AUGUST BANK HOLIDAY MONDAY 2020 - 31st AUGUST

August Bank Holiday Weekend
What's in store for us this final Bank Holiday before Christmas, and one that would usually signal the end of the long school holidays, but they been closed for months now. While I'm unlikely to venture too far out we are still looking for something to enjoy. Signs of the domestic football season finally restarting again for the 2020-21 season, the FA Community Shield between Arsenal and Liverpool will have taken place on Saturday, the Women's shield also taking place between Chelsea and Manchester City. The Scottish Premiership is already well underway but the English games will not begin for couple of weeks yet. 

There is Formula 1 racing in Belgium this weekend, (won by Lewis Hamilton, no surprises there) with their Grand Prix held at the Spa circuit and then we'll have the Italian Grand Prix at Monza next week too.  

Horse Racing Meetings - Monday 31st August
Usually a very busy weekend of racing with festivals taking place around the country most of them traditionally family fun days, sadly this year with no spectators allowed on course the big meetings for instance at Cartmel was run last weekend and there are only three meetings in Uk due today, we will settle for the following few meetings here in Uk and Ireland. Ripon stages the feature for the day their Champion 2yo Trophy (Listed). These are the Bank Holiday meeting's scheduled for today, Sandown Park is an evening fixture which is rare for a Bank Holiday in Uk, would have gone if we'd been allowed. 

Ripon Flat Turf
Sandown Park Flat Turf [Evening]
Southwell Flat All Weather
Downpatrick NH (Ire)
Roscommon Flat (Ire) [Evening]

We shall take a look at the feature races around the various tracks today;
RIPON [1st race 12:15]
Feature event - Ripon Champion 2yo Trophy (6f Listed) @13:50
Selection - Bahrain Pride [James Doyle]. [WON 4/1]
  
SANDOWN PARK [1st race 15:00]
Feature event - Hampton Handicap (5f) @15:35
Selection - Maygold [Oisin Murphy]. [3rd 9/2]
  
SOUTHWELL [1st race 12:00]
Feature event - Thurloe Handicap (5f) @14:40
Selection - Moveonup [e.w.] [Tyler Heard].

DOWNPATRICK [1st race 13:00]
Feature event - Adare Manor Opportunity Beginners Chase [2m 3f] @15:05
Selection - Braid Blue [SF O'Keeffe]. [Unseated 1st]

ROSCOMMON [1st race 16:00]

Feature event - Irish Ebf Median Sires Series Race [7f] @16:00

Selection - San Martino [JA Heffernan]. [Non Runner]

Going home to Plough Lane

With the 2020-2021 Premier League season not set to start until 12th September this year and as a fan of AFC Wimbledon we have just had the League One season fixtures issued for this our fifth year at this level with an opening league game away at Northampton Town, plus the first round of the League Cup vs Oxford United both matches are away which is good as our new stadium on Plough Lane isn't going to be ready for another month or two and even though all games for now will be behind closed doors it would be something to get excited about. The Dons home fixtures will be played at QPR's Loftus Road (Kiyan Prince Foundation Stadium) while the building process continues safely at Plough Lane, a date of 25th October has been pencilled in for completion. So our first "home" fixture will be against Plymouth Argyle at QPR though the first real home game at the new stadium could be against Blackpool Town if things go to plan, possibly even with a few fans in attendance if the test events go well.

EFL LEAGUE ONE SEASON 20/21 FIXTURES AND START DATE

At long last we have the new fixtures for the 2020-21 English Football League (EFL) season released today [21st August] with the Championship, League One and League Two also all scheduled to start on 12th September 2020. Focusing on my team AFC Wimbledon we will get underway against Northampton Town (Away) and due to complete the season against Lincoln City (Away). With the new stadium at Plough Lane still under construction and unlikely to be available until October our home games might get switched until it's ready, subject to agreement from the EFL. Since all games are still due to be behind closed doors it's sad that we'll not have that first game buzz but hopefully soon we'll be allowed back and the games in the new stadium will be great.

The Premier League season is also due to start on 12th September, with the final round of matches on 23 May 2021. Additionally the FA have confirmed that there will be no FA Cup replays during the 2020-21 season to "ease pressure" on the football calendar.  The competition will start with the extra preliminary around on 1st September and the final is due to be played at Wembley Stadium on 15th May 2021.  The EFL 2020/21 Season will get underway across the Sky Bet Championship, League One and League Two on the weekend of 12th September. The 2020/21 season will conclude on the 8th / 9th May 2021, with the Sky Bet Play-Off Finals reverting back to the Spring Bank Holiday weekend at the end of May.

