ITV Racing Tips 12 May 2018: Lingfield, Ascot And Haydock On The Agenda

ITV Racing Tips 12 May 2018: Lingfield, Ascot And Haydock On The Agenda
20:00, 11 May 2018

I have mixed feelings on Saxon Warrior's win last Satuday. I was in awe as I watched him forge clear, but whilst doing so I missed Newport County star Padraig Amond’s goal-scoring header at Brunton Park in our 1-1 draw at Carlisle. I was really taken by Saxon Warrior, I thought he drew clear very well and he won the race with a good time too. He’ll improve with a trip and he will prove very difficult to beat in the Derby.

This week was Chester’s May Festival, and it really is a fantastic and unique racing venue. Young Rascal looked pretty good in the Chester Vase, but Rostropovich was the one I was really excited by. I don’t know where he will go next, but I imagine he will among one of the best from Ballydoyle this year.

But last week’s big talking point was a horrific mass brawl at Goodwood on Saturday, which sadly is extremely damaging to the sport. Racing security needs to up its game because days like this draw in the big groups of ‘lads’ and it’s inevitable that something will kick-off at some point when alcohol is around. We need a presence and a bit of order, and although racing is strict, a good bouncer would’ve seen this before over fifty got involved in the chaos. I think, and I hope, this will make the BHA have to come out in support of stricter control – we desperately need it. Maybe if the guys at Goodwood backed my Saturday’s #TheOne Nyaleti they would’ve been a bit happier!

Onto Saturday’s card which sees a really good card at Lingfield and Ascot alongside Haydock’s Swinton Hurdle.

1:55 Lingfield (Oaks Trial)

It’s hard to look past Aidan O’Brien’s Flattering who looked very smart when landing a maiden by ten lengths last week, and comes here with a leading chance. The O’Brien team are in red-hot form at the minute, and I imagine she is one of their better fillies that we'll see this season. That run was very impressive and she could well be a smart horse in the making for the Ballydoyle team.

2:15 Ascot

There may be more to come from Thundering Blue who ran a fine race when fifth on return at Epsom last time out and can improve here. He won three times in the summer last season and looks like a very nice progressive type for David Menuisier. The extra furlong should help him and he looks to have a strong chance in what looks a very open handicap here.

2:30 Lingfield (Derby Trial)

I am a big fan of Kew Gardens and he would be one of my strongest fancies of the day here. He ran with plenty of promise when third at Newmarket last time out and I feel he will come on a fair bit for that initial outing. He has a very likeable profile and this is a race the yard do very well at. Thrave is an each-way selection, he is a very smart prospect also.

2:50 Ascot

Barsanti is a very talented horse on his day but he just seems to struggle to put his best foot forward and that is always a big worry. Mirage Dancer is the selection as he’s a horse I think who can unleash his potential this year for Sir Michael Stoute, he posted some encouraging placed efforts last year but can improve a fair bit as a four-year-old.

3:10 Haydock (Swinton)

I have always been a fan of Capitaine from the Paul Nicholls yard, and I think he could be worth following in this competitive race. He needed the run on his return when a creditable fifth at Cheltenham, and he will be much better this afternoon. Ground and trip are ideal for him and I expect him to run a huge race.

3:25 Ascot

Tribute Act is the one that appeals to me most for James Fanshawe and William Buick. She was beaten by a nose on her last outing at this venue, and I think there is a fair bit more to come from her this year. Some of her form was very strong last year and she will enjoy the conditions. Of course, she may need the run here but I expect her to run a big race here.

3:40 Lingfield (Jack Berry)

I like the look of One Master here, a horse who has only been seen on the racecourse three times and winning on two occasions. I think she will develop into a leading mare this year, with this seven-furlong trip likely to be totally ideal for her. Conditions should suit her well and I expect her to prove tough to beat.

4:00 Ascot (Victoria Cup)

Down at the bottom of the handicap lies John Gosden’s Pouvoir Magique, a horse I like quite a fair bit who is going into this race really well-handicapped. I was impressed by the way he won at the end of last year up at Newcastle, and his running style will suit the way the Victoria Cup is run. He should improve a fair bit this year and is one to keep alongside of.

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