Sons And Lovers scraped home for the Irish at Longchamp.
Sometimes you benefit from a result which shouldn't have gone your way, and that was definitely the case. Mikael Barzalona isn't a jockey I rate highly, and he proved why I think that. He should have won that race on his mount, but he held on for far too long. Fair play to my horse, who battled back after being headed a couple of times.
Alam is a horse I wouldn't want to give up on just yet over the 12f. He was keen, and that's a surprise given the pace they went at. He stayed on under PC Boudot, but didn't get there in time. I think he's a Group 1 winner in waiting.
Aberama Gold 10/3 (1pt) – Catterick 3.40
The Good Biscuit hasn't got a win this year, when probably deserving at least one on the CV. He has a close form line with Aberama Gold, but I've sided with the nine-year-old.
Apart from The Good Biscuit, nothing else really stands out. Two Commanders makes his handicap debut, and could be anything. However, based on his three runs to date, he doesn't look to be on a tempting official rating. Awraad is dropping down the weights and gets a 5lb claimer in the saddle, but her recent form isn't good.
The O'Meara yard is severely out of form, and Tudhope is not a jockey I like to put my money on, but I like the horse. He has already got a win this year, and has been knocking on the door since. He won over course and distance in late April off a 2lb higher handicap mark, so he's definitely on a good mark.
Anchiano 10/1 (1pt) – Yarmouth 6.10
I could be reading into this completely wrong, but seeing the odds at 10/1 for Anchiano makes me want to take a chance.
I think it speaks volumes of the favourite that he was sent off as a 40/1 outsider for his debut, which saw him finish second. George Scott is a trainer who has to be respected when the money is down, especially on their juvenile horses. The fact that he was not to be seen in the market is strange when you consider he went very close.
Anchiano was sent off 11/10F for his debut, and he did the complete opposite, running very badly. George has some smart juveniles in his yard, so seeing this lad backed into that price makes me think he shows a lot at home and can be given a chance. Darragh Keenan has been the most used jockey for this yard this season. Whether or not he'd have the pick of the two with Oisin riding the favourite, I'm not sure. He could be a crazy price.
GambleAware