Cocktail can be winning formula

8:58am Monday 14th July 2008

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In-form North Yorkshire trainer John Quinn is keen to strike while the iron is hot with Holiday Cocktail and he sends last week’s Pontefract winner to Ayr today in a bid to complete a quick double.

The six-year-old overcame trouble in running on his latest start to win with something to spare under Jamie Kyne, the baby faced 17-year-old apprentice, who takes the mount again this afternoon.

Kyne, who joined Norton-based Quinn only a month or so ago, is a rapidly rising talent and he looks sure to enjoy another good ride from Holiday Cocktail, who lines up for the Weatherbys Bloodstock Insurance Handicap without a penalty for his win at Pontefract, which was achieved in an apprentices’ race.

Nap selection Holiday Cocktail is aiming to continue a purple patch for Quinn, who won with Zomerlust at York and with his stable-star Blythe Knight at Chester on Saturday.

Richard Fahey, who won the John Smith’s Cup on Knavesmire on Saturday with Flying Clarets, following up his success of 12 months ago with Charlie Tokyo, can continue his excellent form in Scotland.

The Malton trainer sends Gap Princess to Ayr for the Arnold Clark Renault Fillies’ Handicap and this recent Catterick winner looks sure to go well. Jamie Moriarty takes the mount.

The promising Mister Fantastic (2.40) and John Gosden’s long-distance traveller Capucci (4.10) are two others to note.

At Beverley tomorrow, the Lady Jane Bethell Memorial Lady Riders’ Handicap could prove to be a case of happy families for the Easterby clan.

Mick Easterby has booked his granddaughter Joanna Mason to ride Emperor’s Well and this recent Thirsk winner, who has solid form on this course, promises to make a bold bid.

Easterby also saddles Gala Sunday, the mount of Serena Brotherton.

In the Mary Elizabeth Westwood Celebration Handicap, Hits Only Vic is fancied to reverse last week’s form at Catterick with Mister Arjay.

Declan Carroll’s gelding came off second best to Mister Arjay on their latest encounter, but Mister Arjay had the run of the race at Catterick and he now has a 6lb penalty to carry.

Hits Only Vic, nothing if not consistent, can gain his revenge and is awarded the nap vote.

Carroll can also score with Just Sam (2.15), who is overdue a winning turn, while Dark Champion (4.15) is fancied to make a bold challenge in the five furlong dash.

Ronnie Barr’s gelding has contested six furlong races on his last two starts. Reverting to the minimum trip here, and well drawn in stall ten, he can figure in the shake up.

Racing selections

Ayr (today)
2.10 Invincible Lad, 2.40 Mister Fantastic, 3.10 Holiday Cocktail (NAP), 3.40 Gap Princess, 4.10 Capucci, 4.40 Botham, 5.10 Willyn.

Today’s other meetings:
Wolverhampton, Newton Abbot and Windsor.

Beverley (tomorrow)
2.15 Just Sam, 2.45 Grit, 3.15 Solo Act, 3.45 Hits Only Vic (NAP), 4.15 Dark Champion, 4.45 Emperor’s Well, 5.15 Titfer.

Tomorrow’s other meetings:
Brighton, Yarmouth and Great Leighs.