Carabao Cup 1st Round
This morning's live draw on Sky Sports News paired Wimbledon with last season's beaten League One play-off finalists Oxford United. The tie at the Kassam Stadium is scheduled to be played over the weekend of 5/6 September 2020, a week before the League One season gets underway.

AFC Wimbledon first 6 fixtures for the new season.
1st Sept - vs Charlton Athletic (Home*) EFL Trophy
5th Sept - vs Oxford United (Away) Carabao Cup 1st Round.
12th Sept - vs Northampton Town (Away) League One.
19th Sept - vs Plymouth Argyle (Home*) League One.
26th Sept - vs Fleetwood Town (Away) League One.
3rd Oct - vs Accrington Stanley (Home*) League One.
(*) Our "home" games are at QPR Loftus Road until NPL Stadium is finished. 

AFC Wimbledon new signings this summer
Glyn has been busy during the summer with six new signings hopefully filling the gaps in the squad, still possible that we'll see a couple more soon but I like the mix of youth and experience and they appear to be blending well with the few pre season games. 

Goalkeeper - Connal Trueman on season long loan from Birmingham City.

Right Back - Cheye Alexander (Barnet)

Midfielder - Alex Woodyard (ex - Peterborough)
Midfielder - Ethan Chislett signed as free agent (ex - Aldershot Town)
Midfielder - Jaakko Oksanen from Brentford (loan)

Striker - Ollie Palmer (ex - Crawley Town)

Be good to see if Ollie Palmer and Joe Pigott can form a partnership up front and maybe (just maybe) we won't be having another relegation threatened season this year, nice comfortable mid table effort will be fine with the thrill of the new stadium offering plenty of inspiration to the new and old alike. Still plenty of rumours, or wishful thinking, that Marcus Forss (Brentford) might return for another loan after his initial success before his hamstring injury. However I fear that door is closed now and it was good to have his service while we did. Come on you Dons. 

UPDATE 25/08
AFC Wimbledon will start the season by playing home fixtures at QPR’s Kiyan Prince Foundation Stadium. A deal has been made with the West London club to make use of their 18,000 seater stadium in W12 which will now host the club’s first league and cup matches of the 20/21 season whilst construction continues at Plough Lane. With completion still on schedule for 25th October, the club is targeting a first match at it’s new home shortly afterwards. The club has shared its appreciation to the owners of QPR, and the EFL for allowing this temporary solution during the Covid-19 period which clearly hasn't helped with the stadium delays.

YORK EBOR MEETING - SATURDAY 22nd AUGUST 2020

Saturday 22 August - Sky Bet Ebor Meeting
Welcome to York Races, we should have been looking forward to attending Saturdays Ebor this year but sadly due to the Covid-19 situation that's not to be. 

This is an update on the status of the "Welcome to Yorkshire Ebor Festival", correct as at 2pm Tuesday 18th August. As the Covid-19 crisis has come to affect so many individuals and organisations, it will not be a surprise that racing, as both a sport and an important employer, has too suffered unprecedented consequences. 
  
Most recently, in line with Government advice, the British Horseracing Authority confirmed that existing horseracing meetings in front of a paying crowd, nationwide, should be cancelled for the time period that includes the remaining racedays due at York to the end of September. Racedays will continue to happen "behind closed doors" with the feature races shown live on ITV in August.  Consequently, this means the cancellation of sixteen racedays scheduled with a crowd for York Racecourse, including the Dante Festival already lost in May the whole week of the 'Welcome to Yorkshire Ebor Festival' between Wednesday August 19th and Saturday 22nd August and also the meeting on Sunday 6th September 2020, at least we got some racing on TV to enjoy and hopefully the action can return soon with a crowd.

Going:  Good  [Good to soft in places].
Weather:  Some showers expected and high of 19C. 

