Opinion Poll was fantastic finishing second again in the Gold Cup. It is up to debate whether he would have won had he not been bumped by stable companion Colour Vision, but he ran the race expected of him. That he was evens for a Place was just too good a deal to bypass.
The Diamond Jubilee Stakes on Saturday is the race everyone, particularly in Australia, is waiting for, as Black Caviar takes on the world. All the bulletins are favourable from the trainer and connections. She will be opposing a modest and clearly inferior bunch of English sprinters. If she doesn't win here, there is every reason to question the hype behind her. But she will win. Soft ground or not. If the likes of Choisir, Takeover Target, Starspangledbanner etc have won here, she should do so too because she's at least 5 lengths better. There are no likes of Silent Witness, Rocket Man, Overdose, Marchand d'Or or JJ The Jet Plane here, who at their best could have given her a race. An easy Win recommendation to lump on.
Win: Black Caviar
Showing posts with label Opinion Poll. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Opinion Poll. Show all posts
Friday, June 22, 2012
Wednesday, June 20, 2012
Blue threat
So You Think silenced his doubters as he won the Prince of Wales stakes, a race he should have won last year as well. That horse is all class and on his best day can beat anybody between 10 and 12 furlongs. In his post-race comments, it was extraordinary to hear Aidan O'Brien admit his failings in training the horse properly, something I have been screaming on rooftops countless times since last year. The conditioner has blown it big time in getting the best out of the Australasian monster but I found him very classy to step up and apologize. Not many would have done so.
Planteur lost the race before the start as he sweated profusely in the paddock. I think he does not take to Ascot and its crowd, as he also failed to fire last year. He's still a top-class horse and is can compete when he goes back to race in France, though.
Thursday sees Fame and Glory trying to retain his Gold Cup crown. He probably will, but I think the value in the race is Opinion Poll. This is as honest a horse as there is. He has a fantastic record with Frankie Dettori but he latter has preferred stable mate Colour Vision. Last year, the Italian also preferred Holberg but it was Opinion Poll that was the main threat in finishing second to Fame and Glory. The Halling colt was partnered by Barzalona, again his rider tomorrow, with whom he has 2 second place finishes out of 3 outings. I think he will again be in the whereabouts at the finish and give him a good Place chance.
Place: Opinion Poll
Planteur lost the race before the start as he sweated profusely in the paddock. I think he does not take to Ascot and its crowd, as he also failed to fire last year. He's still a top-class horse and is can compete when he goes back to race in France, though.
Thursday sees Fame and Glory trying to retain his Gold Cup crown. He probably will, but I think the value in the race is Opinion Poll. This is as honest a horse as there is. He has a fantastic record with Frankie Dettori but he latter has preferred stable mate Colour Vision. Last year, the Italian also preferred Holberg but it was Opinion Poll that was the main threat in finishing second to Fame and Glory. The Halling colt was partnered by Barzalona, again his rider tomorrow, with whom he has 2 second place finishes out of 3 outings. I think he will again be in the whereabouts at the finish and give him a good Place chance.
Place: Opinion Poll
Friday, March 30, 2012
Dubai World Cup 2012
This week-end is all about the Dubai World Cup meeting. An absolutely sublime race-card where every race looks to be hotly contested. There are definitely no certainties, but here are my thoughts on the races.
Godolphin Mile - Godolphin have a strong hand in this race with African Story, Sandagiyr and Do It All. My preference goes to the first 2 as they have solid form on the Tapeta surface. African Story has been the subject of rave reviews from the team in blue and looks set to go at very short odds. I believe Sandagiyr as a Place looks good value here.
Dubai Gold Cup - This is a truly open race with at least 5 real contenders. Opinion Poll is a genuine performer and will be suited by the distance. Fox Hunt has been impressive and perfect in his 2 outings at Meydan this year. Zanzamar from the de Kock team isn't without a chance as well. The one to lay and who looks to have nothing to do in this race is Grand Vent, who was a well-beaten favourite last time out. Dettori has chosen Opinion Poll with whom he has a superb record, and they look provide the best value as a Place.
