Alan Thomson, the former Racing Editor at the Daily Record, picks out five to follow at Doncaster and Newbury on Saturday afternoon
CASAMENTO (2.55) can lead home a strong Irish challenge in Saturday’s Racing Post Trophy at Doncaster. Michael Halford must have been pleasantly surprised when Sheikh Mohammed sent him this imposing colt and Casamento carried the famous maroon and white silks to victory on his Tipperary debut. Halford pitched him into Group 1 company in the National Stakes at the Curragh where Pathfork proved just too strong. However, Casamento wasted no time time mopping up the Beresford Stakes next time and he can justify ante-post favouritism.
Earlier on the card, GALTYMORE LAD (2.25) is strongly advised. He has been unfortunate to bump into Wootton Bassett twice this season but has gone down on both occasions with all guns blazing. Mick Channon has his string in terrific order and any more rain falling on Town Moor will further strengthen confidence in Galtymore Lad’s prospects.
At Newbury, WHISPERING GALLERY (2.40) can land the Group 3 St Simon Stakes. He was beaten on the nod by Laaheb at Ascot last month having earlier galloped his rivals into submission on soft ground at Windsor.
Betting ELZAAM (2.05) in the Horris Hill Stakes doesn’t come without its risks as he hasn’t been seen since flopping at odds-on at Newmarket’s July meeting. However, a repeat of his brilliant effort when nailed on the line by Strong Suit in the Coventry Stakes at Royal Ascot would make him hard to beat and Michael Jarvis reaches for the blinkers in his desire to sharpen Elzaam’s concentration.
POCKETWOOD (5.25) has been very lightly campaigned in recent times but really appreciated the testing ground at Salisbury when putting his rivals to the sword in no uncertain terms. If soft ground prevails again in the Bathwick Tyres Lady Jockeys’ Championship Handicap, Pocketwood has every chance of improving on his third place behind Blazing Bailey in the same race two seasons ago when racing off an identical rating.
Tally Ho
Alan
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