We now head to Newmarket this coming weekend for the first two classic races of the season the 1,000gns for fillies and the 2,000gns for the colts.
There has been racing at Newmarket since 1666 which was introduced to the area by Charles the 2nd. The King was nicknamed old Rowley which gave its name to the Rowley mile course.
The first winner of the colts classic was Wizard in 1809 who was the first of many great horses to win this most prestigious of races. Of the modern era two of the best horses to win are of course the Mighty Frankel and See The Stars.
An interesting fact is many colts have tried to complete the triple Crown winning the 2000gns, Derby and St Leger in the same year but only ten have ever been successful. The most recent being Nijinsky back in 1970 ridden by the supreme Lester Piggott.
I very much doubt there is a triple crown winner amongst this years crop although Aiden O’Brien is keen on his Air force Blue the odds on jolly.
However for Howies Hottie I’m going to oppose the favourite with an each way shout for Marcel the winner of last years Racing Post Trophy.
The colt did a decent gallop on the track recently under his big race rider Pat Smullen and the trainer Peter Chapple Hyam liked what he saw. Peter knows what is required having trained Roderigo De Triano to win this race in the past plus he was the brains behind Dr Devious winning the Derby.
I mean the Irish favourite might well win but I would rather be on Marcel at 12 or 14/1 each way rather than risk a bet on the odds on favourite.
HOT HANDICAPPERS
FLAT
Prendergast Hill trainer E.DeGiles – Ran well at Epsom and will come on for the run.
Gershwin trainer D.Lanigan – Looks well handicapped and can pick up some decent prizes.
Taffeta Lady trainer Lucy Wadham – Ran into a place on debut and can only improve.
Lincoln trainer M.Channon – He got no sort of run at Haydock and the run is best ignored as he looks on a winnable mark.
Back next Wednesday be lucky.
Howard Davis-Shaw.
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