UAE Derby - A race with a lot of intrigue with newcomers Wrote and Daddy Long Legs from the Ballydoyle contingent and Helmet from Australia. The latter is a beautiful horse but I have strong reservations he will last the distance. He is a big lay for me and this is how I am going to tackle this race. The winner could come from anywhere really.
Al Quoz Sprint - this race is like the Group 1 sprints in Britain where each takes turn to win. Best to avoid this race completely.
Golden Shaheen - Everyone is hyping Rocket Man but I just don't think he's the same horse as previous years. I really like the horse but I have no reservations saying that he is a lay for me in this contest. The Factor is also overly hyped from the American base and his chances will vanish if he's involved in a speed duel from the start. He's unproven on the Tapeta, no matter how encouraging his works on the surface have been. The horse to beat in this race, in my opinion, is Sepoy, who brings solid form from Down Under. The only issue with him is how well he's adapted to the Tapeta. If he does, he will be at the finish. It might be worth having an each-way punt on Sepoy.
Dubai Duty Free - this is Mike de Kock's best chance for a winner with Musir and Mutahadee. Musir's last race was a disappointment and there is certainly the danger that he's lost form or is no longer the horse he was earlier in the Carnival. If he is on top form, he'll be in the whereabouts. Mutahadee has been one of the surprise packages of the Carnival and looks well-fancied by connections. The main danger for them will come from Ambitious Dragon, the star from Hong Kong. It would not be a surprise if he won this. One that has no chance in my books is Delegator, for which the distance looks to be too long. I have no idea why Godolphin placed him in this race. He is one of the biggest lays of this meeting. If Musir looks good on race day, a Place on him might be rewarding given his odds.
Sheema Classic - I like the Ballydoyle horses here in Treasure Beach and St Nicholas Abbey. The former is a tough horse who always gives the best of himself. He looks like a good Place punt. If St Nicholas Abbey reproduces his form of last year's Breeders Cup, he will be a serious contender. Cirrus des Aigles will also be a major player if he holds his form of last year. He was well beaten on his seasonal appearance on a synthetic surface in France, explaining his switch to this race from the DWC. Songcraft is a honest performer and it would not be surprising if he were to snatch a place at the finish.
Dubai World Cup - this does not seem to be the popular way to go, but I do not give much chance to Royal Delta or Game On Dude. The first one has won on synthetic and from reports, has looked impressive in the morning workouts at Meydan. Those are the only positives I can see. She's been trounced on her seasonal appearance a few weeks back and she looks over-hyped from her Breeders Classic (Ladies version) victory last year. She's a big lay. Game On Dude is unproven on the surface and doesn't look like he will be able to free-wheel in the lead. I see his efforts petering out as they enter the straight. For me, if So You Think is at his best and takes to the surface, he'll be the one to beat. I hope that this year Aidan O'Brien manages him as he deserves. Obviously, any of the Godolphin horses can spring an upset, particularly Monterosso who's bound to improve from his encouraging last outing. Although it is hard to assess their true form, the Japanese also can play a major role and it would not surprise me if they were to celebrate again at the end, just like they did with Victoire Pisa last year. The value for me when I look at the exchanges is Master of Hounds. He is proven on the Tapeta and his No 1 draw might not be as bad as others think as long as he breaks well and keeps up with the pace. I think he's a good but hopeful Place punt.
Godolphin Mile - Godolphin have a strong hand in this race with African Story, Sandagiyr and Do It All. My preference goes to the first 2 as they have solid form on the Tapeta surface. African Story has been the subject of rave reviews from the team in blue and looks set to go at very short odds. I believe Sandagiyr as a Place looks good value here.
Dubai Gold Cup - This is a truly open race with at least 5 real contenders. Opinion Poll is a genuine performer and will be suited by the distance. Fox Hunt has been impressive and perfect in his 2 outings at Meydan this year. Zanzamar from the de Kock team isn't without a chance as well. The one to lay and who looks to have nothing to do in this race is Grand Vent, who was a well-beaten favourite last time out. Dettori has chosen Opinion Poll with whom he has a superb record, and they look provide the best value as a Place.
