Oxford Racing Manager Simon Pearson shares his thoughts on tonight’s 10 open races.
This isn’t the highest standard of maiden you will see – it will probably be won in around 27.50 – and I think it should go to Savana Bomb who was bought in the local sales and ran the track well first time. In terms of a danger, I think they have expected more from Youve Been Dunne. If they are right, tonight would be a good time to show it.
This looks a bit of a match-up between the two big guns in traps three and five. I am going with track record holder Headford Harry, even though the draw is far from ideal. Ohalabamaslama is the obvious danger and beat Harry when they last met. There is so little between them. Minnies Kharkiv is a nice sort too but may find the other pair a handful.
I will be very interested to see how Lively Lauren goes in here. She is very useful over four bends, will she get the 650? For that reason alone, I am going with Work The Head who we know stays well and looks well enough drawn on the inside.
This really is a no-brainer. There is no way that you can oppose Romeo Atomic who looks a bit special. I think he could go on to have a very good career and will continue to improve. Shooter McGavin is a nice young dog and should win his share, but Atomic just ran away from him the last time. There is a big gap in class between these dogs, but it is nice to see trainers supporting British bred races.
Annual Sydney looks to be the one in here. He runs the track well and shouldn’t get caught. I really like the look of Gooner despite the name. (So said the ManU fan – we’ll see after Sunday – Ed). I really expected him to qualify for the semi finals of the British bred competition. But that can happen with inexperienced pups if they mix their break.
Jaffa is a confident selection here. He produced a great run without a trial in the first round and returned at 6-1 which I thought was huge. You would expect him to find at least a couple of lengths on that providing he traps okay. Not sure of the biggest danger, possibly Bathams Dennis or Watchhall Sid.
Probably the most competitive race of the night. I will go with Outdoor Ice who is super consistent and has the times to back it up. But several could give him a good race. Of those I’d probably just make Jasmine Lily, who beat him last time out, as the main danger.
What a race this is. With respect to the other four, most people will be looking at the litter sisters Antigua Lava and Space Jet as the two proven top class marathon runners in there. I am going with Space Jet who is just phenomenal and, in my opinion, has to find trouble to get beat. The only one even likely to beat her is her sister. I did have some hopes for Wota Swell Party in the heats, but it is obvious that she doesn’t quite see out the trip. Best of luck to the other three but on all known form they will struggle in here.
This is another fabulous competitive race where you could make claims for several of the field. I am just edging it to Chelms Cub who won the last big competition here, but he is a long way from being a good thing.
This is a bit of a head scratcher. Coolboy Rusty has 28.50 Shelbourne form and obviously has ability. And looking at the trials of Droopys Mama Mia, she can obviously run a bit too. But I thought Why Wasnt Itold ran very well on debut, clocking a 4.08 sectional and can probably kick on again.
