30th-Jul-2019

I am backing Saltonstall in the Colm Quinn BMW Mile.  It has taken a little while for Ado McGuinness’ horse to find his range this season, and he was well backed on a couple of occasions, but his run at The Curragh last time was highly encouraging.

He travelled really well through his race, but he was just short of room on the run to the furlong marker when he needed to go forward.  Ronan Whelan had no option but to manoeuvre him towards the outside, but he had to get him going again, and it was just too late.  He ran all the way to the line though to take fourth place behind the talented and progressive Basic Law.

He had Jassaar just over a length in front of him in second place that day.  Given a better run through the race, he could have finished in front of Dermot Weld’s horse.  There is a good chance that he will reverse placings today, and he is twice Jassaar’s price.

Saltonstall was a high-class performer when he was with Michael Halford and raced for Godolphin.  He won a big handicap at The Curragh on Irish Guineas weekend last year off a handicap rating of 98, and he was rated 103 at his peak.  He may not be quite as good as that now, but he may not be far off, and he gets to race off a mark of 89 today.  That gives him lots of leeway.  Also, the fact that Colin Keane takes the ride for the first time is a big positive.

I don’t mind his draw in stall 14.  It can get rough towards the inside in this race, and high numbers did well last year.  The first four home were drawn 18, 14, 12 and 13.  Also, five of the last 10 winners of this race raced from double-figure draws.

SALTONSTALL WON (SP 9/1)