Testing ground will suit Borderlescott
May 23 2009 The Journal
WHILE on a visit last summer to Robin Bastiman’s yard, before Borderlescott’s attempt at winning the Stewards’ Cup for a second time, he made the point that his stable star’s best trip could be five furlongs despite the fact he had won all but one of his races over six.
With that in mind, he also revealed plans to have a crack at the Nunthorpe after Glorious Goodwood and, when the Group One prize was transferred to Newmarket following the abandonment of York’s Ebor fixture, I was cursing myself for not going along with Bastiman and tipping him.
The trainer also expressed the opinion that Borderlescott was improving with age and was better than a handicapper; good enough to compete with the very best of sprinters. His flagbearer confirmed that by winning the Nunthorpe and also finishing third later on in the Prix de l’Abbeye at Longchamp.
Borderlescott usually needs a run or two before hitting top form and he was considered just in need of the outing when third to Amour Propre in the Palace House Stakes three weeks ago. Amour Propre is all about speed and is the new sprinting kid on the block for Henry Candy and will be one of the major contenders for top five-furlong honours this season.
However, he is far from certain to turn up at Haydock today for the betfred.com Temple Stakes as the ground is now testing, but this will play to the strengths of Borderlescott. I would fancy him to turn the tables on Amour Propre in these conditions, so in the likely absence of his Newmarket conqueror, his case is stronger and I am not looking elsewhere for the probable winner.
The Betfred Silver Bowl is one of the most competitive early-season handicaps for three-year-olds and usually goes to the one who has improved the most since their juvenile days. Desert Creek fits the bill. One of the least exposed in the line-up, this well-bred colt showed he can handle soft ground when landing a Yarmouth maiden on the second of his only two runs last year. He made a pleasing start to his three-year-old campaign by continuing winning ways at Windsors.
Although not best in on official ratings Fullandby should give a good account of himself in the Brantingham Conditions Stakes at Beverley.
I would put a line through his latest effort at Newmarket where all chance had gone after missing the break completely and he was allowed to come home in his own time. He is better judged on his seasonal debut at Newbury, losing nothing in defeat when third to Chief Editor. He has a good draw provided the breaks come his way as he is not known for blazing the trail and he has won over the course and distance.
Society Music is another who needs to put behind a below-par run in the Beverley Electric Handicap.
Michael Dods’ mare didn’t sparkle at Thirsk for some reason unlike on her earlier visit after a 211-day absence when failing to cope with the rejuvenated Jebel Tara.
A multiple winner, she is below her last winning mark, and the cheekpieces, which she wore when last successful at Hamilton almost a year ago, are back on.
She has been lucky in the draw and a bold bid is expected now that the stable is among the winners again.
It’s hard to believe that twice this week I have managed to find three non-runners in my treble on successive days. At least, it’s one way of not tipping a loser!
It has much to do with the 48-hour declarations when the ground can change significantly, as it did at Haydock, which brought about the non-appearance of two of my selections on Thursday. One of them was Hawk Mountain, who has been re-routed to Newmarket for the Course of Champions Handicap.
A progressive type last backend, he made a winning return at Doncaster earlier this month when asked to tackle a longer trip.
He should continue on the upgrade despite a 5lb higher mark and there is likely to be more to come once he goes over two miles.
