Bath and Windsor previews: Course specialist Catalinas weighted to collect
Published:
David Metcalf | May 2, 2016
Catalinas Diamond a Bath gem
Catalinas Diamond has an excellent record at Bath and can take advantage of a drop in the weights to further enhance it with victory in the 5f handicap on today’s card at the Somerset venue (13:55).
The Pat Murphy trained mare has won three and been placed once in seven starts at the track.
In the last of those successes, the eight-year-old came with a storming run from off the pace to get up close home and beat Top Cop by a nose off a mark of 60.
Catalinas Diamond is now able to race off the same rating, and ran really well on return to action three starts back when fifth of 11 to Eljaddaaf off 2lb higher.
Although the daughter of One Cool Cat has not been so good in two subsequent outings, she normally needs a few runs to put her straight, so the return to this venue is likely to see Catalinas Diamond in a far better light.
Fitzwilly fits the bill
Trainer Mick Channon and jockey Silvestre De Sousa have made a tremendous start to the new flat season, and Fitzwilly can provide them with another success in the 2m 1f handicap (14:30).
The duo have a strike rate of 21 per cent in recent weeks, and Fitzwilly is a course and distance winner who looks nicely treated on the pick of his form.
After scoring Goodwood on his second start last season, Fitzwily went on to land a 1m 6f contest at Salisbury in good style by 2 1/4 lengths off a mark of 72 in the hands of De Sousa.
This six-year-old is now able to race off just 4lb higher in what doesn’t look the strongest of class 4 contests, and that gives Fitzwilly every chance from a handicapping perspective for a yard going great guns at present.
Bath Selections
13.55: Catalinas Diamond (NAP)
14.30: Fitzwilly (NB)
15.05: Mutahaady
15.40: Hot Mustard
16.15: Kafoo
16.50: Elocution
17.25: Heartless
Kinglami can reign supreme at Windsor
Kinglami shaped well last time out and looks decent value to get back to winnings ways in the 6f handicap on today’s card at Windsor (14.15).
All three of the gelding’s career wins have come over course and distance, and in the last of those 12 months ago Kinglami stayed on strongly to get up close home and score by a head off a mark of 82.
The John O’Shea trained eight-year-old is now able to race off just 1lb higher, and comes into the contest having hinted at a return to form last time out in a class 3 contest over course and distance when fifth of 11 to Englishman.
Kinglami kept on nicely to be beaten 3 1/2 lengths, and the winner has since come out and landed a competitive class 2 handicap at Newmarket.
That gives the form a strong look, especially as Kinglami was attempting to give Englishman 3lb.
Another plus is that Kinglami now drops down into class 4 company, the same as when last victorious, and of building on his latest effort the son of Kingsalsa looks weighted to take all the beating.
Lapilli poised to follow-up
Lapilli scored in terrific style on his debut and looks a worthy red-hot favourite to follow-up in the 5f handicap that closes proceedings (17:45).
The William Haggas trained gelding was backed as if defeat was out of the question, and never gave his supporters an anxious moment when scoring at Wolverhampton by 2 1/2 lengths.
After being slightly awkwardly away, the three-year-old cruised into contention on the bit two from home before showing a nice turn of foot to win with tons in hand.
It was a most taking performance and one which suggested Lapilli needed keeping firmly onside.
An opening handicap mark of 75 may severely underestimate Lapilli, and the son of Bahamian Bounty has the potential to be a cut above his rivals.
Windsor Selections
13.40: Darrell Rivers
14.15: Kinglami (NAP)
14.50: Western Prince
15.25: Silk Cravat
16.00: Somethingthrilling
16.35: Harold Lloyd
17.10: Walpole
17.45: Lapilli (NB)
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