Here is today's races and our selections including the Ebor Handicap off at 15:40;
13:50  Sky Bet And Symphony Group Strensall Stakes (Group 3)
1m 177y  [Class 1  9 Runners]
The meeting begins with a good Group 3, have to begin with DARK VISION the winner of the Royal Hunt Cup at Ascot and backed that up with a listed win at Pontefract so this is the next likely step up for Mark Johnston's colt who looks an improving type as a 4yo. The mare MISS O'CONNOR is lightly raced but quickly made the grade into Group class and with Tom Marquand in the saddle still makes plenty of appeal despite losing her winning streak last time. Epic Hero has been campaigned abroad and will be interesting what his first effort on Uk soil will bring, maybe one for later in year, support for Zabeel Prince who's only raced once this year but was taking on Group One horses before that and should welcome a drop in class having won a G1 in France last year.
Winner - (2) Certain Lad @10/1 [Hollie Doyle]

14:25  Sky Bet Melrose Handicap (3yo)
1m 5f 188y  [Class 2  15 Runners]
Big field over the Ebor trip limited to 3yo's headed by MAMBO NIGHTS who's been improving this season winning three on the bounce, might not have stopped yet and should be backed here. Will also consider COLTRANE [WON 12/1] as my second choice against this field, while support for the filly DANCING APPROACH could be interesting getting the weight allowances and at 20/1 appeals each way.
Winner - (12) Coltrane @12/1 [O Murphy]

15:00  Sky Bet City Of York Stakes (Group 2)
7f  [Class 1  9 Runners)
We shall take a pair against the field, last seen running a decent race at Salisbury BEAT LE BON on only his second outing this season and with the Richard Hannon team having good success this week might well be one to follow. SAFE VOYAGE [WON 4/1] ran on for 4th in the G2 Lennox Stakes at the Goodwood meeting, with a better run and fewer traffic issues should be a lot closer today.
Winner - (4) Safe Voyage @4/1 [Jason Hart]

15:40  Sky Bet Ebor Handicap
1m 5f 188y  [Class 2  24 Runners]
This afternoon's feature handicap has a massive field but the clear favourite should be FUJAIRA PRINCE [WON 11/2] for Roger Varian easily won at Royal Ascot and that was his only contest this season so far, might have been put away for this, a shrewd yard is likely to be a short price in this. Another strong improving filly MONICA SHERIFF won five on the spin last year including a Group 3 in France and this is her season debut, would also appreciate the rain if it comes. The veteran mare VERDANA BLUE will certainly be staying on and might be a place bet to nothing with Ryan Moore an interesting booking for Nicky Henderson but should be vulnerable to one of the younger unexposed horses. Another interesting one for me in the place markets will be COMMUNIQUE [Non Runner] (Mark Johnston) who has had plenty of efforts in Group races and might find the trip and handicap company more accommodating while 33/1 is appealing from a trainer who has to be respected.
Winner - (4) Fujaira Prince @11/2 [Andrea Atzeni]

16:10  Julia Graves Roses Stakes (Listed)
5f  [Class 1  10 Runners]
Hosed up at Goodwood last time ACKLAM EXPRESS [WON 10/3f] can continue his progression on only his fourth start as a 2yo. While BLACKBERRY is an unbeaten filly with any amount of potential and these two should go well against the field.
Winner - (1) Acklam Express @10/3f [Tom Marquand]

16:40  Sky Bet Handicap
1m 2f 56y  [Class 2  17 Runners]
SINJAARI [Non Runner] was the winner of the John Smiths Cup here beating a big field of 22 runners, sure to go well again and shortlisted to follow up. DEREVO won three of his eight starts so far, trip no problems, well bred, placed in his last handicap at Goodwood and another sure to give a good account so it's that pair for me against the others.
Winner - (12) Lucander @10/1 [Harry Bentley]

17:10  Sky Bet Apprentice Handicap
5f  [Class 2  11 Runners]
The concluding handicap is for 3yo's only and apprentice riders so we'll focus on a pair with jockey's that have lost their claim that's Joshua Bryan on board Sunday Sovereign who is owned by the King Power Racing and was sent off favourite for the Norfolk stakes at Royal Ascot so should find this more to his liking, while Cieren Fallon riding Sampers Seven has already been showing signs that he will one day be a champion like his father and the horse is a previous winner at this track.
Winner - (10) Live In The Moment @10/3f [Georgia Dobie]

Results will be updated here later during the afternoon, we shall see what the following week has in store for us as well as planning our Bank Holiday Monday events which are usually big holiday meetings around the country such as Cartmel but unclear if these go ahead as planned under the revised racing schedule. A good afternoon for us with plenty of winners including the big race of the day too. Enjoy your weekend

KEMPTON PARK RACING 2020 MEETING #13 TUESDAY 18th AUGUST

Welcome to Kempton Park racecourse here for another evening meeting as we return to regular action on the all weather flat track under the lights but behind closed doors for the time being. We will keep blogging throughout 2020 till the end of the year. British horse racing has safely returned behind closed doors as part of a phased return for the sport. In doing so we will be introducing strict protocols designed to safeguard everyone's health and well being and to ensure that racing can take place safely behind closed doors. These measures have been developed in consultation with government and public health officials to help keep those attending safe and include:

• A three stage health check that all attendees on courses will have to pass;
• Strict social distancing measures on course
• Detailed new guidance for all participants on how they will have to do things differently on course in order that we can race safely and mitigate any risks.

