Dick Turpin can make fitness edge count
RICHARD Hannon had a remarkable season in 2010 and the two main highlights were surely Canford Cliffs and DICK TURPIN. The stablemates locked horns in the Greenham, the 2,000 Guineas and the St James’s Palace and the score currently stands at 2-1 to Dick Turpin.
It may seem strange then that Paddy Power have Dick Turpin at 4/1 and Canford Cliffs at 4/5 for tomorrow’s Group 1 Lockinge Stakes (3.45pm), especially as the former already has the benefit of a run this campaign. That was a hugely impressive reappearance at Sandown when he dismissed Cityscape, Dream Eater and Music Show with consummate ease.
The stable certainly seem to think that Canford Cliffs just has the edge, but this could be the time to oppose him. He will come on for the run and it’s worth bearing in mind that he was beaten both times he raced on a straight course last season. Needing a bend may be a red herring, but I’d favour his stablemate on this occasion.
Twice Over has been a fantastic servant for Henry Cecil, but this trip is surely going to be on the short side. Cityscape would definitely come into it if the rain arrived, but the others look like they are playing for places. Dick Turpin is an each-way bet to nothing at 4/1 with Paddy Power and I actually think he can win.
The same connections could be in high spirits this afternoon when TRUMPET MAJOR lines up in the first at Newbury (1.40pm). He is quite literally the spitting image of Dick Turpin, as he has the same owner, trainer and father, and he is well regarded at home.
Over at York, John Gosden’s DUNCAN should take all the beating in the Group 2 Yorkshire Cup (2.30pm). He had a decent campaign last year, winning the Group 2 Prix Foy at Longchamp in September which set up a crack at the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe. That was aiming slightly too high, but he has been gelded this winter, has been working really well at home and has always looked like he’d love this 1m6f trip.
It’s interesting that Ed Dunlop is sending RED CADEAUX on the long trek from Newmarket to Hamilton this evening. He runs in the Listed William Hill Braveheart Stakes over 1m4f (6.55pm) and will appreciate the drop back in trip. He’s not the easiest to win with, but he was a well backed favourite in last week’s Chester Cup and the forecast rain is a bonus.
The best trade of the weekend has to be a back to lay of AKMAL on Betdaq at Newbury tomorrow (2.00pm). He is more than capable of winning a race like this judged by his Henry II win at Sandown last year. However, he is certain to trade short in running with Richard Hills sending him off in front and it may be worth pressing the escape button rounding the home turn.
With the Investec Derby Festival just three weeks away, Epsom have announced the launch of the Jockey Club’s first racecourse iPhone App. This is an absolute must for anyone attending the Festival and you will be able to view racecards, latest odds, results and video footage, along with photo galleries and historical information about the racecourse.
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