UAE Derby - A race with a lot of intrigue with newcomers Wrote and Daddy Long Legs from the Ballydoyle contingent and Helmet from Australia. The latter is a beautiful horse but I have strong reservations he will last the distance. He is a big lay for me and this is how I am going to tackle this race. The winner could come from anywhere really.
Al Quoz Sprint - this race is like the Group 1 sprints in Britain where each takes turn to win. Best to avoid this race completely.
Golden Shaheen - Everyone is hyping Rocket Man but I just don't think he's the same horse as previous years. I really like the horse but I have no reservations saying that he is a lay for me in this contest. The Factor is also overly hyped from the American base and his chances will vanish if he's involved in a speed duel from the start. He's unproven on the Tapeta, no matter how encouraging his works on the surface have been. The horse to beat in this race, in my opinion, is Sepoy, who brings solid form from Down Under. The only issue with him is how well he's adapted to the Tapeta. If he does, he will be at the finish. It might be worth having an each-way punt on Sepoy.
Dubai Duty Free - this is Mike de Kock's best chance for a winner with Musir and Mutahadee. Musir's last race was a disappointment and there is certainly the danger that he's lost form or is no longer the horse he was earlier in the Carnival. If he is on top form, he'll be in the whereabouts. Mutahadee has been one of the surprise packages of the Carnival and looks well-fancied by connections. The main danger for them will come from Ambitious Dragon, the star from Hong Kong. It would not be a surprise if he won this. One that has no chance in my books is Delegator, for which the distance looks to be too long. I have no idea why Godolphin placed him in this race. He is one of the biggest lays of this meeting. If Musir looks good on race day, a Place on him might be rewarding given his odds.
Sheema Classic - I like the Ballydoyle horses here in Treasure Beach and St Nicholas Abbey. The former is a tough horse who always gives the best of himself. He looks like a good Place punt. If St Nicholas Abbey reproduces his form of last year's Breeders Cup, he will be a serious contender. Cirrus des Aigles will also be a major player if he holds his form of last year. He was well beaten on his seasonal appearance on a synthetic surface in France, explaining his switch to this race from the DWC. Songcraft is a honest performer and it would not be surprising if he were to snatch a place at the finish.
Dubai World Cup - this does not seem to be the popular way to go, but I do not give much chance to Royal Delta or Game On Dude. The first one has won on synthetic and from reports, has looked impressive in the morning workouts at Meydan. Those are the only positives I can see. She's been trounced on her seasonal appearance a few weeks back and she looks over-hyped from her Breeders Classic (Ladies version) victory last year. She's a big lay. Game On Dude is unproven on the surface and doesn't look like he will be able to free-wheel in the lead. I see his efforts petering out as they enter the straight. For me, if So You Think is at his best and takes to the surface, he'll be the one to beat. I hope that this year Aidan O'Brien manages him as he deserves. Obviously, any of the Godolphin horses can spring an upset, particularly Monterosso who's bound to improve from his encouraging last outing. Although it is hard to assess their true form, the Japanese also can play a major role and it would not surprise me if they were to celebrate again at the end, just like they did with Victoire Pisa last year. The value for me when I look at the exchanges is Master of Hounds. He is proven on the Tapeta and his No 1 draw might not be as bad as others think as long as he breaks well and keeps up with the pace. I think he's a good but hopeful Place punt.
Friday, March 2, 2012
Lots on the line
Opinion Poll was among the placings, as expected, but Viscount Nelson was a no-show. The latter summed up a disappointing meeting for the de Kock stable, in contrast to the Godolphin team which are pouring in the entries and getting the results, i.e. wins.
With their huge stable, it is no surprise that today the Dubai stable announced the recruitment of a 3rd jockey in their ranks, notably Barzalona, to help the causes of Dettori and the newly-recruited de Sousa. They were always going to attract the best jockeys to replace Dettori and the 2 new recruits are among the best in the business. Godolphin look to have renewed spring in their steps this year, and should be followed closely.
Racing Stateside, this week-end sees the running of the Santa Anita Handicap. Ultimate Eagle is the one to follow here; the son of Mizzen Mast looks to play a leading role among the older division this year after a demolition of the field on his first start on dirt. He should be in the first 3 and is recommended as a Place.
