Thursday racing

Andy Murray won his opening match at Queens in 3 sets for a winning recommendation. Thursday sees a very busy racing card and there are a few races that catch the eye.

In the first race at Leopardstown, Devotion seems the least exposed, having had the benefit of a debut run some weeks ago. This daugther of Dylan Thomas was not disgraced when five and half lengths behind the winner in a 6 furlongs race. The 7 furlong distance will suit better and she's fancied as a Place prospect and recommendation. In the last race, Notable Graduate should take all the beating as he is rated several pounds higher than the best from the field. He should be in the first 3 and is recommended as a Place as well.

At Yarmouth, the first race should be a duel between Chaussini and Red Riverman. I will call for an Exacta in any order between those two, coupled with a Place recommendation on Red Riverman.

At Nottingham, I will be following the Godolphin filly Deraasa closely in the 16:00 Maiden Stakes. Her pedigree is very American and her dam Saywaan was a very classy filly by Fusaischi Pegasus. She was good enough to have an entry for the Epsom Derby but injuries hampered her career and she won the only race she ran. The mile distance should suit Deraasa for her debut and only if there are returns left from the earlier races, I would recommend an each-way punt on her.

Finally at Newbury, Floral Beauty should in the first 3 in the 13:30. This Shamardal filly caught the eye on her debut and should take all the beating among a lot that seems very exposed. I recommend her as both a Win and Place


Win: Floral Beauty

Exacta: Red Riverman/Chaussini

Each-way: Deraasa
Place: Devotion, Notable Graduate, Red Riverman, Deraasa, Floral Beauty.