Alverton
David Marshall's Blog, April 14
Looking ahead to Cheltenham, Newmarket and Beverley
Cheltenham begins its April meeting on good ground and after a difficult winter. The management have been rewarded with a competitive card, at this time of the season I always wonder if it is worth a youngster losing his maiden tag. On that basis eliminating half the field in the opener I will plump for the filly Halling Gal in receipt of all the allowances. Habitual front runner Oakfield Legend should set them a merry dance throughout in the Golden Miller, if on a going day Boychuk, last years victor will be a danger. The same connections Keki Buku was one of my eye catchers at the festival, for some reason he lost his place at the top of the hill in the County, (out of camera shot) but he rallied to great effect up the hill, so the extra half a mile ought to suit. Although in a handicap Voy Por Ustedes still gets no respite and faces a tough enough task, Duc De Regniere appeals as the winner.
Countdown to the Guineas begins with the Craven meeting at headquarters, always a difficult time of year for fillies depending on how they have wintered. I was impressed by Principal Role when she won on her debut last year for Henry Cecil, hope she can take the Nell Gwyn as a stepping stone to further success later on. The same connections Timepiece faces no easy task taking on the colts in the Feilden stakes. An excellent opening day at Newmarket while Beverley has some competitive handicaps also, a race named after the old Westwood regular Rapid Lad, where Kings Counsel, after some decent runs over hurdles looks attractively weighted. Seventeen runners in the five furlong handicap features some old favourites, I will be keeping an eye on Oldjoesaid, the top-weight makes his debut for Kevin Ryan and is sure to be found a winning opportunity soon.
