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.

April Fool's Double...

Wetherby 14:40 - Compromiznotension
2m, Class 4 Novices' Hurdle - Soft, Good to Soft In Places

Unlucky not to win last time out this brown gelding ploughed through the last to give away his advantage, only to rally back and go down by a neck. With some useful form on offer with the likes of Marsam and Halla San, The Analyst expects Howard Johnson's charge to figure highly in today's race.
2ND 6/4

Sent into the lead from the start it was clear that Denis O'Regan wanted to stretch his rivals and see what they had got. However rounding the paddock turn the selection veered violently right and the jockey did well to keep him in the race. Compromiznotension soon got back to take control, however as they quickened down the home straight he just didn't find that extra gear and was left in a staying on again 2nd.


Southwell 16:45 - Benandonner
1m, Class 2 Handicap - Standard

It's not often that you'll find The Analyst taking a trip to the sand however with quite an attractive looking class 2 race on offer, why not! The selection ran a creditable 2ND in the Spring Mile at Doncaster behind the Peter Chapple-Hyam trained 'Don't Panic' who absolutely hacked up and looks and animal to follow! With good form on the all weather in the past and looking favourably treated at the weights today have a go at the son of Giant's Causeway.
WON 6/4

Galvanised to the front Benandonner was never to see another rival! Travelling sweetly throughout he was momentarily taken on by the Dandy Nichols runner up, but held on well at the line to score by a tidy neck.