Thursday Double...

For most today is the first day of the summer. Why? Well it's the first day, of the first test at Lords. And what does that mean? Rain!! After days of uninterrupted sunshine the cricketing gods have frowned upon the inclusion of Jimmy Anderson for the fit again Matthew Hoggard and decided that no play will be likely today. Then lets at least thank the heavens for the grace of sunshine in the north of the country and the blessing that is day two of the May meeting at York.

York 15:45 - Benandonner
1m, Class 3 Memorial Stakes - Good to Firm

The Analyst is very sweet on a talented horse called Lang Shining who runs in the 15:10 at York today. With a over night non-runner and the real lack of opposition in the field, Sir Michael Stoutes 4 year old is currently trading at 4/6. Trying to avoid putting up any selections at odds-on, and although I fully expect this horse to win I really only mention the above charge to boost the credentials of our selection in the 15:45. Benandonner, finished a close 2nd behind Lang Shining at Newbury last time. The front two pulled well clear of high class Zaahid who has since franked the form by beating 21 rivals home in a class 2 at Ascot. Happy to take on Charlie Farnsbarns today, who only raced once as a 3 year old and has fitness to prove in what will be a helter-skelter 1m on very decent ground, get on the Richard Fahey trained Benandonner to get the double off to a flyer. (Early Price 2/1)
2ND 7/4F

Staying on like a train, our selections efforts inside the final furlong just couldn't be carried out all the way to the line and he eventually went down by a frustrating short head. This is def. a miler for the note book though and Benandonner is a tough horse who will his fair share of races this year.

Newmarket 20:00 - Moyenne Corniche
1m, Class 3 Conditions Stakes - Good to Firm

Godolphin had a decent winner at York yesterday and that may just be the start of their summer, with the promise of lots of Royal Blue winning on the British tracks this year. However The Analyst will take on the American bread 3 year old (Fateh Field) today and side with good old Geoff Wragg and his runner Moyenne Corniche. Immediately drawn to the eye catching jockey booking, (Ryan Moore) I was really taken by his Newbury win when he pulled 4l's clear of a quality maiden field over today's distance, in April last year. Very highly thought of at home and sure to progress as a 3 year old, I am backing Geoff to get off the mark for the 08 season at HQ tonight! (Early Price 3/1)
2ND 5/2

Denied by an 18/1 shock as Ralph Beckett's aptly named Without A Prayer, stayed on gamely enough to deny our selection and provide the double with a dose of frustrating seconditis!! Another one to keep an eye on, Moyenne Croniche will improve for the run.