Its all about Pace and Honour…

The Somerville Lodge team have a few darts to throw at the pre-Christmas AW racing tracks this week.

Luminaire makes the trip to Newcastle on Tuesday and then the stable stalwart Dubai Honour goes back into battle with Shader in a high quality renewal of the listed Wild Flower stakes at Kempton on Wednesday.

The four runners declared for the Nursery at 3.45 on Tuesday provide punters with the ultimate dilemma as none of them have shown a propensity to make the running and of the four Luminaire looks the most likely to be impacted by the race turning into a 2f dash.

As much as i would like to recommend that the stables only runner is there to boost the Christmas bonus – the complete lack of pace has turned the event into a contest that has about a much betting appeal as a ‘virtual’ race.

Pace is everything in race riding and although Luminaire could win the likelihood of the race turning into a sprint means she has to be a :

NO Bet Recommendation

On Wednesday evening the few racing fans that will venture to Kempton will be served a real treat with a stellar line up in the Wild Flower stakes at 6.10.

The headlines will focus on the re-match between Dubai Honour and Shader , but this is no two horse affair with the Goldophin trained Ancient Wisdom and the top form Ed and Simon Crisford yard represented byWest Wind Blows both playing leading roles.

Having mentioned the importance of PACE , this seems guaranteed here with Ancient Wisdom and Claymore both confirmed front runners. In the first Dubai Honour, Shader contest at Newcastle, the Gosden horse, who re-opposes on identical terms on Wednesday, made the running but was out battled by ‘the Warrior’ and I suspect the scars of defeat may still be evident.

Shader who was so impressive when winning at Kempton on his previous start will have his supporters given that he will be held up but i didn’t think he relished the battle, last month and given that this race looks likely to be ran at a more even pace, it will also be better suited to Dubai Honour. As the proven Group 2, borderline Group 1 performer I expect his class to tell in a terrific contest

Recommended Bet 2pt win Dubai Honour 18.10 Kempton