Will Coul Angel once again propel Big Mojo to victory in the exhilarating Windsor dash?
Racing Preview: Sprint Horses Set to Shine This Weekend
Several trainers are optimistic about their horses' prospects in this weekend's sprint races, with varying expectations for the ground conditions.
Hugo Palmer, trainer of Ran Amok, hopes for a give in the ground to suit his horse, who is known to perform well on softer surfaces. Alice Haynes, on the other hand, believes Pop Star is in great form and a bit of dig in the ground will suit him perfectly.
Wheels Of Fire, trained by Roger Varian, recorded one of his best efforts this season on heavy ground at Goodwood in July. The gelding, who went off favorite to go one better over this distance at Newmarket last month, finished only eighth of 14. However, Wheels Of Fire is returning to an easier surface from a 1lb lower mark, which could potentially improve his performance.
One horse that has returned to turf in peak form is Rage Of Thunder, trained by David O'Meara. The six-year-old has recorded successive career-best Racing Post Ratings and is 2lb higher than when second over course and distance last time. However, all his form is on quick ground, which could be a concern if the ground conditions deteriorate.
Coul Angel, a three-year-old horse trained by Mick Appleby, carries the same colours as Big Mojo. The gelding, who has been booked for Tom Marquand, has ridden the horse to his only two wins. Marquand has figures of 112 on top, including a course-and-distance second place finish last time. Coul Angel's last win was against a horse named Cindy Lou Who, who has since won again off a higher mark, suggesting a 2lb rise will not be a problem for Coul Angel.
Mick Appleby stated that Coul Angel is in good form and likes the track. Another contender, Rage Of Thunder, is 2lb higher than when second over course and distance last time, but all his form is on quick ground.
Charlie Rees, the clerk of the course, expects it could dry out to good in places. However, Tony Carroll, trainer of Emporess, notes that she's a bit ground dependent and could do with some rain. Rod Millman, trainer of Safari Dream, mentions that his horse is still well handicapped on his best form, but wouldn't want too much rain.
The going was described officially as good to soft, and there is no rain forecast. It remains to be seen how the ground conditions will impact the horses' performances this weekend.
