Michael Bell's Weekend Runners

Trainer Talk / Michael Bell / 30 April 2011 / 1 Comments

Michael Bell tells us which of his horses are in form at the moment

"The form of her [Cape Princess] debut had a boost of sorts when the second won at Newcastle on Wednesday and this doesn’t look a strong race. I will be very disappointed if she isn’t involved in the finish."

Read the thoughts of Michael Bell on the chances of his horses at Newmarket, Goodwood, Thirsk and Sha Tin.

Newmarket

14.30 1m4f Group 2

Monitor Closely: He runs in the Jockey Club Stakes and on recent form you would have to say he was up against it. That said, his Ripon third has worked out really well - the winner won a listed race next time and the second won a Group 3 - so it probably wasn't quite as disappointing as it might first look.

This trip and track will be more suitable for him than Ripon but he is up against some classy opposition and it would be a brave man who backed him to beat all five of his rivals.

He hasn't quite recaptured his 3yo form after having knee problems and it would be a nice surprise if he were to win this.

Goodwood

17.40 1m2f Handicap

Grumeti: He had three runs last year and is now eligible for a handicap mark. His pedigree does point to him being a much better horse this year now he is upped in trip.

He should come on for this first run of the season but I don't think a mark of 65 is on the favourable side and I am hopeful of a big run.

Thirsk

14.25 1m4f Maiden

Cape Princess: In very good form at home and she will have learned a lot from her recent Newbury debut. She is a big, scopey filly and I am sure she will improve for this longer trip. The form of her debut had a boost of sorts when the second won at Newcastle on Wednesday and this doesn't look a strong race. I will be very disappointed if she isn't involved in the finish.

15.00 7f Maiden

Blink Of An Eye: He has a good draw for one that races prominently but realistically I would think he might find one or two too strong this time. He did show at Lingfield that he handled a turning track but, as with Monitor Closely, it would be a pleasant surprise if he were to win, rather than going there brimful of confidence.

Sha Tin, Sunday

Wigmore Hall: He runs in the Audemars Piguet QEII Cup at Sha Tin on Sunday and although I haven't seen him for a month (since the Dubai World Cup evening), the feedback I am getting from those looking after him is that he is in great form.

He has been acting up on the track in the mornings but it doesn't seem to be to his detriment and he is fired up and ready to go.

Although he is often held up, he isn't one-dimensional by any means and if there is no pace, we will make sure he is ridden more handily.

His form is there for all to see and hopefully he will gain some compensation for a slightly unlucky defeat in Dubai.

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Comments (1)

1. darren kershaw | 30 April 2011

   top man mr bell . look forward to rishikesh coming out.