Wednesday 18th May

Wednesday got off to a bad start with Russian Virtue (unplaced) at Yarmouth, alarmingly weak just before the off due to sustained support for the winner, but (according to Sky) the selection had little chance of getting home with the furious pace set by Benoit De La Sayette; we then had a long wait until Kempton’s evening fixture with Fiorina (2^nd 3/1) ran a blinder but just missed out in a tight finish and we still have one to run later Spring Glow (7:30) who I would have picked as my least likely chance of the three, but hopefully I’m wrong!

Thursday 19th May

At Wolverhampton, I think Last Hoorah looks overpriced for the 3-y-o seven-furlong handicap (2:20). He improved with racing as a juvenile and won two from four when stepped up to seven furlongs, including a placed effort in Sweden. He signed off last year with a win in a Kempton novice conceding wight all round under a penalty. The son of Bated Breath was gelded over the winter and returned this season finishing eight of ten at Musselburgh. Last Hoorah was weak in the market and tired on his first start after a break eventually beaten 6¾ lengths, but that race I’ve mentioned before as boasting strong form. Archie Watson is trying cheekpieces again, as he did for the Kempton win. This looks a hot contest for the grade, but the price is too big to resist:

Wolverhampton 2:20 – LAST HOORAH – ½ point each-way @ 16/1 (several firms)

In the listed Prix Finlande at Longchamp (4:16) I expect Raclette to advertise her claims for the French Oaks next month. Andre Fabre tested her French Guineas credentials with a run in the Prix de la Grotte where she was beaten less than five lengths in eighth behind four of the first five home in the Guineas including the winner Mangoustine. The daughter of Frankel is expected to be fitter for this assignment and stepping up to nine furlongs should suit. No early prices for France races but she might be worth a bet for the Prix De Diane with 6/1 Sky Bet 11/2 others] on Sunday 19^th June.

Looking ahead to Friday and while there is no lack of decent racing, I am not expecting a busy day. There are a couple of potential bets that I need to wait for going confirmation and will update on Friday morning.