The two recent winners are back together today at Yarmouth, with Deep Havana and Pilu sharing the spotlight as the main attractions. The Boodles Handicap brings twelve runners to the track, and both of these horses find themselves among the entries.
This contest forms part of a seven-race programme aired live on Sky Sports Racing, which sits within a three-day meeting that concludes tomorrow. The track at Southwell stages both Flat racing and international fixtures from Auteuil.
Deep Havana’s Return
The trainer Hamad Al Jehani has a runner named Deep Havana, who claimed his first victory when he beat Yes I’m Mali by a head at Thirsk. The win arrived carrying a 5lbs penalty, and the Wathnan-owned horse is set to carry the same weight into today’s race.
Those around him who have joined forces with him will be hoping the added burden does not hold him back.
Pilu’s Chance Under Leavy
Last time out, Roger Teal’s Pilu made good on a drop in class to take a Newmarket handicap with real style. The horse carries a high rating into today’s race, where Joe Leavy takes over in the saddle.
The Boodles Handicap is a competitive field.
What Else Is Running
Westport enters with cheekpieces still in place as he looks to get back into the winner’s circle. Art Lover, who finished second at Kempton, represents William Haggas and Tom Marquand, and he draws attention. So Darn Hot stands out too, running 3lbs below his last winning mark for Ed Walker.
A Handicap at Southwell is the other race on the card, and it brings together last-time winners Dojin and Level Look. Dojin took the best of a close finish at Newmarket last month, wearing a first-time hood, and Andrew Balding’s Level Look doubled his career tally at Wolverhampton last week.
International Fare From Auteuil
The Prix Robert Lejeune, a G3 contest held at Auteuil, pits Huron Bleu against Navy Du Seuil in a meeting scheduled for 10.42am. The Prix de Compiegne, meanwhile, is led by Losange Bleu, with its own race set to begin at 12.27pm.
Wopbopaloomop runs in the Virgin 512 Nursery Handicap at Southwell’s opening race, with Peaberry competing in the following 6.30pm Sky Sports Racing Sky 415 EBF Restricted Novice Stakes under trainer Tom Ward.
The Numbers
- Boodles Handicap: 12 runners, live on Sky Sports Racing
- Yarmouth festival: Three days, concludes Thursday with a seven-race card
- Southwell card: Trappy attheraces.com/marketmovers Handicap at 3.45pm, Virgin 512 Nursery Handicap at 4.20pm, Sky 415 EBF Restricted Novice Stakes at 6.30pm
- Auteuil: Prix Robert Lejeune at 10.42am, Prix de Compiegne at 12.27pm
The title reads as if Deep Havana were locked in a fight with Pilu, yet the piece is really about the two most recent victors occupying the same field together rather than facing off against each other. It serves as a clever way to frame things, though readers ought not take it for an actual head-to-head showdown.
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