdict: in good form and obviously still improving, a contender.
Euchen Glen 4-9-0 (88) Dr 7
09 May Cl 4 Hcap (60) 10f gd/fm 13/2 1.25l 1/8 off 83
held up towards rear, headway over 1f out, ridden to lead inside final furlong, kept on well
Back in winning form over this distance at Ayr earlier in the month and while he’s been raised 5lbs there could well be more to come; however, has never won above Cl 4 before;
Plus: going (W); distance (W); trainer (14d); trainer (C); recent form run (20 days);
Minus: class; course (?); up 2 classes; up 5lbs;
Verdict: improving sort and a likely contender despite the rise in class.

Normally a competitive race, but this year seems a little short on contenders. I can’t fancy last year’s third Swift Emperor off 5lbs worse terms, and while Hibou will appreciate the step back up in trip on his second run back, he is 11lbs higher than when winning over C&D back in October. Mark Johnson is trying to win the race for the third year in a row but while Rainbow Rebel looks his best hope, he does have something to find Briardale on their Ripon running last week. Looking at my quartet, break, trip and weight all count against King Bolete and he’s the first to be cut. Not much between the other three though, especially if you forget Banditry’s last start, but Euchen Glenn has to prove he can win at this level and thus I’m more inclined to go with Briardale from Banditry and Euchen Glenn.