Thoughts on Monday’s runners

We start the week off by sending two runners out to Windsor today (Monday 22nd May). Lil Guff lines up in the 5.00pm followed by City Cyclone in the 8.05pm. Both horses will be ridden by Richard Kingscote.

Lil Guff

Lil Guff drops back to five for the first time since putting in strong effort at Royal Ascot last season in the Palace of Holyroodhouse Stakes when beaten just 2.5 lengths. The filly made a good seasonal appearance at Kempton but really struggled in Heavy ground last time at Windsor. This was one of those occasions where the form book does not accurately report the going. The timeform ground assessment was heavy as was that of the jockeys who rode horses for us that day. Although the filly has good form on soft, heavy was beyond and she finished very tired. She often travels well in her races so maybe it’s worth giving her a go back over five as it would open up more options.

Lil Guff

Vespasian bring solid consistent placed form to the table and sets the standard. He just needs to prove as able to go handle this faster surface. Faustus is probably next best. He has largely avoided quicker ground in recent times. The gelding has run well enough on it in the past to think he does handle it at this level.

Lil Guff runs in the colours of owner Wayne Clifford, he was bred by Sarah Clifford at their Byerley Stud. The filly will be led up Epona Miller who rides and cares for her daily at home.

City Cyclone

City Cyclone was put in two solid efforts in slowly run maidens this year finishing third in both. The tempo of a handicap is likely to suit him better. Whether the step up is exactly what he wants is open to debate and we’ll know the answer this evening. Physically he looks the type to stay well, the tight bends at Windsor mean it isn’t always a true test of stamina either.

City Cyclone

A very difficult race to read with several handicap debutantes stepping up in trip, some of them off a long break. Which rather makes this a guessing game, as to how good Brave Knight and Kyle of Lochalsh might or might not be. Overactive has a recent run on his side and also enters handicap company. Hurtle won a nursery on his last start and off the back of a break could well improve further too. Mirabello Bay has been progressing over the winter winning several times and can’t be discounted in this higher class.

City Cyclone runs for owners Wayne Clifford and Ian Gosden. He will be led up by Tamsin Karn who rides and cares for him daily at home.