Moving East-wide, more particularly in Singapore, where the country's flag-ship horse Rocket Man makes his preparation for the Golden Shaheen in a few weeks time by running in a 6-furlong race in Kranji. He should win this, even though I don't think he's still as good as before (in other words, I don't think he will be a threat to Black Caviar if they were to meet). He's recommended as a Win.
In football, this looks like a week-end where Man City could distance themselves from Man Utd as the latter face a tough trip to Tottenham while City host Bolton. The Citizens should win their match against the Trotters and are recommended as a straight Win. If Utd can win at White Hart Lane, it would be massive for them and send shudders to their neighbours. A huge game it will be on Sunday and it could go either way.
Fulham host Wolves and I believe Martin Jol's men will pile misery on the visitors, who look primed for the drop, I believe. Fulham is a draw-no-bet selection.
With their huge stable, it is no surprise that today the Dubai stable announced the recruitment of a 3rd jockey in their ranks, notably Barzalona, to help the causes of Dettori and the newly-recruited de Sousa. They were always going to attract the best jockeys to replace Dettori and the 2 new recruits are among the best in the business. Godolphin look to have renewed spring in their steps this year, and should be followed closely.
Racing Stateside, this week-end sees the running of the Santa Anita Handicap. Ultimate Eagle is the one to follow here; the son of Mizzen Mast looks to play a leading role among the older division this year after a demolition of the field on his first start on dirt. He should be in the first 3 and is recommended as a Place.
Moving East-wide, more particularly in Singapore, where the country's flag-ship horse Rocket Man makes his preparation for the Golden Shaheen in a few weeks time by running in a 6-furlong race in Kranji. He should win this, even though I don't think he's still as good as before (in other words, I don't think he will be a threat to Black Caviar if they were to meet). He's recommended as a Win.
In football, this looks like a week-end where Man City could distance themselves from Man Utd as the latter face a tough trip to Tottenham while City host Bolton. The Citizens should win their match against the Trotters and are recommended as a straight Win. If Utd can win at White Hart Lane, it would be massive for them and send shudders to their neighbours. A huge game it will be on Sunday and it could go either way.
Fulham host Wolves and I believe Martin Jol's men will pile misery on the visitors, who look primed for the drop, I believe. Fulham is a draw-no-bet selection.
Win: Rocket Man, Man City
Place: Ultimate Eagle
Draw-no-bet: Fulham
Wednesday, February 29, 2012
Meydan Week 8
Meydan is the shining light amid this rather quiet sporting week where dull and meaningless international football is about the only thing on offer.
In the Group 2 Zabeel Mile, Viscount Nelson stands out after his recent win a fortnight ago. Mike de Kock has yet again brought back to life a Ballydoyle reject and the son of Giant's Causeway should be among the major contenders again. He is recommended as an each-way.
In the Group 3 1m6f race, the winner looks destined to come from the Godolphin camp, with Fox Hunter and Opinion Poll being the market leaders. The latter always gives a good account of himself and does well after a layoff. He's run well at Meydan before although he hasn't won at the track. Frankie Dettori has opted for Fox Hunter but Barzalona has proven to be as equally or even more effective as the stable second string jockey. I recommend Opinion Poll as a Place.
In the Group 2 Zabeel Mile, Viscount Nelson stands out after his recent win a fortnight ago. Mike de Kock has yet again brought back to life a Ballydoyle reject and the son of Giant's Causeway should be among the major contenders again. He is recommended as an each-way.
In the Group 3 1m6f race, the winner looks destined to come from the Godolphin camp, with Fox Hunter and Opinion Poll being the market leaders. The latter always gives a good account of himself and does well after a layoff. He's run well at Meydan before although he hasn't won at the track. Frankie Dettori has opted for Fox Hunter but Barzalona has proven to be as equally or even more effective as the stable second string jockey. I recommend Opinion Poll as a Place.
Each-way: Viscount Nelson
Place: Opinion Poll
Tuesday, October 18, 2011
Champions League Tuesday
Glorious week-end where just about everything hit the board. In racing, Frankel was again his outstanding self and won with authority. Opinion Poll validated the confidence of a Place recommendation by finishing second to Fame and Glory. I mentioned So You Think will run good but wouldn't win. The way winner Cirrus des Aigles caught him in the final 50 yards suggests strongly that he was feeling the exertions in the Arc 13 days ago.
