TAKE TAMAM TO STAR AT CARLISLE
By Ashley Iveson, Press Association
Tamam Star is expected to open his account at the third time of asking in the Grandad Bill Whinnow EBF Restricted Novice Stakes at Carlisle.
A relatively cheap yearling purchase at E27,000 for owner Jaber Abdullah, the Kodi Bear colt was a relatively unfancied 9-1 shot for his competitive debut at Musselburgh in late April but shaped with abundant promise.
Karl Burke’s charge encountered traffic problems on numerous occasions when mounting his challenge and given he was only beaten two lengths, he offered plenty of hope for the future.
It was no surprise therefore that he was odds-on for his second start at Thirsk four weeks ago and while favourite backers ultimately had their fingers burned, he again did not enjoy the clearest of runs through the race and was not disgraced in finishing third.
While he might not be one of his trainer’s brightest juvenile stars, Tamam Star can reward those who keep the faith in Cumbria.
Kode Grey gets the nod in the Andersons – Proudly Local Since 1888 Handicap.
Tim Easterby’s grey was never a factor in three outings in maiden and novice company and entered the handicap sphere off a lowly mark of 50 as a result.
He set out to make all on his handicap debut at Ripon recently and was only reeled in inside the last of six furlongs, beaten just over two lengths, and with his mark unchanged another big run can be expected.
Alpine Sierra looks well placed to complete his hat-trick for Jim Goldie in the andersonslimited.co.uk Handicap.
Rated as high as 78 at his peak in Ireland, the eight-year-old was down to a mark of 50 earlier this year, but a step up in trip to around a mile and a half has seen him rediscover his mojo with a couple of facile wins in Scotland.
He carries a 4lb penalty for the most recent of those victories just over a week ago and that is unlikely to be enough to prevent him from adding to his tally.
Chepstow punters are advised to side with Alfaraz in the Bill Lewtons 80th Birthday Novice Stakes.
The Andrew Balding-trained colt has kept good company in his three-race career so far, finishing on the heels of a couple of Derby contenders in Ancient Egypt and Maltese Cross, with a second-placed finish behind the 100-rated German 2000 Guineas runner-up Shayem sandwiched in between.
With a rating of 90, Alfaraz sets a good standard in Monmouthshire and the application of a hood will hopefully curb his enthusiasm.
Food For Thought can carry the royal silks to victory in the LSL Racing Horse Sales Syndication Leasing Maiden Stakes.
Sixth on her Newbury debut, the daughter of Dubawi showed the benefit of that initial experience when second to Sacred Ground next time at Yarmouth.
Given the winner has placed second in three Listed races since, it will be disappointing if Food For Thought does not make the most of this low-key opportunity.
After being placed on his first four starts, Argy Bhaji can secure a first win for James Fanshawe in the Weatherbys Flat Horses To Follow Handicap at Brighton.
Top tips for today’s UK meetings
TAB is betting on 4 UK meetings today. Here are the tips.
CHEPSTOW: Race 1: 15.00 Stage Show, Race 2: 15.30 Time To Sparkle, Race 3: 16.00 Alfaraz, Race 4: 16.30 In The City, Race 5: 17.05 Thanos, Race 6: 17.40 Food For Thought, Race 7: 18.10
Connie’s Rose.
CARLISLE: Race 1: 15.10 Yafaarr, Race 2: 15.40 TAMAM STAR (NAP), Race 3: 16.10 Get Up Everybody, Race 4: 16.40 Kode Grey, Race 5: 17.10 Alpine Sierra, Race 6: 17.45 Glorious Kitty, Race 7: 18.15 Carolus Magnus.
BRIGHTON: Race 1: 15.20 Argy Bhaji, Race 2: 15.50 High Calibre, Race 3: 16.20 Mister Daydream, Race 4: 16.52 Celtic John, Race 5: 17.23 Dion Baker, Race 6: 17.58 Starsong, Race 7:
18.30 Wedgewood.
WOLVERHAMPTON: Race 1: 19.05 Arth's Gold, Race 2: 19.40 Always Happy, Race 3: 20.15 Anad, Race 4: 20.50 Court Of Stars, Race 5: 21.25 Hedge Fund, Race 6: 22.00 Mythical Bay.
ALL TO COME: Tamam Star and Alpine Sierra (Carlisle, Races 2 and 5).
For fields, race betting and more information go to www.tab.co.za