Score an Owen goal in Classic
MR OWEN was denied Winter Derby glory in the stewards’ room last month, but compensation awaits in the Betway Easter Classic on AllWeather Finals Day at Lingfield.
David Simcock’s charge was first past the post over the same 10-furlong trip he faces here in the Group Three event, but he drifted across the track and was denied first place at the subsequent inquiry.
The reopposing Master The World was the beneficiary that day and while it looked as though he would have gone on to win but for the interference, is should also be remembered Mr Owen would have lost a chunk of ground as he veered across the track.
Either way, there would not have been too much between them at the line and Oisin Murphy should be wise to any wandering from the selection.
Second Thought is hard to oppose in the Sunbets All-Weather Mile Championships Conditions Stakes after a decisive success on his return to action at Wolverhampton earlier this month.
He showed an excellent turn of foot to kick away from Summer Icon that day and William Haggas should have him at his peak for this.
Summer Icon lines up in the 32Red All-Weather Fillies’ And Mares’ Championships and that second place should stand her in good stead as she is also better in than a couple of her closest rivals here.
Corinthia Knight will be all the rage for the 32Red 3 Year Old All-Weather Championships, but it could pay to take a chance on Roger Charlton’s upcomer Breathless Times.
Twice an impressive winner already this year, he is clearly making strides and can now make the leap to better company.
Watersmeet has been bossing the staying ranks over the winter months and he can continue that domination in the Betway All-Weather Marathon Championships Conditions Stakes while the Sprint title can fall to Gifted Master.
Hugo Palmer’s charge won a fasttrack qualifier for the six-furlong heat back in November and while he has not run since, connections have obviously set their sights on this race from some way out.