Promising apprentice jockey renews successful partnership (From Gazette & Herald)

Promising apprentice jockey renews successful partnership

10:41am Tuesday 30th October 2012 in Sport By Tom O'Ryan, Racing journalist

North Yorkshire apprentice David Bergin returns to Nottingham tomorrow to renew his acquaintance with a filly with whom he has struck up a notable association.

Aubrietia, who runs in the opening Trojan Horse Handicap, has proved a Trojan horse for Bergin, carrying him to victory three times in five mounts.

Their latest success came on this course a fortnight ago when the Alan McCabe-trained three-year-old confirmed herself in tip-top form.

Bergin, who has proved a big success since joining David O’Meara’s Nawton yard from Ireland in early-summer, has clearly found the key to Aubrietia. It would be no surprise to see the combination score again.

Myboyalfie makes plenty of appeal in the Fortinational Handicap. John Jenkins’ gelding has developed into a decent performer this season and was a decisive winner on his latest start at Warwick, where he had almost five lengths to spare at the line.

The handicapper has raised Myboyalfie 8lb for that win, but he is still progressive and he may have enough in the tank to win again. Ian Mongan takes the ride.

Queen’s Star (12.50), runner-up at Bath last time, and Sizzler (1.55), who showed definite signs of ability, despite being green, at Windsor on his debut, are two others worthy of consideration.

Paul Hanagan can enjoy a profitable trip to Lingfield, where his mounts include a recent York winner in Estedaama in the Lingfield Park Marriott Hotel & Country Club Handicap.

Trained by Marcus Tregoning, nap selection Estedaama showed a good attitude when winning on Knavesmire, a victory which came hot on the heels of a Folkestone success. She has been raised 5lb for her latest win and remains on a winnable mark.

Hanagan has interestingly been booked for newcomer Hand In Glove in the opening Breeders’ Cup Live Only on ATR Maiden Stakes. It is not often Hanagan rides for Newmarket trainer Robert Cowell, and this daughter of Kyllachy is bred to be speedy. She is not to be underestimated.

While Hanagan also has good prospects aboard Godolphin’s Ehtedaam in the Follow Us On Twitter @LingfieldPark Maiden Stakes, preference is for Sir Henry Cecil’s Zeyran.

This filly’s reputation preceded her when she made her debut at Nottingham, where she was sent off favourite and looked a most likely winner until weakening late in the day. She is expected to last a bit longer this time.

Also worth noting at Lingfield are Diamond Blue (1.30), the mount of Amy Ryan, and a winner at Beverley in the summer, and Eager To Bow (2.05), a previous course and distance winner.

Racing selections

Nottingham (tomorrow)
12.20 Aubrietia, 12.50 Queen’s Star, 1.20 Lucky Suit, 1.55 Sizzler, 2.30 Myboyalfie, 3.00 Last Fighter, 3.35 Present Day, 4.05 South Cape.

Lingfield (tomorrow)
12.30 Hand In Glove, 1.00 Illustrious Lad, 1.30 Diamond Blue, 2.05 Eager To Bow, 2.40 Bajan Bear, 3.10 Green Earth, 3.45 Estedaama (NAP), 4.15 Zeyran.

Tomorrow’s other meetings: Haydock and Kempton.

Today’s meetings: Catterick, Taunton, Wolverhampton and Yarmouth.