In addition the courses are reducing the use of any medical or NHS services to a minimum, acting responsibly by using private ambulances, hospitals and medics – to protect the NHS. For those working at an event, including officials, racecourse staff and participants, the implementation of these guidelines ensures that racing will take place in a more controlled environment than most day-to-day activities.

Back to the horse racing all results here are reported to 1pt at Starting Prices (SP) was a month since out last meeting here, where sadly we dropped a couple more points but as we are now in August and after meeting #12 we find ourselves in a loss for the year to a figure of -18.765 points, results are always recorded to SP we will aim to get us back into the black again soon and see further improvement in the results.

Throughout the year we will keep up with our occasional lay opportunities of anticipated short priced favourites too. Naturally we will keep these results separately from the handicap figures we had been fairly successful with our selections throughout last year managed to get plenty of favourites beat so we finished on 40/54 (74%). We reset the counters for 2020 and will be continuing this throughout the year again. Currently a decent start with plenty of short priced favourites getting beat, but with two winners last time we now have stats of 14/19 (73.68%) after the latest meeting.

We cover another rare Tuesday evening in this interrupted period which will be meeting #13 for the 2020 midweek season here. Tonight we shall be expecting a nine race card where five of these are handicaps now including a 2yo Nursery event. The action will still commence at 16:25 with a seven furlong 2yo novice stakes and we should end the card around about 20:30 with our final handicap contest over just under a mile and half.

Here's a link to this Tuesday's race card; RACECARD
Going and Weather -- The going on the polytrack surface is described as 'standard to slow' and the current weather forecast for this Tuesday is for a lot of cloudy weather and it's going to be showery too with the temperature to reach around 22C by the time the meeting gets underway.

Here are our handicap selections for tonight;
17:00  Unibet Thanks The Frontline Workers Fillies' Handicap
7f  [Class 4  14 runners]
Our opening handicap of the evening is for the fillies and a decent field is assembled with some of top stables and owners too, MARIA ROSA for John Gosden and Godolphin wouldn't have to be too smart to take this after three runs on the all weather tracks, while Richard Hannon sends TOP CLASS ANGEL [7th 9/1] a daughter of Dark Angel and gets weight from the field. While DECLARING LOVE [6th 5/2] is another Godolphin inmate (C Appleby) and had three outings at Newmarket so has to encounter the all weather surface for the first time.

17:30  Unibet 3 Uniboosts A Day Nursery (2yo)
6f  [Class 4  4 runners]
A disappointing small field of only four for this 2yo nursery event, all four look fairly equal though with the 3lb that Cieren Fallon can still claim makes FAST START [3rd 9/2] (S bin Suroor) the one for me, considered worthy of a Royal Ascot start this is much more easier and taken along with MONZA CITY [4th 9/2] against the two colts tonight.

18:00  Unibet Casino Deposit 10 Get 40 Bonus Handicap
6f  [Class 4  12 runners]
Better field where IT'S A GIVEN [5th 4/1] (R Charlton) a winner here and at Newmarket can take another handicap from only his fourth career start did not appear to find the softened ground at Windsor and this surface should suit. Main opposition appears to be Richard Hannon's INTREPID ITALIAN [Non Runner], twice a winner at Lingfield and was a recent runner up at Chepstow  and IRISH ACCLAIM [8th 16/1] who won here when last seen beating some well bred types having made all the running, if allowed a soft lead again could be hard to catch.

19:00  Unibet 3 Uniboosts A Day Handicap
1m  [Class 4  14 runners]
It's the 3yo turn now, headed by the Golden Horn filly RIDESON [5th 11/2] who ended her run of seconds with a victory at Chepstow and with her riders 5lb claim could be hard to keep out of the frame again. Sir Michael Stoute sends OSLO [4th 7/2] here and has found handicapping difficult this season but not that far away last time and this looks little easier. While we will stick with those two against the field might also look at BUSINESS [Non Runner] for an each way selection, owned by Phoenix Thoroughbred Racing who have been making news lately.

