JIM’S HOME RUN
SUPER sub Jim Crowley could be in prime position to pocket today’s Hungerford Stakes aboard HOME OF THE BRAVE (Newbury, 4.10).
The four-year-old’s usual jockey James Doyle is serving a suspension so Crowley steps into the breach aboard Godolphin’s gelding who has developed into something of a seven furlong specialist this season.
Group races at that trip are few and far between hence Home Of The Brave returns to the track quicker than trainer Hugo Palmer would ideally prefer following a fine performance in Goodwood’s Lennox Stakes.
Swept aside on that occasion by the classy Dutch Connection, Palmer’s charge chased a strong gallop set by stablemate Gifted Master which may have left him vulnerable to his rival’s thrust inside the final furlong.
Hopefully, in what may prove a tactical affair, the gelding will be left alone in front under Crowley and could prove hard to overhaul if his rider can keep something in the tank to resist the late challengers.
The classy, if quirky, Convey could well fit that bill and only a neck separated him and Home Of The Brave when they met at Haydock back in May.
A drop to seven furlongs shouldn’t inconvenience Convey and he could emerge as the chief threat given he hasn’t appeared to lack pace in the past. If there were to be a surprise then Dark Emerald might be the horse to provide it as his yard have enjoyed a superb week with a number of winners and he has been second and third on his two course and distance starts.
Ripon stage some fearsome sprints for punters to unravel but MUNFALLET (Ripon, nap, 3.25) could provide some fun in the William Hill Silver Trophy.
The five-year-old led the field a merry dance in a course and distance handicap at the start of the month when only overhauled late on and he looks a big price with a draw on the stands’ rail.
KIMBERELLA (Ripon, 3.35) was a bit disappointing in the Stewards’ Cup but had a poor draw and is worth backing to bounce back.
The selection was second in the Great St Wilfrid Stakes at Ripon last year, and had previously scored in style at York, so with his course experience should go well.