Opal Tiara hasn't raced since finishing sixth in the 'Windsor Castle ' over five furlongs at Royal Ascot last month, exactly a month ago; that's a long time for trainer Mick Channon!Either this thrice-raced, Qatar-owned, Thousand Words filly has needed the 'recovery time' or is being prepared for a back-end campaign but it's interesting to note Opal Tiara is declared for the listed, �25,500, Rose Bowl Stakes over six furlongs at Newbury this afternoon, when ground conditions are forecast 'good' with showers expected.
It was quite obvious a long way out Opal Tiara was on the 'wrong' side' but she stormed home to come from nigh on last to be seventh (of 27!); this extra distance should be ideal but once-raced, Mark Johnston-trained Plaglarism could be troublesome, judged on a genuine winning effort over the minimum trip at Newcastle three weeks ago.
On the time-handicap others need to improve considerably to take issue.'Johnno' has to be respected, especially at this time of year with 'Glorious Goodwood' approaching, and Plaglarism could also 'find time' but Opal Tiara gets our vote for a race won last year, by Limato!
There are just the SEVEN race-meetings today; isn't it absolutely crazy and how do losing punters continue to produce the colossal finance needed to fund the 'Sport Of Kings?'It's a mystery, mine is not to wonder just keep on supplying two-year-old winners like Rebel Surge, on the mark at Lingfield, Wednesday, having been backed from 4's into 3/1!
SELECTIONS
10.40 Wayward Hoof
11.40 Opal Tiara (nap)
4.15 Maftool (e.w)