In football, Man City, Arsenal, Barcelona, Real Madrid all won and QPR drew with Blackburn for a voided punt. The fact that the Gunners had to resort to a free-kick in the last 10 minutes to overcome Sunderland at home shows that this is really a team in transition and much weaker than the previous editions. I cannot see them winning anything again this year, unless the other top teams allow them the Carling Cup.
On Tuesday, it's back to Champions League matches, and it is certain that Man Utd and Real Madrid won't lose their matches; in fact, I see both of them winning. It's a must win game for The Red Devils who have drawn their first 2 matches of the group. Losing points to the Romanian outfit Galati will spell trouble for them. The match will be played in a neutral avenue, so clearly Man Utd should outclass the opposition. They are recommended as a win.
All indications are that Real Madrid win beat Lyon; they are nearly flawless at home and Lyon hasn't been able to have their measure in the confrontations of the past years. Knowing his opponents well and posting ever solid results at home, Mourinho should get the tactics right to overcome the French. Real Madrid is recommended to win.
Win: Real Madrid, Man Utd
In football, Man City, Arsenal, Barcelona, Real Madrid all won and QPR drew with Blackburn for a voided punt. The fact that the Gunners had to resort to a free-kick in the last 10 minutes to overcome Sunderland at home shows that this is really a team in transition and much weaker than the previous editions. I cannot see them winning anything again this year, unless the other top teams allow them the Carling Cup.
On Tuesday, it's back to Champions League matches, and it is certain that Man Utd and Real Madrid won't lose their matches; in fact, I see both of them winning. It's a must win game for The Red Devils who have drawn their first 2 matches of the group. Losing points to the Romanian outfit Galati will spell trouble for them. The match will be played in a neutral avenue, so clearly Man Utd should outclass the opposition. They are recommended as a win.
All indications are that Real Madrid win beat Lyon; they are nearly flawless at home and Lyon hasn't been able to have their measure in the confrontations of the past years. Knowing his opponents well and posting ever solid results at home, Mourinho should get the tactics right to overcome the French. Real Madrid is recommended to win.
Win: Real Madrid, Man Utd
Friday, October 14, 2011
All about Frankel
Wadha was a disappointing third but Final Delivery was a good-placed second.
A terrific week-end of horse racing and football coming up.
It's Champions Day at Ascot where all eyes will be on Frankel, the greatest thoroughbred in the eyes of many. All reports seem to indicate that he's on top of his game, thus he should win. I think he will win. A big win recommendation. The one that can come close is Excelebration, which should be a good Place punt for those that fancy looking at the rest of the field besides the Henry Cecil colt.
I've always favoured So You Think in each of his European outings. I think he will get turned over tomorrow because the race comes too soon for him after the Arc. If this race were one week later, I would give him a great chance, but as is, I think he'll run a good race but won't win against seasoned and well-rested horses. Just my opinion. I wished he bypassed this race and went straight to the BC Classic. It looks the connections want to go for both, and I feel it's a case where they won't get the best of the horse in either race. Time and results will tell if I am right or not.
I like Opinion Poll in the Long Distance Cup. This Godolphin colt always gives his best and has a great partnership with Dettori. He is recommended as a Place.
In football, it's the big clash between Liverpool and Man Utd. The rivalry has somewhat faded in recent years because of the demise of the Reds, but it is bound to be a well-contested match. Liverpool have the home advantage but this can really go either way. Man City is recommended as a draw-no-bet as I cannot see them losing to visiting Aston Villa. I think QPR is the best draw-no-bet of the week-end as it hosts Blackburn. Neil Warnock's men are tough to overcome at home and should give Blackburn all they can handle. Arsenal is another good draw-no-bet as it hosts struggling Sunderland.
In Spain, Real Madrid and Barcelona should win their home matches against Betis and Santander respectively. Real Betis started with a bang but have lost their last 2 matches. It is more a case of back to the earth for them. Real Madrid and Barcelona are recommended as straight home wins.
