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Captain's Blog - 7th July 2011

The July meeting begins today and it is all live on . This is a meeting that I always enjoy and lets hope that the track offers a level playing field. I am not bothered if their is a bias in existence, punters love a bias, but if there is one lets hope that it is not a moveable feast, a bias on wheels is a dangerous thing for us punters.

The action today is headed up by the Princess of Wales's Stakes. This is one of two Group 2 races on the card. Redwood is favourite on the back of his excellent run in the Sheema Classic in Dubai in March. His second to Rewilding there is a dream for collateral form students. More importantly he has run some decent speed figures which give him a clear edge over most of his rivals. Second in the market is Crystal Capella who has already won two Group 2 races and will be Laaheb all the better for her recent seasonal reappearance at Haydock. Laaheb trained by the in form Roger Varian was only 2 lengths behind Redwood in the Sheema Classic and is sure to run well. The one that interests me is Afsare. This horse won the Hampton Court at Royal Ascot last year and this year he has had excuses. He needed his first run back, encountered unfavourable soft ground second time and pulled hard in a slowly run race last time. He still has a lot of latent potential at a mile and a half and looks sure to make a bold bid for this Group 2.

I am in the Studio today for what is sure to be a compelling days action. Many thanks to those of you who emailed the Kempton show last night. We received emails on a variety of topics. It is always good to hear from you all and I very much enjoyed the show. Dave Yates was my guest and we will renew our association at Salisbury on Saturday night.

My selection today is Apace in the last at Newmarket. This horse ran a big speed figure two starts ago. Last time she was badly hampered after two furlongs and had no chance thereafter. She can resume her upward curve today and prove that her figure two starts ago was no fluke.
Time for me to get to the Studio. All the best.

Today's Selection

4.40 Newmarket - Apace (4/1 Victor Chandler )