31st May 2017

Hi ,

The football season finally is reaching its conclusion with outsiders Arsenal totally outplaying Champions Chelsea to win the F.A.Cup. I have to say I reckon Ozil ran faster and quicker in this game than in any other in an Arsenal shirt.

It very much seems as Arsene Wenger will decide to renew his contact at the club rather than use the win as his swansong.

I was also happy to see Huddersfield make it into the Premier league as I thought they possibly played the most entertaining football in the Championship throughout the season. Their manager David Wagner is certainly one to look out for as he is a superb tactician and innovator.

This week many of us will be making our way to Epsom for two days of wonderful racing with the highlights the Oaks, Coronation Cup on Friday and the Derby on Saturday. Finding winners at the meeting is never easy but one bit of good advice is backing horses that have course form or have performed with credit on similar switch back tracks such as Brighton or Lingfield.

For Howies Hottie this week I’m going to have a crack at the Derby to try and unravel the puzzle. There are many with claims in a very open year including the two Frankel colts Cracksman who has won on the track and Eminent who won the Craven and disappointed in the 2,000gns however they might both be better at 10 furlongs.

Then we have the Aiden O’Brien team who are throwing a number of darts with chances but with most people thinking which ever Ryan Moore rides will be the one to get stuck into. John Gosden also has four entries including Cracksman again with some sort of possibilities.

We then have the Godolphin crew which includes the Mark Johnston Dante winner Permian who is certain to stay the 12 furlong trip and on a line of form would be the equal of Eminent through a form line with Benbatl.

So where can we find the winner? Well it’s tough but one horse took my eye during the trials and that was Best Solution the Lingfield Derby trial victor who was an easy winner against decent horses while he carried a 5lb penalty.

It’s interesting that being a son of Kodiac who was best at 6 furlongs this chap has improved no end since tackling middle distances which suggests to me he could be a breeding freak very much in the mould of Red Rum who was bred to also be a sprinter.

Another pointer is that one of the best judges of horses is Kieron Fallon who rides work for Godolphin and he reckons that Best Solution has outstanding claims in taking the blue riband. So at 12/1 with Paddy Power that will be my bet plus I might just have a saver on Eminent in case he gets the trip.

THIS WEEKS EYE-CATCHERS

FLAT RACING

Humble Hero trainer W.Haggas - Finished strongly at Lingfield but was given too much to do.

Best Example trainer Julia Feilden - Failed to stay 12 furlongs and might prefer shorter.

Sir Roderic trainer R.Milman - Ran well on fast ground but much prefers a softer surface.

Gabriels King trainer R.Fahey - Missed the break at Chester but ran on well. Handicapped to win don’t miss him next time

Back next Wednesday be lucky.

Howard Davis-Shaw.

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