This Weekends Racing – Reviewed by The Sportsman Racing

The French challenge looks very strong this year with Abtaal leading the way as 2nd favourite in the race. French Fifteen also cannot be discounted though at bigger odds of 22-1 Hermival appeals. Trainer Mikel Delzangles trained the 2010 winner Makfi and Hermival has been campaigned in copycat fashion. Last time out at Maisons-Laffite, the horse was ridden with restraint before finishing with a rattle for third behind French Fifteen. It’s not beyond Hermival to reverse form with French Fifteen with the faster pace in the Guineas likely to suit. Power is Ballydoyles’s No. 2 Guineas hope, yet if he were not playing second fiddle in the O’Brien string this battle hardened horse would be shorter than 14-1 on the layers lists. Bronterre is very highly thought of in the Richard Hannon yard. The horse disappointed last time out at Newbury on soft ground but any ease in the conditions would bring him into the picture at a top priced 40-1. Top Offer is another at the mercy of the elements as soft ground would surely see his chances ruined. Trumpet Major blew away the opposition in the Craven Stakes at Newmarket to put himself firmly in the 2,000 Guineas picture. At four times the odds Bronterre however would be the preference of the two to put on a fanfare. Born To Sea is an interesting contender at a best priced 9-1 with Totesport and Betfred would be the each-way choice. John Oxx’s colt was much spoken of before his racecourse debut being a half brother to Sea The Stars and he didn’t disappoint when winning a Listed race. Next time out he finished a well beaten second to Nephrite in the Killavullan Stakes , but that run had to be reassessed as he was found to have torn a muscle in his hindquarters. Sea The Stars improved enormously from the age of two to three as the juveniles of the dam Urban Sea have all done and it should be no different for Born To Sea. Give in the ground shouldn’t trouble him though testing ground would seriously compromise his chance. John Oxx doesn’t tilt at windmills and with progression assured 9-1 looks a fair price. In the 4.55 at Newmarket, Noble Mission trained by Sir Henry Cecil made a pleasing return to the track at Newbury when winning a 1m maiden on soft ground with insolent ease. This Listed event is a step up in class but this big colt who is a brother to the mighty Frankel can put his own name in lights this season. [caption id="attachment_1626" align="aligncenter" width="150"] Click here to see The Sportsman Racings profile and full history[/caption]]]>