RACING Reyes to rule at Ludlow
IT is a jumps Sunday in Britain with racing at Ludlow and Plumpton and Noche De Reyes can prove the star of the show at the first-named venue.
He lines up in the totepool Racecourse Debit Card Betting Available Handicap Chase as he seeks to get back on the winning track for trainer Tom George.
The eight-year-old has not got his head in front since winning at Ludlow last April, but he has been running well enough in defeat on occasion, not least when second last time out.
Noche De Reyes was conceding more than two stone on that occasion so it is little wonder he could not peg back River Purple once that one got his head in front.
George’s charge put up a bold challenge though, eventually being beaten just over length at what is undoubtedly his favourite track.
Noche De Reyes has been dropped a couple of pounds following that effort and he should hold every chance, particularly if the ground stays on the better side.
Wishfull Dreaming has some pretty big boots to fill as a full-brother to Wishfull Thinking and while he is not up to his sibling’s standard, he should be good enough in the At totepoolracing Follow For Racing News Handicap Hurdle.
The six-year-old looked a possible star when winning a Listed bumper back in 2015 but he was off the track for a while before reappearing with a hurdles verdict at Chepstow last October
He has perhaps lost his way a bit since then, but Wishfull Dreaming remains a decent type and just could not repel a lightly-weighted rival last time.
At Plumpton, Perfect Timing can hit the mark in the Swift Bedding Handicap Chase.
A winner over this course and distance last month, the handicapper has put him up 5lb for a nine-length verdict in a tight three-runner affair, but he appeared to win with a bit in hand.
Those looking for a Flat fix will have to go a bit further afield as Acapulco
can make an immediate impact on her debut for Aidan O’Brien in the Sole Power Sprint Stakes at the Curragh.
She looked a superstar in her juvenile days for Wesley Ward but suffered a foot problem last term that limited her to just three outings, culminating in a disappointing run at Santa Anita last November.
Acapulco is on a limited timescale with O’Brien as connections have sent her to be covered by Galileo, but she should be able to make hay for her team before bowing out.
Most eyes are likely to be focused on Deauville where the Abu Dhabi Poule d’Essai des Poulains takes centre stage.
The French equivalent of the 2000 Guineas has again attracted a topnotch field but it is Brametot who can triumph for trainer Jean-Claude Rouget.
The handler has had a torrid time of late with a deadly virus outbreak in one of his yards but Brametot demonstrated his well-being admirably when overcoming a tardy start to win a Group Three at Chantilly last month.