Mark Johnston trains Mushaakis
David Cleary provides today's bets...
The weather is appropriately warm and sunny for the opening day of Sandown's Summer Festival, aka the Eclipse meeting, though, as a result, the ground is likely to be pretty firm come race time, with the clerk of the course having already revised the description once this morning. That could lead to withdrawals, which could make punting slightly tricky, but hopefully the following will still be worth backing.
The mile-and-a-quarter handicap at 16:35 is a useful contest, featuring several with the potential to progress further, notably Al Saham and Code of Honor. However, the key to the race could well be the tactics, with a good chance that this will be relatively steadily run. Tight Lipped is the obvious pacemaker, but he has gone only sedately in front here on his last two starts. It is possible Jake's Destiny will compete for the lead, but he is stepping up in trip. If a steady pace ensues again, Al Saham, held up towards the rear for his two wins under today's rider, may be at a disadvantage. In any case he is dropping in trip, which might not help if it becomes a speed test either.
Code of Honor had excuses when favourite for the Silver Bowl at Haydock last time and could revert to being ridden more prominently this afternoon. Code of Honor makes more appeal than Al Saham, but at the likely prices the other three-year-old in the field Mushaakis is the one to have as number one pick. Mushaakis may not be quite so good as his demolition of lesser opposition at Musselburgh on his penultimate start suggests, but the race at Newmarket in which he was a beaten favourite next time looks stronger form than it did at the time. In any case, Mushaakis that night shaped as if he'd benefit from both a more positive ride and a step up in trip at this level. It will be no surprise if Paul Hanagan, back on board today, has his mount in a handy position to strike in the straight.
The opening sprint handicap at 14:20 features several that have been given a chance by the handicapper, with Taajub and Joe Packet of particular interest. Taajub is well treated on the pick of his efforts last summer and although he hasn't shown that level this time round, he ran a more encouraging race when tenth in the Dash last time out. Firmer ground will definitely play to his strengths. However, Joe Packet is the main selection, given he's shown more obvious signs of retaining all his ability this year. He's had excuses every time he's run and yet has slipped significantly in the weights. Joe Packet hasn't run over a bare five furlongs since 2010, but he was an impressive winner over course and distance that year and the way he races at six furlongs suggests he'll still be effective over a stiff five.
Recommendations:
Both at Sandown
Back Mushaakis @ 9.0 in the 16:35
Back Joe Packet @ 7.0 in the 14:20
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