Seamie Heffernan has won 35 races at the highest level for Aidan O’Brien over the past 23 years and only seven of those winners were favourites, which is an indication of his perennial role as O’Brien’s No 2 rider and a reminder that when it comes to Group One events, jockey bookings are not the most reliable of guides to the relative chances of the yard’s runners.
It could be a point to bear in mind again on Saturday when O’Brien will saddle four of the eight runners in the Group One Irish Oaks at the Curragh, including Savethelastdance and Warm Heart, the top two in the betting.
There is little to choose between them on their limited form to date. Savethelastdance finished one-and-three-quarter lengths behind Soul Sister when odds-on for the Oaks at Epsom last month, her second start at around a mile and a half, while Warm Heart improved for the step up to Saturday’s trip in the Ribblesdale at Ascot last month, beating Lumiere Rock and Bluestocking, both of whom are reopposing this weekend, with something to spare.
All the money in the runup to the race, though, has been for Savethelastdance, with Ryan Moore’s mount moving to a shade of odds-on with some firms on Friday.
As a result, Warm Heart (3.45) is out to as long as 4-1 in places and looks a decent bet at around that price to continue her rapid improvement this season. Her winning time in the Ribblesdale was strong and Heffernan could well be poised to add yet another Group One win to his record.
Newbury 1.50: Al Aasy could be an uneasy favourite after finishing tailed off on his seasonal debut and the reliable Highland Avenue makes far more appeal.
Market Rasen: 2.05 A strong pace looks likely and that should suit Appreciate, who gets on well with useful 5lb claimer, Bradley Harris.
Newbury 2.25: Apparate made an excellent start for Jamie Osborne on his first outing for 587 days at Doncaster last month and seems sure to appreciate the step up to two miles.
Redcar: 2.10 Oasis Prince, 2.45 Consoling, 3.15 Vortigan, 3.45 Violets Star, 4.15 Five Towns (nap), 4.45 Calcutta Dream, 5.20 Portoro.
Stratford-on-Avon: 2.20 Prime Time Lady, 2.52 Classic Concorde , 3.22 Cracking Destiny (nb), 3.52 Carrigeen Kampala, 4.22 Norley, 4.52 Jeudidee.
Newton Abbot: 2.35 Max Of Stars, 3.05 Brianna Rose, 3.35 Jack The Farmer, 4.05 Farouk De Cheneau, 4.35 Sassified, 5.10 Forget You Not.
Market Rasen 2.40: The eyecatcher at a big price is Manor Park, with Beau Morgan taking off 5lb, after a narrow win on his first start over timber for nearly eight months last time.
Newbury 3.00: Rohaan could appreciate the return to Group Three company after lining up against Group One opposition in two of his last four starts.
Ayr: 2.30 Golden Shot, 3.05 Dorothy Lawrence, 3.40 Whiskey Priest, 4.15 Chookie Dunedin, 4.50 Darbucks, 5.25 Star Shield
Beverley: 5.55 Airman, 6.30 Impressor, 7.00 Cori Glory, 7.30 All Dunn, 8.00 Dandy’s Angel, 8.30 Arkenstaar (nap)
Windsor: 6.20 Matters Most, 6.50 Magic Light, 7.20 Albany, 7.50 The Cruising Lord, 8.20 Decoration, 8.50 Oh So Audacious (nb)
Market Rasen 3.15: This could be another win for the progressive Gloire D’Athon, who is five from six over fences since joining Sarah Humphrey.
Newbury 3.35: A big field as always for the Super Sprint but not much strength in depth and Bobsleigh, beaten less than three lengths in the Coventry at Royal Ascot, looks overpriced at around 6-1.