Win: Frankel, Barcelona, Real Madrid
Place: Opinion Poll
A terrific week-end of horse racing and football coming up.
It's Champions Day at Ascot where all eyes will be on Frankel, the greatest thoroughbred in the eyes of many. All reports seem to indicate that he's on top of his game, thus he should win. I think he will win. A big win recommendation. The one that can come close is Excelebration, which should be a good Place punt for those that fancy looking at the rest of the field besides the Henry Cecil colt.
I've always favoured So You Think in each of his European outings. I think he will get turned over tomorrow because the race comes too soon for him after the Arc. If this race were one week later, I would give him a great chance, but as is, I think he'll run a good race but won't win against seasoned and well-rested horses. Just my opinion. I wished he bypassed this race and went straight to the BC Classic. It looks the connections want to go for both, and I feel it's a case where they won't get the best of the horse in either race. Time and results will tell if I am right or not.
I like Opinion Poll in the Long Distance Cup. This Godolphin colt always gives his best and has a great partnership with Dettori. He is recommended as a Place.
In football, it's the big clash between Liverpool and Man Utd. The rivalry has somewhat faded in recent years because of the demise of the Reds, but it is bound to be a well-contested match. Liverpool have the home advantage but this can really go either way. Man City is recommended as a draw-no-bet as I cannot see them losing to visiting Aston Villa. I think QPR is the best draw-no-bet of the week-end as it hosts Blackburn. Neil Warnock's men are tough to overcome at home and should give Blackburn all they can handle. Arsenal is another good draw-no-bet as it hosts struggling Sunderland.
In Spain, Real Madrid and Barcelona should win their home matches against Betis and Santander respectively. Real Betis started with a bang but have lost their last 2 matches. It is more a case of back to the earth for them. Real Madrid and Barcelona are recommended as straight home wins.
Win: Frankel, Barcelona, Real Madrid
Place: Opinion Poll
Thursday, September 8, 2011
Godolphin in good form
It was a case of 2-3-4 with Fa'iz coming out 2nd, Lady Percy 3rd for a good Place and Special Boy finishing a disappointing 4th after having been hampered. All close results but in the end, no much of a difference on the balance sheet.
There are a few runners on Friday that caught my interest. Opinion Poll looks to have a good chance in the 14:25 Doncaster Cup. This son of Halling always seems to give his best and he's beaten a few of the same opponents on his last outing. Al Zarooni, the Godolphin trainer mentions that his horse should be in the thereabouts and this generally means he's confident of a good race. I see Opinion Poll in the first 3, so I recommend him as a Place.
It will be interesting to see how Inqadh, again from Godolphin, performs on his debut in the Wolverhampton 19:10. He's a son of Argentinian superstar Invasor, whose progenies have hit the board lately in England. He looks a promising sire. Inqadh's dam is Saywaan who was so impressive in winning the only race she ran. Inqadh looks to be the stable's second string as Ajtebi has chosen Echo of Dream. Obviously, there's nothing certain whenever new debutants are concerned, but for those looking for a potentially rewarding outcome with some risk, Inqadh could be one to look at. Certainly the best of the lot on pedigree.
Place: Opinion Poll
There are a few runners on Friday that caught my interest. Opinion Poll looks to have a good chance in the 14:25 Doncaster Cup. This son of Halling always seems to give his best and he's beaten a few of the same opponents on his last outing. Al Zarooni, the Godolphin trainer mentions that his horse should be in the thereabouts and this generally means he's confident of a good race. I see Opinion Poll in the first 3, so I recommend him as a Place.
It will be interesting to see how Inqadh, again from Godolphin, performs on his debut in the Wolverhampton 19:10. He's a son of Argentinian superstar Invasor, whose progenies have hit the board lately in England. He looks a promising sire. Inqadh's dam is Saywaan who was so impressive in winning the only race she ran. Inqadh looks to be the stable's second string as Ajtebi has chosen Echo of Dream. Obviously, there's nothing certain whenever new debutants are concerned, but for those looking for a potentially rewarding outcome with some risk, Inqadh could be one to look at. Certainly the best of the lot on pedigree.
Place: Opinion Poll
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