Angus McNae's top tips for Thursday: Make a date with Weekender
By Angus McNae
Last Updated: Tue 5 Dec 2023
It is rare for me to get really excited about any horse. I prefer analytics to emotion in racing but that said I cannot control my enthusiasm for Without Parole who runs at Sandown on Thursday night.
I thought he would win the 2000 Guineas before injury struck and while he might not have beaten Saxon Warrior I reckon he would have given him a fight.
I think he has more potential than any three-year-old I have seen this year and I will be surprised if he loses tonight. Indeed, this is surely just a warm up for the St James’s Palace Stakes.
I’m sure he is the real deal and his reappearance in the Heron Stakes must not be missed.
Four selections for you today. Two at Sandown, trained by John Gosden, and two at Goodwood for Mark Johnson.
Angus McNae
Finished: 1stSP: 9/4
I expect this horse to jump out and make all the running here.
He ran well at York last week when finishing second to Adam in a tough handicap and this looks easier. He ran poorly here two starts ago when Gerald Mosse went far too fast in front on him, but PJ McDonald judged it far better last time at York and is on board again.
He looks like he will be able to dominate this contest and continue the fine form of his yard with surely underlines the maxim that when the sun shines and the ground is fast the Johnston horses make hay.
Angus McNae
Finished: 3rdSP: 3/1
Mark Johnston has his horses in superb form and this horse looks set to provide him with another success.
He has has had only one run and in it he shaped well amongst inexperience at Beverley.
He did well to reach second place such was his lack of know how and with that behind him he looks certain to make a big jump forward here.
That was a maiden where she had to take on colts and geldings but here she takes on her own sex and that, combined with her latent potential, makes her a good bet.
Angus McNae
Finished: 1stSP: 4/6
This horse could be a phenomenon, possibly the best three-year-old miler around and I say that with only the evidence of two previous runs.
Quite simply, his time when winning at Yarmouth last time was sensational.
In recording a Timeform speed figure of 117 he did more than Masar in the Craven and James Garfield in the Greenham and did enough to suggest that he would have gone close to winning the 2000 Guineas.
To record such a figure so early in his career and to do so in the manner that he did was truly remarkable. He is a potential superstar and promises to go right to the top. He will be a short price but he should be backed with confidence.
Angus McNae
Finished: 3rdSP: 9/4
This race is one which has a jaded look to it and whilst some of the more established players lights still burn pretty brightly I think the progressive and potential packed Weekender can strike at 11-4.
He made all in a fast time to win at Chelmsford on his seasonal reappearance. He won with plenty in hand, stepping up on the progression he made last year.
That win came over 14 furlongs but there was nothing in it that suggested he would not stay this 16-furlong trip.
Like Without Parole he is by Frankel, who is turning out to be a huge influence for stamina. This horse could make up into a classy stayer.
Angus McNae's top tips for Thursday:
Angus McNae
Finished: 1stSP: 9/4
Angus McNae
Finished: 3rdSP: 3/1
Angus McNae
Finished: 1stSP: 4/6
Angus McNae
Finished: 3rdSP: 9/4
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