13:30 Thu 11 May 2023

CAA STELLAR HANDICAP (2)

Distance 5f 15y

Prize £20,384 Rated (0-105) Age 4yo+ Race State Declaration Surface Turf Runners 8

Going Soft

1. Kings Lynn: Kings Lynn is a high-class sprinter with useful course and distance form at this meeting for the last two years. Despite a hampered early and beaten run on his reappearance, he has shown adaptability across different surfaces. However, his high draw could be a potential disadvantage.
2. Look Out Louis: Look Out Louis has won all three course handicaps, including this race last year, and continued to improve with another course and distance win. He made a satisfactory return in an All-Weather (AW) Listed race and is expected to have another good year. However, his rising mark could be a challenge to overcome.
3. Harrys Bar: Despite being winless on turf in 14 attempts, Harry’s Bar has demonstrated his ability to perform on grass, with a close second place in Listed company at Naas in 2021. He is currently in form, but any substantial rainfall could potentially impact his performance.
4. Nymphadora: Nymphadora is a Listed winner as a 2-year-old and is weighted well based on her useful second places in handicaps last year, including over course and distance at this meeting. However, she wasn’t seen after July, and while she’s entitled to improve on her recent Bath return, a stiffer test at 5 furlongs might suit her better.

Overlooked Horse:

Night On Earth: Night On Earth has demonstrated good form at this course, including a ready course and distance win in August 2021. Although his recent performances with no aids for the new yard have been lacklustre, the re-fitting of cheekpieces and a return to this course might see him improve. Moreover, he has a significant weights turnaround with the winner Look Out Louis when he finished third in this race last year, which could be a factor in this race.

14:05 Thu 11 May 2023

DEEPBRIDGE CAPITAL HANDICAP (2)

Distance 7f 127y

Prize £20,384 Rated (0-100) Age 3yo Race State Declaration Surface Turf Runners 9

Going Soft

1. Theoryofeverything: A well-bred colt, Theoryofeverything made a strong impression with a significant win on his Doncaster debut and followed up with a creditable third place in the Greenham at Newbury, despite his relative lack of experience. The fact that both of these races were at 7 furlongs on soft ground suggests he’ll cope well with today’s conditions. The negative aspect is his wide draw which might pose a challenge.
2. Surely Not: This gelding demonstrated significant improvement post his gelding operation, evident in his winning reappearance in a 15-runner Newmarket handicap. His performance was pleasing and the stable’s consistent good form offers hope for further improvement. However, it’s worth noting that his Newmarket success may have been aided by the race’s fast early pace.
3. Vetiver: Vetiver returned to action with an easy win over the extended 1 mile at Beverley, following up on a ready win at the same course last autumn. She is definitely capable of better, but an opening mark of 90 will demand more from her.
4. Promoter: After a comfortable win of a 7-furlong Chepstow novice on soft ground last September, Promoter didn’t fare well in the Group 3 Horris Hill at Newbury. However, he is the type of horse expected to progress this year. His opening mark may appear tough based on bare form, but he’s one to watch.

Overlooked Horse:

Lord Uhtred: Lord Uhtred showed improvement with each start as a 2-year-old, and was particularly promising when winning on Kempton All-Weather (7 furlongs) on his final start. Despite being caught away from the main action on his reappearance at Newbury, he may be worth another chance to demonstrate he’s capable of better.

14:40 Thu 11 May 2023

BOODLES DEE STAKES (Listed) (1)

Distance 1m 2f 70y

Prize £56,020 Age 3yo Race State Declaration Surface Turf Runners 8

Going Soft

1. Local Dynasty: This horse has a promising track record, with three wins at lower levels and a performance in the Group 3 Acomb at York. Despite not winning in York, the experience of high-level competition may be beneficial. He’s proven on various ground types, and his win at Pontefract suggests that he can handle the distance. However, giving weight all around in this race could be a challenge, and he would need to improve on his previous performances to secure a win.
2. San Antonio: With a Derby entry and a dam that came second in the Irish Oaks, San Antonio has an impressive pedigree. He’s shown improvement in recent races, notably winning at Dundalk. While his form is not the best in this field, he seems likely to continue improving, and his yard’s strong record in this race is promising. The soft ground should not be an issue for him given his past performances.
3. Alder: Alder has shown strong form, placing third in a Group 2 at Leopardstown and showing improvement in a conditions event at Cork. He’s the form pick for this race and seems to be a promising contender. His entries into the Dante, Derby, and King Edward VII further underscore his potential. However, it remains to be seen how he will handle the increased competition in this race.
4. Passenger: A promising second foal with a sibling who’s a winner at 1m1f/1m3f and a dam who’s a 1m winner. He showed promise at Newmarket, leading just over 1f out before clearing by 3 lengths. Although the form of that race hasn’t been thoroughly tested, he demonstrated potential that may translate well into this race.

