The Weekend's Horse Racing Preview

Last updated : 06 August 2004 By The Sheik

It can make for quite a good spectacle but it doesn’t do a lot for me, betting wise. There may be one or two decent betting propositions after the jockeys are known and one to look out for given a strong jockey is Dorothy’s Friend in the 3.20. She needs a decent test of stamina and should get it over the 2 miles here.

My best bet appears to be Mister Monet in the 2.30 at Haydock, a Group 3 event over 1m 2.5 furlongs. At first glance he looks to have quite a stiff chance being only eighth best in the official ratings some 8lbs behind Muqbil. But he won well at Hamilton and bettered that at Ascot. I believe he is an improving horse and hope he can continue by winning this.

My local course, Ayr, hosts a ladies evening tonight with the first race at 6.05. It’s not the best card in terms of quality but it looks quite competitive and should be good fun. Speaking of good fun, it’s well worth taking a look at some of the contenders for “best dressed lady”. It’s normally won by someone who wouldn’t look out of place with a saddle on their back. Mutton and lamb readily springs to mind!!

Viewforth is down to run in the 7.05 and is tumbling down the weights as a result of some indifferent runs recently. However, he will win again sometime but my patience is beginning to run a bit thin. I’ll give him this one last chance.

Another to appear in the last chance saloon is Ian Semple’s Chookie Heiton, who ran a shocker at Hamilton recently. His trainer believes he is a very decent beast and thinks the course didn’t suit last time. I hope the more conventional track at Haydock suits him better. He goes in the 1.55. Again I’ll give him one more chance.