A belting weekend of action for any racing fan! Here are five names to note across Saturday’s domestic action. Best of luck.
MIN HUNA
William Haggas is currently operating at a 15% strike-rate and this progressive Dubawi filly is taken to improve his fine run of form.
A smooth winner at Windsor on her penultimate start over a mile, she relished the step up to 10 furlongs when powering clear at Sandown last time out. This is another step up and the 8lb rise will make things tougher, but the Race iQ data was complimentary about the manner of her finishing speed percentage and that can hopefully come good again at HQ.
GISELLE
Her dam Newspaperofrecord was a fine filly and her sire Frankel wasn’t too bad either. We’ve not seen her since finishing an eye-catching second to Bedtime Story in a maiden at Leopardstown in June. That filly has gone on to enjoy a fine season and this looks a golden opportunity for Giselle to break her maiden tag.
TAMFANA
Race: 2.40 Newmarket.
A big weekend for trainer David Menuisier and hopefully he can be celebrating Group One victory with this progressive filly. I was taken with her performance at Sandown and the Race IQ data backs that up by suggesting her stride data of 7.36m was far superior to her rivals. She was ridden slightly more prominently on that occasion and hopeful similar tactics are employed in the Sun Chariot. She also looks the safest option. On paper and on ratings, both Nashwa and Inspiral are clear of Tamfana, but they have both question marks to answer regarding a long layoff and a loss of form.
JARRAAF
Race: 3.00 Ascot.
Been taken with this colt on his last two starts, both of which have come over course and distance. He was a particularly easy winner of a competitive handicap at the Shergar Cup, despite having to carry a welter-burden. Up 9lb, this is clearly tougher, but he seems to have a penchant for the track and is taken to confirm his fine record at the Berkshire venue.
VOLTERRA
Race: 3.35 Ascot.
I attended a wedding in Volterra earlier this year and would heartily recommend a visit to the heartlands of Tuscany. The equine version caught my eye at York last time out where he attempted to make all and was only beaten a length into second. I think similar tactics cvould be employed here and a mark of 94 might just underestimate his ability.