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Jacobs' Best Bets
By Paul Jacobs
Last updated: 18:47 Friday, July 25, 2008
Jacobs' Best Bets
2.00 - PRIME DELIVERY came up short in the July Stakes, but his action suggests that the give in the ground may have had an awful lot to do with that form.
On his previous run he nowhere near enough to score here, but I know the stale strongly fancy him as a top class sort and I am going to forgive him that run.
I have a feeling that Doctor Crane is vulnerable at this trip and needs a greater test of stamina so I shall nominate Wildcat Wizard as the greatest danger.
2.35 - Visit won this in style for Sir Michael Stoute last year, but I'm not sure we have a winner of that class in this renewal.
KISSING THE CAMERA only got on top in the closing stages of her debut so a fast run race and test at this trp looks sure to suit her. Potential big improvers in this field include Rose Diamond and African Skies.
3.05 - STRATEGIC MISSION finally gets a chance to show his true form back at a mile after not staying further this season and as such in my book is given one last chance.
Yaddree ran an absolute cracker in the Britannia Stakes at the Royal meet and warranst maximum respect if able to duplciate that level of form.
3.40 - If the ground remains on the fast side of good then this looks a real conundrum. Old Jedburgh is runnng back into form and cannot have the ground fast enough and is well handicapped while Redford, Zaahid and Giganticus all have obvious claims.
However, the horse with the most potential to improve has to be MUSAALEM. His trainer has stated the ground is very important to him and has aimed him at this race all season.
On my figures he has about 6lbs to find with the best of these but may just do that and a bit more to boot.
4.20 - The big question for the feature race is will Duke of Marmalade stay? On his Royal Ascot success and style of running he could well defy his breeding, but if his rivals try and empty him out on the uphill climb from Swindley Bottom then he could be pray to the likes of Youmzain and the enigmatic PAPAL BULL.
The last named has stepped up last season's form and seems to have shed that ungenuine tag, at least for the time being.
Should the weather forecast bring any amount of rain to ease the surface then I believe that would favour Ask.
We have still yet to see the very best of this late maturing type. Rain would also benefit Youmzain. A character of a horse, he keeps going form strenght to strength and loves to get his toe into the ground.
A stop-start tactical race would not suit his style, but if they do go flat out then he would surely be in amongst the big money.
4.55 - They always go very fast in this ladies' race so you always need a horse thta stays further. Last year's second, Bomber Command had a nice pipe opener at Great Leighs and will be in the mix if the ground remains quick.
But with more quantity than quality on show I just prefer the claims of TIGER DREAM. With one of the best pilots on board, this son of Oasis Dream remains unexposed and a reproduction of his run in the Silver Bowl at Haydock could be enough to land this easier affair.
5.30 - This is a terribly difficult finale to try and unravel and I think that it would be prudent to have a conservative each-way bet on CANDELA BAY.
With the Willie Haggas yard on fire and this lightly raced sort open to as much improvement as any I think he could prove solid value at the main expense of Mistress Cooper and Sudden Impact.