I’m just about to set off for a weekend by the sea with the missus, my son and a couple of his cousins so I’ll get straight down to business…

The Shergar Cup, urrrgh. I say it every year and I’m going to say it again….Racing never has been and never will be a team sport (unless Aiden O’Brien is running 5 runners in an 8 runner race!) and this meeting, in my opinion, is just a waste of time. Driving the jockeys around London in an open-topped bus with cheerleaders doing all the ra-ra business in the background. Please! Give me strength. Whatever next? Racing horses to the William Tell Overture? Even Frankie’s had enough and managed to come up with an excuse not to be there this year. After the disastrous tipping of 12 months ago I’m giving the meeting a big swerve this year.

With plenty of good racing from other parts of the country it’s time to ignore the sideshow.

Rose of Lancaster Stakes (Haydock 2.40)

- 11 of the last 12 winners were 3 or 4yo’s

Stamp out Philatelist, Supasaeus, Traffic Guard and Tranquil Tiger

- 10 of the last 12 winners had won at 10-12f

Time to leave off Staying On and Jukebox Jury

Duncan and Campanologist started 1st and 2nd favourite for the Princess of Wales stakes last time out but finished last and last but one respectively. Obviously neither of them gave their true running but they need to show a lot more than that to take this prize and I think it may be worth taking them both on.

The one I’m going to side with is Allied Powers who having won some decent handicaps in the early part of his career ran very well in a Group 2 at York behind Kirklees at the end of last month. A reproduction of that kind of form should put him in with a big shout for this contest and 9/1 looks a nice price with so many doubts about the rest of the field.

Sweet Solera Stakes (3.00 Newmarket)

- 10 of the last 11 winners made the top 2 last time out

Chachamaidee, Gallic Star & Jira can all go

- 12 of the last 13 winners had a maximum of 3 runs

means it’s time to lose Bikini Babe

- The last 11 winners all returned 7/1 or shorter

so we can rule out the outsiders Admire the View, Blue Angel, Blue Maiden and Snow Fairy

We’re left with two but with Barry Hills having an incredible record of 4 winners and 2 places since 2001 the selection has to be Sent from Heaven.

Totescoop6 Heritage Handicap (3.15 Haydock)

It worked last time when I asked Mick Channon to get his jockey to ride Som Tala from the front and so I’m going to try it again……

‘ Dear Mr Tate,

Please can you ask Micky Fenton to revert to leading with Laterly. I have no idea what happened last time but he was never given a chance to win after being held up out the back. The horse needs to lead, all his best form and all his wins have been when ridden from the front. Bounce him out, run from the front and kick on round the turn. Job done!

Best regards,

Gavin Priestley.’

The horse has some pretty poor recent form figures but having been dropped 4lb since his last run he is now primed to strike and today looks as good a time as any. He’s actually set to carry less weight than he did in the John Smith’s Cup and the 50/1 is very, very appealing. Maybe I’ve been out in the sun too long today but I really fancy him today.

Have a £1ew at 50/1 on Laterly and hope he gets out of the stalls sharpish.

Skybet Heritage Handicap (3.35 Newmarket)

The topweight Al Khaleej went into my notebook last time out when running on very strongly over 6f behind Knot in Wood. With all his best form being over further I’m glad to see him back up in trip for this valuable handicap and with that first run of the season under his belt he is sure to be primed to run a big race. He ran a massive race to finish 2nd in last seasons Victoria Cup over today’s trip and he is my bet of the day.

What a tasty looking Lucky 15 that is…

Allied Powers 2.40 Hay

Sent From Heaven 3.00 New

Laterly 3.15 Hay

Al Khaleej 3.35 New

As always feel free to back them, lay them or ignore them!

Good luck,

Gavin.