15:15 Thu 11 May 2023

tote.co.uk BET £5 GET £20 ORMONDE STAKES (Group 3) (1)

Distance 1m 5f 84y

Prize £67,224 Age 4yo+ Race State Declaration Surface Turf Runners 8

Going Soft

1. Changingoftheguard: This front-runner has proven himself at Chester before, with an easy win in the Chester Vase. He’s also shown his mettle in the Derby at Epsom and the Group 2 King Edward VII at Royal Ascot, despite having some health issues. His lengthy absence due to a reported hairline fracture could be a concern, but if he returns in good form, he’s a strong contender.
2. Hamish: Despite being lightly raced in recent seasons, Hamish has consistently delivered strong performances. He won this race last year and had excellent subsequent performances in the Irish St Leger and at Ascot. His preference for softer ground should work in his favour in this race.
3. Max Vega: Max Vega has a solid record at Newbury, including a career-best performance in a Group 3 race. He’s not raced here before, which may be a disadvantage, and his form seemed to dip a bit at Newbury last month. However, if he can reach his previous heights, he has a chance of performing well in this race.
4. Enemy: Enemy has shown substantial progress in his initial starts and after wind surgery, he reached new heights this year. He’s effective at this distance, but he may struggle if the ground is worse than good to soft. His form dipped in his latest race at Meydan, but that was in a higher grade, so this race could be more within his reach.

Overlooked Horse:

Old Harrovian: Despite a poor debut and a long absence, Old Harrovian demonstrated impressive form with substantial wins at Lingfield and Wolverhampton. While he’s facing much stronger competition in this race, it’s hard to gauge his potential, and he could surprise us with a strong performance. His ability to improve and adapt will be key to his performance in this race.

15:45 Thu 11 May 2023

TMT GROUP HANDICAP (3)

Distance 1m 2f 70y

Prize £12,740 Rated (0-90) Age 4yo+ Race State Declaration Surface Turf Runners 13

Going Soft

1. Box To Box: He’s a triple winner around this trip, including a win at this track last year. His recent performances in Bahrain have not been as strong, but he’s back to 1lb higher than his last winning mark, which might be a significant advantage. However, his recent form is a concern.
2. Dream Harder: All his four wins have been on Tapeta, with the latest at Wolverhampton. He returned to peak form on his latest start at Lingfield Polytrack, and while he’s not had a major role in his turf starts, he’s been competitive. A major role in this race demands better form, which is a challenge.
3. Dark Pine: A course and distance winner at this meeting two years ago on his only run at Chester; he is 3lb lower today having not won since, missing a significant part of last season. His form in the early part of this year has been below par, so others might have more pressing claims.
4. City Streak: He improved his RPR with every start last year, including when runner-up in a course and distance handicap. He made a solid return on AW three weeks ago and looks to be one of today’s principals. However, the switch from AW to turf might be a potential concern.

Overlooked Horse:

Jean Baptiste: Often a front-runner but drawn wide today; he had a course and distance win last June off 1lb lower in the first leg of a double. He was competitive on most starts in 2022, which was not the case on either run this term but if he can regain his form, he can be a significant player.

16:20 Thu 11 May 2023

BRITISH EBF RUBY ANNIVERSARY MAIDEN STAKES (2)

Distance 5f 15y

Prize £12,740 Age 2yo Race State Declaration Surface Turf Runners 10

Going Soft

1. John Steed: Despite an unlucky draw, this horse made a positive debut at Bath. The experience from that run and his prior exposure to the course and distance in the Lily Agnes yesterday could be advantageous. However, his wide stall position could be a potential drawback.
2. She’s Smart: As the only runner with the benefit of experience at Newmarket’s 5f, she could be a strong contender. Despite getting shuffled back early in yesterday’s run here, she now has a better draw. Her performance might depend on how well she has recovered from her recent race.
3. Innvincible Friend: After a decent performance on his debut at Ripon, this horse seems to be in good form. His proximity to the leaders despite being easy to back at 11-1 suggests potential. However, as a relatively inexperienced horse, it remains to be seen how he will fare against more experienced runners.
4. Hackman: With a promising third-place finish at Newmarket, Hackman demonstrated a strong understanding of his job. The novice race at Newmarket usually indicates decent form, which is a positive sign. His wide stall, however, could be a hindrance.

Overlooked Horse:

Big Time Rascal: A second foal with a dam that was Listed-placed and is a half-sister to some notable winners, this horse has a strong pedigree. The sire’s influence for speed could be a significant advantage, and from stall 3, he could easily make his presence felt, despite being a newcomer.

16:55 Thu 11 May 2023

HALLIWELL JONES HANDICAP (4)

Distance 1m 4f 63y

Prize £12,740 Rated (0-85) Age 3yo Race State Declaration Surface Turf Runners 9

Going Soft

1. Cantora: Proven on soft ground and in nurseries, Cantora has shown impressive form recently, having won at Beverley and placing a close second at Redcar. She’s been raised another 11lb, which may be a challenge, but given her dam was a 1m4f winner, this filly has the potential to follow suit. Her tendency to race a bit freely could, however, potentially impact her stamina over this longer trip.
2. Nobody Told Me: This horse has shown good form on soft ground this season at Doncaster, winning in his latest race at 1m4f. The additional 6lb could be a challenge, but his late surge in his last race suggests he has the stamina for this longer trip.
3. Forceful Speed: With wins over 9.4f and 1m2f, Forceful Speed’s record suggests he will stay the distance. His form has been fair in his recent starts, but there could be some improvement since his reappearance. The addition of a hood and tongue tie, both for the first time, may help him focus and improve his performance.
4. Demilion: An improved performance when second at Doncaster suggests that Demilion is making progress. Although he was unable to compete with some promising rivals at Newmarket, moving up to 1m4f could be beneficial. He is noted for racing freely, so it will be important to see if he can maintain a steady pace over the increased distance.

Overlooked Horse:

Sovereign Spirit: This horse has been a clearcut winner in his last two starts over 1m4f on the AW at Lingfield. Despite carrying a penalty of 6lb, Sovereign Spirit is on a winning streak and cannot be easily dismissed. His recent form suggests he could be a dark horse in this race.