Satudays Selections

NEWBURY 2.35 ... MIA'S BOY @ 10/1 Generally ... EUROPEAN DREAM @ 40/1 S.J ... ALARAZI @ 50/1 SJ
When returning from Dubai, European Dream only had the 1 flat outing last year in the Lincoln mile after a winter over the sticks.
He won 4 times in 2007 the first by 6 length in a Newcastle h/cap returning from a winters hurdling, 3 at this trip and the last of them off this mark at 9 furlongs off top weight at York.
Again he is returning from the National Hunt scene (this time 5lb lower) where he has been taking on high class opposition, so should be fit enough and the fact he won fresh in the past gives reasons he can do so again from what looks a handy berth.
This straight mile should suit this galloping sort and Mark Coumbe ridden a 2nd and two 3rd's on his last 3 outings for the stable this week. He claims a valuable 5lb in this tight h/cap which puts him near the foot of the weights where there is only 12lb between the field.

Mia's Boy is the other worth an interest, as he ran up 4 wins on the trot last season when fresh with 3 under this Jockey and was unlucky not to add to the tally in this years Lincoln, when basically racing a 2 horse race on the stands side where he came out on top.
That race favoured the far side runners so the fact he had the (108 rated) race fit Blythe Knight 3 length in arrears his side was again a decent first run of the season.
Cobo Bay will like the cut in the ground but this May foaled colt may need a bit more time and could be one for later in the summer.
Charm School was another consideration from that race and he's ran his best races for Jimmy Fortune in the past year but this gelding is another just turned 4Yr Old and has around 3 length to find with Mia's Boy.

Alarazi is the dark horse in the race. He was 4th in the Irish Lincolnshire on only his 3rd ever run last season for John Oxx, and has been highly tried over further since, usually at group level.
He is another to have been tried at the winter game and his return to the flat in the Magnolia Stakes against rivals rated between 104 to 110 could mean he is well treated here back to a more suitable trip.
Any more easing of the groung will suit and 50/1 looks ridiculously high and worthy of a small interest!

Mia's Boy 1 pt
European Dream 1/2 pt
Alarazi 1/2 pt

minus 2 points

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One To Watch

THIRSK 2.30 ... ATLANTIC STORY
Could be worth a small interest as he meets Flawed Genius on 18lb better terms than his All Weather run last time out when hampered at the start.
Doesn't have a particularly good strike rate on turf but well treated non the less but would keep stakes small and 5/1 minimum odds.


LATE SELECTION

NOTTINGHAM 6.00 ... ORPENS ART @ 16/1
Was running off 14lb higher last season when finishing 2nd under this jockey at Newmarket, then a couple of runs later gave 7lb to Le Toreador (finished 2 length 5th to Jaconet last week off 79) and finished 2nd to him before going to Ireland where he contested 0-80 rated h/caps.
Back with Simon Callaghan and is now a Stone lower than when leaving him last summer.
Gave Maggie Kate 8lb last May at Great Leighs who was 1.5 length behind, to Mark Johnsons 70 rated Yankee Storm.
The 8th of the 9 runners Magic Blanket has won 2 All Weather H/caps this year.
Orpens Art has been over longer trips this year where his mark has come down 9lb in 3 runs. He led for a long way in a 7fl Wolv hcap off top weight on his return to England where hampered at the 5fl pole and dropped away.
Only won at this distance so this front runner could be primed for a good show in this 0-65 drawn near the stands side rail.

1 point

Currently 16/1 so E/W value a possible

minus 1 point

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