A look at Bath Good Friday

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13:40 BathFri 7 Apr 6f Hcap

  1. Exceed: This lightly-raced maiden showed significant improvement in his latest race at Southwell, finishing a close second. His quick return to turf and a slightly longer trip should suit him well, making him a strong contender to win this race if he can maintain his recent form.
  2. Captain Dandy: This Dandy Man colt won a Wolverhampton handicap comfortably last month, raising his form to a new level. He is a big player if he can transfer his form back to turf and has the potential to improve further from his current mark.
  3. Ma Famille: This well-bred filly has shown promise in her maiden runs and appears to be an interesting contender as she switches to a handicap. She has a slow-ground winner on her dam’s side, which might give her an edge in this race. Furthermore, she is trained by a reputable yard, which increases her chances of success.

Other possible contenders:

  • Lukla: This unexposed runner has shown promise in his previous races and has soft-ground winners in his pedigree. He could be dangerous after a 220-day break, especially if he can handle the slower conditions.
  • Ok Pal: This horse has shown good form recently, and though he’s unexposed on turf, he could make a bold bid on this drop back in trip if he can maintain his form.

Unlikely winners:

  • Byefornow: Although she won her debut race, she has not performed well in her recent handicaps and has a 1-9 record. The switch back to turf might help, but other contenders seem more convincing.
  • Furnicoe: With 0-13 record and being well below form in her last three starts, Furnicoe doesn’t seem to be a persuasive contender in this race.
  • Harry With Style: This nine-race maiden has been expensive to follow and has shown poor form in his last two starts, making him an unlikely winner in this race.

14:15 BathFri 7 Apr 5f Hcap

  1. Enraged: With two wins from four runs last year and an impressive third place in her last race at Newcastle, she has shown consistency and potential. Her yard is in good form, and she is feasibly treated off only 1lb higher than her close third at Newcastle. Enraged is a strong contender and should be in the mix for the win.
  2. Show Compassion: This lightly raced horse has been performing well, finishing second in her last race at Wolverhampton. Although she is still a maiden, she has demonstrated potential and could transfer her form back to turf, making her a serious contender.
  3. Kensington Agent: With a C&D win and a good record since returning to AW, including a win at Chelmsford in February, she has shown promise. Kensington Agent is lightly raced in this sphere and should be respected as a possible winner.

Others to watch:

  • Mary Of Modena: With three wins from nine runs last year and a creditable third place at Lingfield in her last race, she could make a strong showing on any ground.
  • Shesadabber: After a good second place at Catterick, she is now with a new yard and could potentially perform well on the front end.
  • Bluebell Time: Although inconsistent, she had a career-best win over C&D last May and could potentially bounce back after a break.

Less likely to win:

  • Alaskan Jewel: Given her patchy profile and lack of experience on soft ground, she is less likely to win.
  • Frisky: With only one win in 15 races and a poor performance at Wolverhampton, her chances of winning are slim.
  • Rhubarb: Despite having four wins last year, her recent form at Wolverhampton was disappointing and she still has to prove herself on soft ground.

14:50 BathFri 7 Apr 1m3f Hcap

  1. Meisterzinger: This horse has been in great form, winning both of its starts this year, including a minor event at Kempton. It seems to be in a good mood and could perform well back in handicap company.
  2. Fast Forward: With two wins from five runs last year, Fast Forward had a good season. It didn’t have the best position in its recent race at Wolverhampton, but it can potentially get back to winning ways if it gets a better chance.
  3. Boy George: After a five-month break, Boy George shaped as if it needed a run when finishing fifth at Wolverhampton. It could fare better this time around, especially back up in trip.

Other horses with a chance:

  • My Brother Mike: This C&D winner could perform well when back up in trip and returned to this venue. Its recent run at Southwell might have been needed after a three-month break.
  • Sociologist: Although it needs to get back on track, Sociologist is now 2 lb below its last winning mark and could potentially bounce back if in good form.

Unlikely to win:

  • Bobby Kennedy: This horse hasn’t shown much promise in its last four starts and would need a significant improvement to be in contention.
  • Gold Souk: Even though it showed some improvement in its last run at Lingfield, other horses seem to have stronger chances in this race.
  • Manyana: This horse needs to find more after being below form in its last race at Chelmsford City, and it will be returning from a break.

15:25 BathFri 7 Apr 1m3f Hcap

  1. King Eagle: Boasting an excellent pedigree, King Eagle has shown improvement with each race and has the potential to perform even better this year. Gelded and with two wind surgeries under his belt, the lightly raced horse comes from a yard with a strong record at this venue.
  2. Gastronomy: This thrice-raced maiden displayed promise at Wolverhampton and is respected in his handicap debut. Although he is untested on soft ground, his dam has produced runners who can handle these conditions. As he moves up in trip, Gastronomy could be a strong contender.
  3. Reach: An impressive winner at Pontefract, Reach has more to offer at this distance. Despite a below-par performance in his last outing, he is weighted well for his return and could be a force to be reckoned with if he is in good form.

Other contenders:

  • Cabrakan: A versatile horse with wins both on the flat and over hurdles, Cabrakan has solid claims in this sphere. However, there is a going query due to his missed soft-ground engagements.
  • Sword Beach: With good form on soft ground and a recent promising run at Kempton, Sword Beach is worth considering, especially as his weight has dropped in recent races.
  • Atlantis Blue: A fair maiden with potential, Atlantis Blue performed well in his last race at Newmarket. However, the trip and the absence of a regular hood may temper enthusiasm.
  • Talap: A dual 1m4f winner, Talap’s stamina under the conditions is uncertain, but he warrants a market check for his new yard.
  • V Twelve: Lightly raced and showing ability over hurdles, V Twelve may have more to offer on the flat. Although the pedigree doesn’t suggest a stayer, his performance on soft ground at 1m2f makes him an interesting prospect.

