The small bloodstock investor has a chance to hit the jackpot at Newbury on Saturday. The Weatherbys Super Sprint, confined to horses who cost no more than 40,000 guineas at public auction and withprize-money of £135,000, will resemble the charge of the Light Brigade with a maximum field of 25 going hell for leather up the five furlong straight.
Rod Millman’s Whitbarrow (IR£32,000), who missed Royal Ascot through a minor setback, is biddingfor a four-timer. Cullompton-based Millman, who won the Super Sprint with Lord Kintyre four years ago, reports Whitbarrow in sparkling form.
The newly formed Tweenhills racing syndicate is doubly represented by last week’s Ascot winner Falcon Hill(20,000gns), trained by Mark Johnston, and the Lingfield winner Greenhills (16,000gns), from the Michael Blanshard yard.
Falcon Hill stormed home over six furlongs at Ascot where he had his race won at this trip. His jockey Michael Roberts was very impressed with Falcon Hill that day but hands over the reins to champion Kevin Darley here. Falcon Hill’s draw of 25 should ensure that he can make good use of the stands rail.
Superstar Leo, winner of the Super Sprint 12 months ago, turns out for the opening Ruinart Champagne Stakes. William Haggas’s filly proved no match for Danehurst at Chester last Saturday and may find John Dunlop’s Invincible Spirit has too many guns for her.
Sakhee, second to Sinndar in last year’s Derby when trained by Dunlop, has since been transferred to the Godolphin stable. His reappearance has been delayed by a knee injury but is reported to have been working nicely of late.
At Newmarket Geoff Wragg’s Rockerlong, fifth to Sahara Slew in the RibblesdaleStakes at Royal Ascot, should prove too strong for Mark Johnston’s easy York winner Love Everlasting in the Aphrodite Stakes.
Local trainer George Margarson has his horses in good form and his Lingfield winner Definite Guest can continue in the right vein for his small stable.
