Haydock and Deauville - 11th/12th Aug

Shergar Cup day is usually one of the most boring Saturdays of the season but we have a half decent card at Haydock and a horse I've backed a few times in the past, Ransom Note, is worth a bet in the Rose of Lancaster Stakes over a mile and a quarter. I do think this horse is slightly better over a mile but last time out he ran respectably enough at York in a similar race that was run at a good clip. That race had nine runners but tomorrow's contest features just five and Ransom Note is the only one who has previous with regards to pace setting. I think his mile speed will be of considerable advantage in this race given that he will probably be asked to set a pace that suits him. Jet Away finished a length in front of him at York but is around 7/4 whereas my selection is just over 4/1. That's a price differential that is just too large. Gabrial could be a danger but I really don't rate the 3yo's this year so am happy to be against him and the Godolphin horse doesn't look up to winning at this level.

On Sunday Deauville hosts it's biggest race of the year, the Prix Jacques Le Marois. It looks a good renewal with Frankel's punchbag Excelebration heading the market at 2/1 with Paddy Power. The only bookmaker so far to have priced the race up. He's a top notcher and his odds are fair enough but there are a couple of horses who are a bit short for this that make the race from a punting angle. Moonlight Cloud is a cracking filly but I'm not convinced she'll stay in this company and she has never won over a mile and 5/2 is frankly ridiculous. I like Golden Lilac who was second to Elusive Kate (13/2)  over course and distance last time out in a race where the latter set a steady tempo. In this stronger contest which is bound to be run at a good clip I think the Fabre filly has excellent claims of reversing that form. At 10/1 I think she's a cracking each way poke.Coronation Stakes winner Fallen for You and last year's winner Immortal Verse (behind my selection last time out but badly needing the race) also have claims. Betfair haven't opened a market on the race yet but when they do I'll be interested in the latter's price in the place market.


Rose of Lancaster Stakes:
Ransom Note £60w @ 43/10 (lost)

Prix Jacques le Marois:
Golden Lilac £30ew @ 10/1 (lost)

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