20:30  Unibet Handicap
1m 3f 219y  [Class 5  13 runners]
Our finale over just under mile and half looks wide open with the field of thirteen where the recent winners do appeal and MACHIOS [10th 2/1] (A Balding) was a good winner over this trip at Lingfield and David Probert rides well here, support for SEPTEMBER POWER [8th 10/3] (S De Sousa) would not surprise another who won last time over this trip and top jockey booked to double up again. FORESEE looks an each way selection for Hollie Doyle and will try and get on in the place market there.

Staked -- 10 points.       Returns -- 2 points.
Results will appear here later during Tuesday evening. This season we started afresh and will try hard to stop going well behind but all results are accurate and recorded to SP returns to a 1pt win stake only and updated each meeting. A disappointing start to 2020 now sees us behind after meeting #12 to the tune of -18.765 overall and we need some more winners to get back into profit. Two non runners and nothing else at all was a bad day, losing another eight points, now we are going the wrong way on -26.765.   

Lays -- 14/19. We had a good season last year with the lays, aiming at favourites and not afraid to take on short odds on shots too. The plan will be for at least one or two each meeting and we will keep those results separate from the handicaps. First odds on favourite beaten tonight, sadly the other one was victorious so now 15/21. 

Tonight's Lays;
16:25 - GURU [7f Novice stakes]  LOST 5th @4/9F.
20:00 - BULLFINCH [1m Novice stakes]  Won ;(.

Our next evening meeting here is not until Tuesday 15th September hope you can join us again soon but most importantly remain safe and well.

🏇 PONTEFRACT HORSE RACING SYSTEM -- 2020 SEASON -- MEETING #6 14th AUGUST

PONTEFRACT SEASON 2020.
Welcome to the next instalment of our online coverage for the second half of the season here at Pontefract. Horse racing meetings around the country continue behind closed doors so we will continue to cover things as best we can here and then update if/when the guidelines change. 

Official Statement from Pontefract Racecourse regarding Coronavirus; 
*The information below is correct at 5pm on Tuesday 11th August and will be updated as and when further information is available and/or updated advice is received.*

At Pontefract Racecourse the safety and welfare of our visitors, racegoers, participants and team is paramount. We are keeping up to date with the latest information and advice from the Government and the British Horseracing Authority and have a team ready to implement recommended actions. We have been allocated 6 race meetings 'Behind Closed Doors'. This means that there will be no public in attendance and race meetings will be open to jockeys, trainers and officials only.
 
The British Horseracing Authority (BHA) have now allocated further fixtures through to the end of the year, this means that there are an additional four fixtures for Pontefract to add to those already announced, we've had five meetings this season and there will be five more till we end on 19th October, therefore we've sadly lost six meetings from the usual calendar, under the current guidance these meetings will still be scheduled 'behind closed doors'.
These will be on:
  Friday 14th August
  Thursday 17th September 
  Thursday 24th September
  Monday 5th October
  Monday 19th October
The season has received it's final set of fixtures for 2020 and instead of the usual 16 races through the year we have to settle with just the 10. Still better than nothing and we of course continue the racing here at Pontefract behind closed doors. This is the sixth of the revised schedule due on Friday 14th August where the 1st race will be a 5f Novice contest due off around 12:15pm. 

Our feature race today is the 6f Flying Fillies Stakes (14:50) won last year by Perfection (pictured above) trained by David O'Meara and ridden by Silvestre De Sousa. It's a nine race card for Friday afternoon with the division of the Mary Clark Handicap (1:15 / 1:45) and as usual ALL of our results for these fixtures are recorded to a level stake at Starting Price (SP), and will also show any forecast results too in the daily results but these do not count for the profit / loss figures. After the first five meetings of the season despite managing a few winners but sadly not quite enough and thus we carry forward a small loss of -25.165 points to SP as we look ahead to this sixth meeting of the reduced season today.

Hopefully we can come racing again soon ladies

A link to this afternoon's race card can be found here

Going and Weather Details

The going for the next race meeting behind closed doors on Friday 14th August is currently 'Good to firm' following a very dry week, which is expected to continue throughout the week up to Friday with a top temperature of 22C at the track with more than a fair chance of rain, although we'll be dry and warm at home of course. Here are our selections for the nine races on Friday afternoon, remember it's a very simple selection process using stalls one and two in every race;

12:15  British Stallion Studs Ebf Novice Stakes

5f 3yds  [Class 5  10 Runners]

(1) - Secret Handsheikh  [4th 5/1].

(2) - Arceus  [3rd 25/1].

12:45  Trevor Woods Memorial Fillies' Novice Stakes

6f  [Class 5  15 Runners]

(1) - Meave's Memory  [5th 66/1].

(2) - Three Hat Day  [3rd 28/1].

