Overturn, one of the most exciting front-runners, flat and jumps, attempts to win the 'Pitmen's Derby' again over two miles at Newcastle today. He's improved since that resounding success twelve months ago, but definitely needs to have! A clutch of performances, which have resulted in 'big' earnings, mean that Overturn is now set to race off a considerably higher mark but trainer Donald McCain's has built in provision, claiming 5lbs allowance of NH jockey Henry Brooke, one of many up and coming, young 'conditionals' on the NH scene. His allowance equates to at least eight lengths, especially on a soft surface which the twenty-strong field is bound to encounter. Plenty of other jockeys, on well-handicapped runners, will be fancying their chances of toppling this likely-favourite but the likelihood is going to be much more difficult because Overturn does not like to be headed, one of the toughest battlers imaginable and it makes for great viewing.
Overturn made all in the Chester Cup handicap over two miles. Throughout, the classy Tastahil pestered but eventually had to give best and looked weary, when he cracked about 300 yards out. It was significant, when Barry Hills' great old warrior nigh on pulled up at Royal Ascot last week, in the Gold Cup. Did he finally go through the barrier around The Roodeye? Stamina is the key to these gruelling marathons, not to mention courage and though Overturn is not top-rated as such, he's ideal for them and worth a sporting wager. Each-way is not an option because if indeed top-weight, soft ground and one or two improvers prove better handicapped, two stakes would be lost.Later, Kool Henry is napped (again!) for the Maiden Stakes over five furlongs, ridden by championship-chasing Silvestre de Souza, whose title cause was aided yesterday when news came through that Mark Johnson's stable jockey, Joe Fanning, will be sidelined with injury for six weeks.
Silvestre will now be first choice for the Middleham 'winning machine' and his current odds of 10/1 or so look extremely tempting. Kool Henry was our nap a fortnight ago when running into a 'beaut' called Big Point, making his debut from the worst draw. Big Point made light of it and trotted up but the time was good and there's every reason to believe 'Henry' wont be up against another 'mystery' as good. Chester stages a seven-race card which opens with Novice Stakes over five furlongs and an opportunity for Red Art to confirm an excellent impression gained when Barry Hills' charge sleuced home over the minimum trip at Windsor twelve days ago.
SELECTIONS
RACE 4 (#1) RED ART
RACE 14 (#1) OVERTURN
RACE 14 (#3) MUSNAD
RACE 23 (#5) KOOL HENRY (nap)
