Thoughts on today’s runners

We are sending out two runners from Sarsen Farm today to end the week. First up is Helm Rock at Kempton followed by Don’t Tell Claire to Ascot.

Helm Rock

Helm Rock runs in the London Mile Series Final under Nicola Currie at 2.40pm.

The gelding won back to back starts under Nicola, including one on the all weather. He then finished sixth in a competitive Sunday Series Race. This is a very valuable prize (£80,000) so we felt it was worth taking a shot at it.

The busy Dutch Decoy has been running consistently in recent weeks, recording three wins since the beginning of July. He has also been placed in some strong races. That very much looks the standard to aim for. My Mate Ted is a lightly raced horse and open to progression. Spirit of the Bay has run some solid races this summer and if the cheek pieces squeeze out a bit more she would have to come into contention.

Helm Rock runs in the colours of owners Capture The Moment VII and will be led up by James Pulley who cares for him daily at home.

Don’t Tell Claire

Don’t Tell Claire lines up at 4.20pm in a Class 2 Handicap for Fillies over a mile. Neil Callan will be on board.

Don’t Tell Claire won this race last year and it has been on her agenda since Royal Ascot to attempt a repeat. She made up a huge amount of ground from a wide draw last time to catch the eye when finishing third. She hasn’t really had much luck this season and deserves to catch a break.

Historically the race has favoured three year olds. Don’t Tell Claire stands out as the sole older horse to have won the horse in the last decade. So it is no surprise that the big dangers here look to be the progressive pair, Crystal Caprice and Tarrabb.

Don’t Tell Claire runs in the colours of owner Andrew Stonehill and will be led up by Ilse Belien.