Three things to note on Friday - Chris Cook casts his expert eye over the day's action
Williamses spread their wings
It's a big day for British trainers targeting overseas prizes. Ian Williams has a jumps runner in Ireland for just the second time in the past eight years when Finn Russell carries bottom weight in a handicap hurdle (3.20) at Downpatrick. The four-year-old has been running well on the Flat. Then tonight, in a race to be shown on Sky Sports Racing, Stuart Williams takes a swing at a chunky US prize when Pandora's Gift tackles a Grade 2 sprint for fillies and mares (3.26) at Presque Isle Downs, midway between Buffalo and Cleveland. Pandora's Gift won a Listed prize at Chelmsford in May and was third in a Naas Group 3 last time. Ben Curtis (remember him?) is booked.
Dissident needs watching
With Bluestocking a serious Arc contender, this seems an appropriate time for her younger half-brother to make his debut. Dissident is the juvenile in question, being by Frankel whereas she is by Camelot. He must have been a handful because he was already gelded by the spring. Ralph Beckett, whose two-year-olds have been going so well, starts him off at Newbury in the historic Haynes, Hanson & Clark novice race (3.30), won by some stars in the 80s and 90s, as well as Yibir more recently, while Beckett's Westover was second in 2021.
Annandale the toast at Ayr?
Could this be the day for Annandale, who is towards the bottom of the weights for the 1m5f handicap (5.20) at the end of Ayr's card? Jim Goldie's six-year-old has run with promise to be fourth a couple of times in recent weeks, when partnered by an inexperienced rider who was seemingly unable to give very vigorous assistance at this stage of her career. Paul Mulrennan is booked for today. Annandale's last success, three years ago, was over today's course and distance. He is now rated 26lb lower than he was then. Don't confuse him with Belle Of Annandale, who is in the same race.
Read these next:
Looking for free bets? Racing Post have got the best offers, all in one place. Visit racingpost.com/freebets to find out more.
Published on inPreviews
Last updated
- 2.30 Ayr: 'He was beaten by a pretty smart horse last time' - who fancies their chances in handicap hurdle?
- 100-1 winner bids to follow up at Leicester in race landed by Topham scorer last year
- Potential Eider candidate returns and JP McManus out to improve eyecatching track record - Monday's punting pointers
- 1.35 Warwick: is Leader In The Park the one to follow? Analysis and trainer quotes for £15,000 novices' limited handicap chase
- Protektorat a third winner of the day for red-hot Harry Wilson - find out his tips for the rest of the ITV4 action
- 2.30 Ayr: 'He was beaten by a pretty smart horse last time' - who fancies their chances in handicap hurdle?
- 100-1 winner bids to follow up at Leicester in race landed by Topham scorer last year
- Potential Eider candidate returns and JP McManus out to improve eyecatching track record - Monday's punting pointers
- 1.35 Warwick: is Leader In The Park the one to follow? Analysis and trainer quotes for £15,000 novices' limited handicap chase
- Protektorat a third winner of the day for red-hot Harry Wilson - find out his tips for the rest of the ITV4 action