13:15  Mary Clark 'favourite Day Of The Year' Handicap (Div One)

6f  [Class 3  11 Runners]

(1) - Airglow  [2nd 18/1].

(2) - Yukon Mission  [3rd 4/1].

13:45  Mary Clark 'favourite Day Of The Year' Handicap (Div Two)

6f  [Class 3  11 Runners]

(1) - What A Business  [5th 6/1].

(2) - Coastal Mist  [11th 12/1].

14:20  William Hill Best Odds Guaranteed Handicap

6f  [Class 5  14 Runners]

(1) - Phuket Power  [8th 10/1].

(2) - Breath Of Joy  [WON 10/3].

14:50  Ebf Highfield Farm Flying Fillies' Stakes

6f  [Class 1  13 Runners]

(1) - Jouska  [2nd 17/2].

(2) - Exceptional  [4th 9/4].

15:20  Moor Top Farm Shop Hemsworth Handicap

2m 1f 27yds  [Class 4  6 Runners]

(1) - Frankenstella  [3rd 11/8].

(2) - Fun Mac  [Non Runner].

15:50  Follow at willhillracing On Twitter Fillies' Novice Stakes

1m 6yds  [Class 5  12 Runners]

(1) - Aoife's Joy  [Non Runner].

(2) - Marengo Sally  [Non Runner].

16:20  Nova Display Handicap

1m 4f 5yds  [Class 3  8 Runners]

(1) - Matewan  [Non Runner].

(2) - Mr Carpenter  [Non Runner].

Staked -- 18 points.
Returns -- 9.33 points.

Results will be updated during the afternoon and we will keep a season total as usual though sadly despite a successful meeting #5 we are down by -25.165 as we enter this meeting. Plenty of non runners this afternoon, and a few big places too, winners slightly harder to come by today. Lost further -8.67 points so we take over a loss of -33.835 to the next meeting.

Our next behind closed doors meeting here will be on Thursday 17th September, hope you stay safe and well and perhaps later in the year we can go racing again.

ASCOT HORSE RACING - SATURDAY 8th AUGUST 2020

Following a couple of fairly local tracks this weekend despite the lack of attendees they should have competitive contests. We updated the meeting at Sandown Park racecourse on Friday afternoon and now look ahead to Saturday's meeting at Ascot. Sadly we know that all racing is behind closed doors with only few owners in attendance and strict protocols in place for the jockey's, trainers and other support staff. Hopefully one day we'll be able to return to experience the parade, atmosphere and general buzz of a winner. We've an eight race card to enjoy this afternoon, all the races were named after local towns close to the course, some now sponsored, the TV races for sure.

Going: Good to firm
Today's Ascot race-card can be found here

12:40  Crowthorne 'Newcomers' Maiden Stakes
7f  [Class 5  12 runners]
We open with a tricky 2yo maiden, as the title says they are all newcomers so only breeding and work reports to go on. Selections are only tentative and the market might speak louder but ESCOBEDO [3rd 12/1] (R Hannon) is from a yard that has a big reputation with their 2yo's while MOTATAABEQ [4th 7/1] from Godolphin has the services of Cieren Fallon with his 3lb claim.
Winner - (6) Laneqash @6/4f

13:15  Egham Nursery
6f  [Class 3  7 runners]
Seven declared for this 2yo Nursery event, JADWAL won his maiden at Newmarket and could be well in here with plenty in hand, strong stable and owners so further market support would not be a big surprise. LINE OF DEPARTURE [WON 10/3] justified favouritism to win his nursery over this trip at Yarmouth and might prove best of the rest, although SHANGHAI ROCK must be better than his first two outings for Richard Hannon and now in a nursery handicap this son of Dark Angel gets a handy weight allowance.
Winner - (4) Line of Departure 10/3

13:50  Bagshot Handicap
6f  [Class 2  10 runners]
Quite an open looking six furlong sprint now, top weight is HIGHLAND DRESS (A Watson) finished 8th in the Wokingham and prior to that was a good winner at Newmarket, his second placing two runs ago reads well in this company and expected to go close even with the weight burden. CHIL CHIL [WON 7/2] (A Balding) runs for the King Power Racing club and is progressing, won a fillies handicap at Newmarket and showed a liking for the fast ground when runner up next time out, gets nearly a stone in weight from our other selection. An each way shot could be the 3yo GRACEFUL MAGIC, she should find this a lot easier than the Group 3 race at Goodwood (11th at 100/1) and was a 200/1 shot for this year's 1000 Guineas, at 20/1 this represents a more realistic opportunity.
Winner - (8) Chil Chil @7/2f

