Graham Cunningham's Sunday Racing Tips: Quality at Ascot and value at the Curragh

Events / Graham Cunningham / 26 September 2009 / Leave a Comment

"I won’t be going overboard – as most of the top six in the market look very closely matched on recent form – but High Standing, Palace Moon and Dream Eater all have plenty to recommend them in the 3:15."

Don't forget to set the video to record Sky channel 415 if you are going out this Sunday afternoon. There's a fine card at Ascot and some hugely valuable juvenile races on Goffs Million day at the Curragh. Racing UK analyst Graham Cunningham has his eye on a couple of horses on either side of the Irish Sea.

Palace and Dream the Diadem Value options on day three of Ascot

I don't know about you, but I still haven't mastered the art of backing winners since they unveiled the new track at Ascot. Friday produced a loss there for yours truly, while Saturday was tough, too.

Sunday's card offers a mix of tough handicaps and open Pattern races and the race that makes most appeal is the featured Diadem Stakes at 3:15.

I won't be going overboard - as most of the top six in the market look very closely matched on recent form - but High Standing, Palace Moon and Dream Eater all have plenty to recommend them.

High Standing has thrived on racing this season and holds obvious claims at his best. The unexposed Palace Moon has to be of interest given that his recent Newmarket win is working out so well, while Dream Eater ran a cracker when pipped by the globetrotting Pressing over a mile in Turkey on his latest start and looks likely to be just as effective back over six furlongs.

Splitting the trio is tough, and the way I jump will depend largely on the market, but it looks as though Palace Moon and Dream Eater will be trading at each way prices and both have sound prospects of hitting the frame at very least.

On the negative side, I suspect I will be looking to lay Strike The Deal for a place. Granted, he has come right back to form since Fallon climbed aboard, but he was behind Palace Moon at HQ and is in deeper than when coming from well off the pace to score over five furlongs at Donny and Newbury.

Tactics could play a significant role in deciding the outcome of the Fenwolf Stakes at 4:25 given that none of the six runners are known for forcing things.

In theory, The Betchworth Kid is very well in at the weights, but if the pace is steady this strong stayer could end up chopped for speed.

I won't be rushing to back him if he's favourite, while Oasis Knight has bags of ability but has also looked kinky and it remains to be seen if he will put it all in.

In the circumstances, Electrolyser and Swingkeel might be the two to focus on. Both horses are prominent in the Cesarewitch market, but Swingkeel has been highly progressive in good handicaps this season and his powerful finish could be just as decisive here as it was at York last month.

Walk On Bye has what it takes for the Million Sprint

The saying "Money goes to money" springs to mind when glancing at an absurdly valuable card at the Curragh.

There is no less than 1.6m Euro on offer for each of the two big Sales races on the card, but a fair chunk of it looks set to go into Coolmore's coffers and not necessarily via Aidan O'Brien-trained horses.

O'Brien saddles Beethoven and Air Chief Marshal with solid chances for the Goffs Million Sprint at 3.20, but Tommy Stack could hold the key here with Walk On Bye.

This filly has had this race as her main objective ever since winning a Group 3 contest over this course and distance in July. She holds the O'Brien pair on that form and a high draw looks an added plus as she bids to land this massive pot in the colours of Coolmore associate MV Magnier.

Azmeel and Shakespearean give Britain a strong hand in the Goffs Million Mile at 4.30, while the unexposed Stunning View is another for the shortlist here, despite the fact that stall one looks less than ideal in such a big field.

And don't be surprised if Derby quotes are flying around after the Beresford Stakes at 3.55.

This is the race that Sea The Stars used as a springboard to glory last autumn and the O'Brien-trained St Nicholas Abbey is bound to be a strong favourite after his highly impressive debut success over this course and distance.

I suspect he has the makings of a very good colt, but Layali Al Andalus is much better than he showed in Donny's Champagne Stakes two weeks ago and is one to look out for at much longer odds.