Daily Mirror (Northern Ireland)
ESHAAD AS NAILS
Varian’s improving filly to defy Group 1 penalty
ESHAADA (nap) has everything in place for a winning return to action in the Group 3 Al Rayyan Stakes (2.10) at Newbury today.
Having won her first two starts – the latter success in the Listed Fillies’ Trial at this fixture 12 months ago – the Roger Variansaddled daughter of Muhaarar was an unlucky second to Loving Dream in Royal Ascot’s Group 2 Ribblesdale Stakes in June.
Eshaada didn’t shine when last of seven behind Snowfall in the top-tier Yorkshire Oaks last August.
But Jim Crowley’s mount put up a personal best with a short-head margin from Albaflora in the Group 1 Fillies & Mares Stakes on Ascot’s QIPCO British Champions Day card in October.
Take out her Knavesmire no-show and Eshaada looks well up to defying a penalty here – given the likelihood of improvement on the sixth outing of her life.
The well-related RED VINEYARD is another with more to offer in the Betvictor London Gold Cup Handicap (2.45).
A half-brother by Slade Power to a slew of good horses, including the much-loved three-time Melbourne Cup runner-up Red Cadeaux, Red Vineyard got his career off to the perfect start at Ffos Las in September before sinking in rain-softened ground in Newbury’s Group 3 Horris Hill Stakes the following month.
But the chestnut was back to form for William Muir and Chris Grassick in a 10-furlong handicap at Sandown last month, and a 5lb rise for a three-quarter-length call shouldn’t stop another good account.
He has raced exclusively on Tapeta in a four-start career, but TIBER FLOW is expected to show his ability on turf against eight rivals for the Listed Betvictor Carnarvon Stakes (1.35).
On the back of two triumphs at Newcastle and one at Southwell, the son of Caravaggio went under by a short head to El Caballo on Gosforth Park’s big-money Allweather Championships Finals day last time out. But that first defeat still represented another step forward.
At Newmarket, WIZARD D’AMOUR has a strong chance of revenge on course-and-distance conqueror Shine So Bright when the pair re-engage for the Birketts LLP Handicap (3.00).
A length split the pair in a similar event at the Guineas Festival 15 days ago, but a 2lb swing in the runner-up’s favour will help his bid to turn the tables.
Hughie Morrison’s team is in rude health, and HAYMAKER has plenty going for him in the TRU7 Handicap (2.25).
Things got hairy close home when my tip won over seven furlongs on the 1,000 Guineas undercard – the victory was his first and came on the back of a gelding operation – so dropping a furlong in trip is the right move.
Tom Clover’s ZAIN SARINDA didn’t look in love with Epsom when a close third in the home of the Derby’s Blue Riband Trial, so he looks well up to making his presence felt in the Listed Denbury Homes Fairway Stakes (1.50).