14:25  Dubai Duty Free Shergar Cup Celebration Handicap
1m  [Class 2  10 runners]
The Godolphin runner JALAAD has recent winning form and although this is slightly higher grade could still be on the shortlist and Jim Crowley takes over from William Buick this time, is selected along with EJTILAAB [3rd 14/1] who was a big price place on only his third start and is given another chance to shine over this mile trip. The mare HATEYA is considered for a place bet and is regularly placed around this level and trip, hasn't won for couple of years though and keeps going up and down the weights for those place efforts, not discounted but place bet is the call.
Winner - (9) Via Serendipity 7/2f

15:00  Dubai Duty Free Millenium Millionaire Handicap
1m 7f 209y  [Class 2  11 runners]
The stayers race could well go to HOLY KINGDOM [4th] the 4yo son of Australia seemed to appreciate the step up in trip and is still fairly lightly raced while CHARLIE D [] has seen a lot of the all weather tracks has won when appearing on turf at both Bath and Newmarket, trip is no problem, firm going preferred and 25/1 looks an appealing win/place opportunity.
Winner - (6) Island Brave 33/1

15:35  Thames Hospice [Virginia Water] Handicap
1m 3f 211y  [Class 2  12 runners]
SPANISH ARCHER is only up 2lb for his recent win at Ripon and is certainly in form so this could still be within his compass even with top weight, I also like the form of KOEMAN Mick Channon's was runner up in one of his efforts over in Dubai and returned to the Uk with a big price place effort here at Ascot and with that experience could go well at a price again. One at a big price is HYANNA [2nd 22/1] who with Georgia Dobie's claim certainly comes into the reckoning has a change of pace in her and expected to go well [place bet at least - yes second 22/1].
Winner - (6) Look Closely 7/2

16:10  Alistair Haggis [Chertsey] Handicap (3yo)
1m 3f 211y  [Class 3  6 runners]
This handicap for three year olds only may only have a small field of six but it looks competitive with multiple winners galore including GRAND BAZAAR and WISE GLORY chasing hat tricks here. Preference would be for the John Gosden runner here while AL MADHAR will surely find this a lot easier to contest than his attempt at York in the Dante Stakes and was eased when all hope ended so might be able to ignore that performance and capable of better in the right grade.
Winner - (3) Shandoz 10/3

16:45  Sportsable [Bracknell] Handicap

5f  [Class 4  10 runners]
We end our meeting today with a sprint handicap where BAY WATCH is on a four timer and might not be stopping yet, has actually won six from last eight beginning off a mark of 45 (rated 81 today) with jockey Tyler Heard taking off 7lb to help the situation. BLUE DE VEGA [WON 13/2] has plenty of experience and should go well here again, while an each way interest is KICK ON KICK ON who is beginning to be eased in the weights by the handicapper and back in this class could well kick on again at 20/1.
Winner - (2) Blue De Vega 13/2

Results will be update here later on during the afternoon, have a great weekend, very hot and humid here so keep well hydrated too.

SANDOWN PARK HORSE RACING - FRIDAY 7th AUGUST 2020

Sandown Park Races
Following a couple of fairly local tracks this weekend despite the lack of attendees they should have competitive contests. Today we look towards Esher, home of Sandown Park racecourse, one of my favourites and usually rather profitable when I get the chance to attend. Sadly we know that all racing is behind closed doors with only few owners in attendance and strict protocols in place for the jockey's, trainers and other support staff. Hopefully one day we'll be able to return to experience the parade, atmosphere and general buzz of a winner. We've an eight race card to enjoy this afternoon, all the races named after local towns close to the course.
Going: Good [good to firm in places]
Today's Race-card can be found here

12:35 British Stallion Studs EBF Broad Water Maiden Stakes (2yo)
5f 10y [Class 5 8 runners]

The meeting opens with a modest looking 2yo maiden over the minimum trip, where POLITICS [Won 11/10f] is likely to be a warm order having been runner up on debut for Qatar Racing. Richard Hannon has good 2yo's to play with and his PURE DREAMER [3rd] was not quite seeing out the 6f trip on debut so dropping back to 5f should see him closer, while DARK ILLUSION [2nd] could be one to look for in the place market another who raced well with the pace but faded in the final furlong and also steps back to the minimum trip.

