JOHNNY Murtagh does not get it wrong too often, but he looks to have made a bad call in bypassing the ride on Seville in the Racing Post Trophy at Doncaster.
Aidan O’Brien’s retained rider has instead opted for Master Of The Hounds and, while he does have some nice form in the book, he looks pretty exposed compared to his stablemate.
On the face of it, this Galileo colt has masses to find with some of the leading contenders, but he made quite an impression when winning at Tipperary last time, a track O’Brien has favoured with some of his stars in the past.
Seville really impressed with his clear-cut success over a mile, making every yard to triumph in style without really having to hit top gear.
The form could be open to question, but High Chaparral boasted a similar profile when he won this race back in 2001 and O’Brien has a good record in this and is not one to pitch his runners out of their league.
With the likes of Casamento plenty short enough, Seville could offer a bit of value in a race that has produced more than one surprise in recent runnings.
A setback forced Harry Patch to miss two big-race dates in the Portland and Ayr Gold Cup but he can gain a modicum of consolation in the 40% Better Off On Betfair SP Handicap.
The four-year-old was well fancied for both races after he breezed home at Yarmouth in August to supplement an earlier second in competitive company at Haydock.
Michael Jarvis’ charge went up just 5lb for that victory and still looks to be well in.
La De Two has not seen much racing for a horse of his age but he can start to live up to his potential in the Group Three John Smith’s Stakes at Newbury.
The race, which is also known as the St Simon Stakes, represents a step back in trip from his recent second over a mile and six furlongs.
He just got worn down that day at Salisbury, so a slight drop back in trip could work in his favour and with just four runs under his belt, La De Two remains full of potential.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here