Unlikely contenders:

  • Alpine Stroll: Despite some past successes, Alpine Stroll has struggled recently, particularly on soft ground. He needs to recapture his form to have a chance in this race.
  • Daniel Deronda: With eleven runs since his last win, Daniel Deronda has to show he can reproduce his best form under these conditions. More is needed for him to be considered a serious contender.
  • At Liberty: Though At Liberty has had some success, he has a little to prove overall after his winter break. While he could give a good account after the break, his chances of winning are not as strong as others in the field.

16:00 BathFri 7 Apr 1m2f Hcap

  1. Knight Of Kings: This horse has shown progressive form in middle-distance handicaps, including on soft ground, during his 2021 campaign. Despite a long absence and a reasonable effort on his comeback run, he remains well handicapped and is very interesting now back up in trip.
  2. Daphne May: Although she wasn’t at her best at Lingfield last time, she has proven to be effective on soft turf and could bounce back with a big run. She may be worth another chance to return to her previous form.
  3. Caracristi: With wins at Wolverhampton on the AW and effective on soft turf, Caracristi could be thereabouts in this race. She has been only nudged up 2 lb and remains competitive.

Horses that could also be in with a chance:

  • Superstar Dj: Lightly raced and has to prove his stamina, but the trip might suit him, and he could have more to offer.
  • Chagall: While unproven over this longer trip, Chagall has won on heavy ground earlier in his career and could go well if his good form continues.
  • Order Of St John: He goes well fresh and is on a competitive mark based on last year’s best Flat efforts. Not to be ruled out.

Horses unlikely to win:

  • Adaayinourlife: This horse is inconsistent and unproven on turf, making it difficult to consider as a top contender.
  • Ebury: Winless since September 2019, and with the question of whether the longer trip will suit, Ebury is not the most persuasive option.
  • Latent Heat: Struggling to get competitive in the second half of last year and unproven at this trip, Latent Heat isn’t among the top choices.
  • Uther Pendragon: Despite being below his last winning mark, his recent AW runs haven’t shown a return to winning ways is imminent.

16:35 BathFri 7 Apr 1m Hcap

  1. Dabbous: Having recently won at Chelmsford, Dabbous is unexposed and could be a strong contender if he can maintain the same form on turf. His recent victory, combined with the retained cheekpieces, makes him a likely candidate for success in this race.
  2. Landlordtothestars: This promising individual won at Southwell in February and had a creditable second-place finish at Wolverhampton. Although there may be some concern about the longer trip on testing ground, he should have more to offer and is one to watch.
  3. Double Down: With a good second-place finish at Kempton last month, Double Down could be in contention in this race. The addition of first-time cheekpieces may further enhance his chances.

Others with a chance:

  • Johnjay: Showed ability in his previous races and could be better than his opening mark. Not to be ruled out on his stable debut, especially if the betting market indicates support.
  • Monophonic: A creditable third place at Dundalk and now down in trip for his turf debut. The change in yard and addition of cheekpieces could bring out further improvement.
  • Schumann: Has shown potential in previous races and could be a contender on handicap debut with first-time cheekpieces. Trainer’s horses are in good form.

Unlikely to win:

  • Estehwadh: Has been down the field in his recent starts and needs a significant improvement to be in contention.
  • Rory The Cat: Tailed off on his return on AW, he needs to leave that run far behind in order to have a chance in this race, even with the addition of a visor.
  • Madam Macho: Failed to threaten in her previous handicaps and requires a much bigger performance to be in contention. However, she’s had a good break and her pedigree offers some potential.

17:10 BathFri 7 Apr 1m Hcap

  1. Waleyfa: Impressive winner on stable debut at Lingfield (AW) and still well treated under a 5lb penalty. Has shown fair form on turf in the past and may still have more to offer for her new yard. Definitely one to watch.
  2. Seattle King: Though 0-18 since his successful debut, he was only half a length behind Recuerdame at Lingfield (AW) 11 days ago. With more experience on turf than Recuerdame, Seattle King should be considered as a strong contender.
  3. Non Mollare: Produced a career-best performance to win at Wolverhampton (AW) 8 days ago. She carries a 5lb penalty, but it’s unclear how she’ll perform on grass. Nevertheless, she cannot be discounted given her recent form.

Others in the mix:

  • Love Destiny: Showed improvement at Kempton (AW) four weeks ago and has previously won on turf. If he continues to progress, he could be in contention.
  • Recuerdame: A recent winner at Lingfield (AW), but unproven on turf. If he can translate his AW form to grass, he could be a threat.
  • Moon Over The Sea: Successful on the AW but has plenty to prove at this shorter distance on turf. If soft ground increases the test, he could be involved.

Unlikely to win:

  • Barneys Gift: Poor form recently, needs cheekpieces to make a significant difference.
  • Bawaader: Has been below par in recent handicaps and may be best watched for now.
  • Come To Pass: Limited success on turf and others appear more appealing.
  • Cosa Sara: Returns from a long break and soft ground is a concern.
  • Fanzone: Ground and stamina concerns make him less likely to be a contender.
  • Lightning Attack: Hasn’t shown much in recent starts and has a lot to prove.
  • Opticality: Poor recent form, has undergone wind surgery, and is trying a visor for the first time.

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