Winner - (5) Politics @11/10f


13:10 Oxshott Nursery (2yo)
5f 10y  [Class 4  4 runners]
A 2yo nursery up next, just the seven declared so we limited for place options, will instead aim for two against the field to win. PEROTTO [WON 9/4] ran well last time out in a better nursery than this beaten by an even money shot, so this out to be more to his liking, while support for the in form Roger Charlton runner ONE DAY [Non Runner] should be noted, his filly winning at Bath recently and gets a good weight allowance so not expected to be too far away again today. [update] - with three non runners including One Day we left with a field of four now and Holwah vying for the market lead.     Winner - (1) Perotto @9/4

13:45 Weybridge Handicap (3yo)
5f 10y [Class 4 6 runners]
The three year olds turn now, a sprint handicap and again a small field of seven, while Ishvara [Non Runner] and Garsman have been very consistent in similar company they do look beatable with top weight to carry, so will be looking closer at the pair of NEWYORKSTATEOFMIND [4th] (trained by W Muir) and AGENT SHIFTWELL [6th] (SC Williams) the latter won a course and distance handicap here last time out and can make the most of the weight difference this afternoon.

Winner - (5) Minhaaj @20/1

14:20 British Stallion Studs EBF River Ember Maiden Stakes
1m  [Class 5  8 runners]
Back with the two year olds for the mile maiden event only four have run before so we'll be looking over the newcomers. Both PIED PIPER [6th] and SYMBOLIC POWER [3rd] appeal as well bred types, the former trained by John Gosden is a runner for her majesty The Queen, while the latter is a Godolphin inmate of Charlie Appleby. Of those that have run Recovery Run has been runner up both times, although they were on the all weather tracks at Kempton Park and Chelmsford so whether they'll perform switched to the turf and stiff up hill climb is a worry.
Winner - (6) Recovery Run @13/8f.

14:55 Kingston Handicap
1m  [Class 5  11 runners]
Consistent performer at this level CASEMENT [6th] (C Fallon) makes plenty of appeal with the 3lb claim of his rider a valuable advantage.  PRODUCTION [5th] (T Marquand) has tried a variety of trips (including a couple over hurdles) and finally comes back to a mile with another good young in-form jockey booked to ride, both are priced around 12/1 so good win/place options here in a wide open contest.     Winner - (8) Mon Choix @10/11f

15:30 Cobham Handicap (3yo)

1m 1f 209y  [Class 3  5 runners]
Another handicap for the three year olds now, headed by ENEMY for John Gosden, was a short head runner up at this track last time and is given the benefit of the doubt to put that loss right today. Next in line is Louganini winner of a Haydock handicap albeit on soft ground and is unlikely to get that going here, Kingbrook was favourite for his last handicap when trained by Mark Johnston and was a bit one paced has now joined Ian Williams but might need further in time. Native Tribe is the Godolphin runner and while shed his maiden tag at this course as a 2yo came last in only outing to date this year, should improve with further experience but looks safe to oppose in this, Nova Roma [Non Runner] is the second string of John Gosden so we'll look towards STAR OF WINS [WON 11/4] (W Haggas) to take on the field having won his maiden at Windsor beating a large field, by Sea the Stars and expected to stay this trip and further.     Winner - (6) Star of Wins @11/4

16:05 Hersham Handicap (3yo)1m 6f [Class 3 5 runners]
The stayers contest only a field of five, where Sir Mark Prescott sends REVOLVER [WON 6/5f] in the expectation of another win to add to the four he's already won since June. A fifth win would not surprise in this field, but will be a short price as a result of the master trainers experience with this sort of horse. We will see how the pair of MARGARET DUMONT [4th] (Mark Johnston) and DANCING HARRY [2nd] (Roger Charlton) get on as they step up in trip against the jolly. Winner - (2) Revolver @6/5f

16:35 Shepperton Fillies' Handicap
7f  [Class 4  11 runners]
Our finale over seven furlongs looks very open, heading the weights is the 4yo filly Kwela, who has spent the last year on the all weather and while she's had a number of wins the return to turf with top weight might see her struggle to something better handicapped. GYPSY WHISPER [WON 9/5f] won her latest race here and is respected at the trip and amongst her gender, while support for the Godolphin inmate ARABIC CHARM and it is this pair against the field I will take in the final handicap today. Mick Channon's Queen of Silca is a potential each way option, though would be preferred over mile in future and one to keep an eye on having been seen running strongly to place off an increase mark, a winner of three races last year still seems to have improvement in her.    Winner - (7 Gypsy Whisper 9/5f) .


Results will be updated later in the afternoon then we will pay attention to the weekend fixture from Ascot, Berkshire which will also be televised on ITV.