Talking Horses

Product Information

Noel Meade’s dual-purpose gelding has been in the form of his life this year, finishing a close second in the Galway Hurdle in July and then putting up a career-best when fourth, beaten just over a length, in the Irish Cesarewitch three weeks ago.

This time, he faces another odds-on shot in Bravemansgame, the seven-length runner-up in this year’s Gold Cup, as well as Corach Rambler, the Grand National winner, and a high-class course specialist in Royale Pagaille. This is a very serious injury and at this early time, it is not possible to predict the extent of long-term recovery.” York 1.15 Esquire could offer some value at around 7-1 having posted a useful time for a debutant when winning with plenty in hand at Hamilton last month.Whether he is a genuine 4-5 chance for Saturday’s race is a different question, however, as Protektorat (3.00) came up with the performance of his career to date under very similar conditions last year. He had a very tough act to follow, however, as his predecessor, Paul Struthers, had been a shrewd and effective chief executive during a decade in the role. He also had plenty of experience of the cut-and-thrust – and occasional low blows – of racing politics from his time as head of PR for the British Horseracing Authority. Ascot 2.05: The lightly raced Theatre Glory has gone well fresh in the past and could have the measure of the quirky Goshen.

The PJA caused controversy in December 2021 by attempting to say that Bryony Frost had only ‘felt’ bullied by Robbie Dunne (pictured), who was banned for 10 months. Photograph: Yui Mok/PA Sandown 2.20 L’Homme Presse has made rapid progress from his successful chasing debut off 122 in December and can complete his rise through the ranks with a Grade One victory here.Sandown 1.50 Goshen is very difficult to catch right but his latest run at Lingfield was his best for a while and this return to Sandown, where he won impressively as a four-year-old, should suit. Wetherby 2.30 The betting implies a stroll for Ahoy Senor but Saint Palais has progressed with every start over fences, put up a new career-best last time and has a better chance than odds of 3-1 might suggest.