We definitely should have walked away with two wins on Saturday, but Paul Townend didn't respect the cash!
Kitzbuhel found himself travelling nicely into the race, but for whatever reason, Paul Townend managed to find no space in a six-runner field, which is pretty incredible. It took a while for him to get a gap, and a while to accelerate, but when he hit top gear, it was far too late, and by that point, Paul had to switch him again!
Profit was secured as Sean Bowen managed to fire home Resplendent Grey in typical Bowen fashion. The horse travelled much better in the cheekpieces than he did at Cheltenham, and he powered up the Sandown hill, which isn't a surprise given how well he stayed over further at Cheltenham.
Map Of Stars 6/4 – Longchamp 3.25
If this race was on soft ground, which is apparently is according to the Racing Post (it definitely isn't), I'd fancy Al Riffa to win this Group 1 as he looks mustard on testing ground, but since Paris has been getting plenty of sun and warm weather, I think the better ground will be advantageous to Map Of Stars.
This is a good Group 1, not outstanding as it's a small field and not every runner is proven at this level, but Map Of Stars is a horse on the up and based on what he achieved last year and the way he has started this season, he could take some stopping for F-H Graffard and Mickael Barzalona.
He is a very lightly raced four-year-old, and his only defeat came at this track on testing ground when he was ridden towards the rear and didn't get the clearest of runs through. Since then, he has been ridden closer to the pace to avoid trouble in running from happening, so I expect something similar today.
He is 2/2 this season, and he beat Horizon Dore last time out and created a very nice impression by recording a 2.5L victory, producing an RPR of 122 (career best).
Caballo De Mar 5/1 – Southwell 6.45
For long-staying races, I like to look for the improver and horse who is still progressing rather than the horses who have been in and around that level and rarely get a win, which is why I have sided with Caballo De Mar.
George Scott's four-year-old arrives with four wins on the bounce and has continued to progress at a fast pace throughout. He started off as a 64 rated horse and is now rated 85, and now he runs over two miles for the first time, which looks sure to suit based on how he has been winning over shorter.
Last time out at Southwell he beat Gibside, and even though there is a small swing in the weights with that horse today, I can't see how a reverse in that form will be formed as he was well on top at the line and I think he will be even better over today's longer trip.
GambleAware