Thoughts on Today’s Runners (Saturday 4th September)
A big Saturday for the team with a couple of talented runners stepping up in class. First up is Bowland Park bidding for a hat-trick in the 4.00 at Thirsk. Jason Hart who won on him at Epsom on the first leg of the hat trick at Epsom takes the ride in the mile handicap. Drawn in stall one Bowland Park will have to show versatility as the ground is on the quicker side, his three wins have come on good and soft ground.
Stepping up in grade this looks a competitive race, King Triton impressed for new connections in a deep handicap at York and that run is probably the benchmark in terms of form, the lightly raced, well bred Noble Dynasty very much could be anything still. Interestingly had the winner of that York handicap in second when breaking his maiden last season. Bowland Park races for and was bred by Gary and Lesley Middlebrook. He is by New Bay, out of the Tobougg mare, Distinctive. He will be led up by Alice Roberts, and overseen by Shaun Johnson. Michael Coles cares for the gelding at home.
Our second runner of the day is Don’t Tell Claire in the 4.20 at Ascot. Jack Mitchell is on board for the one mile fillies’ handicap and the pair are drawn in stall 2. They combination bid to go one place better than their narrow defeat at Newmarket last time out.
A fillies handicap with a good pot on offer has drawn a competitive field. Passinova who has already got black type when second at Haydock & Kestenna who was beaten just 3.5 lengths in listed company probably set the benchmark in terms of form achieved, Sunrise Valley could not have been more impressive when winning in novice company last time and could well turn out to be a top quality filly whilst Rising Star is very much on the up as is Roman Mist who comes here having won her last 3.
Don’t Tell Claire is owned by Andrew Stonehill. She is by Gutaifan, out of the Mount Nelson mare, Avenbury. Don’t Tell Claire will be led up by Michael Coles. She is cared for at home by Jan Kasecky. She was purchased as a yearling for Andrew by Daniel & Claire for just £15,000.