Five reasons to relish return of the flat

With Cheltenham out of the way, this betting blog’s thoughts turn towards the flat season and here are five reasons why 2012 should be one to remember.

Frankel

The highest rated flat horse in the world and unbeaten in 9 outings, including 5 Group One wins, returns as a 4 year old and is no doubt the horse every flat racing enthusiast cannot wait to see in action again.

Early indications from connections are that he could make his eagerly anticipated
reappearance in the Lockinge Stakes at Newbury on May 19. Perhaps the most intriguing aspect of his season will be when he is asked to step up to ten furlongs for the first time.

Black Caviar

Connections of the record-breaking Aussie superstar, unbeaten in 19 career starts, have given strong indication that UK racing fans will get to see the 6 year old filly on these shores. The Golden Jubilee at Royal Ascot in June looks a distinct possibility and there is even a small possibility of a mouth-watering clash with Frankel later in the year if connections decide to step her up to a mile.

The Stayers Division

This division of flat racing hasn’t been devoid of stars over the years, with the likes of Drum Taps and the ultra-tough Double Trigger strutting their stuff in the nineties, through to the brilliant Yeats who won the Ascot Gold Cup four times before retiring in 2009.

This season’s crop looks to have serious strength in depth, with the last two winners of the Gold Cup, Rite Of Passage and Fame And Glory, returning to the fray along with last year’s Leger winner Masked Marvel.

However, the one stayer I am most excited about is the John Oxx-trained Saddlers Rock. The 4 year old colt has only 6 starts to his name and was improving rapidly towards the end of last year, culminating in a most impressive victory in the Doncaster Cup when he comfortably outpointed another top notch stayer in Godolphin’s Opinion Poll. With scope for further improvement guaranteed, given he only made his debut in May last year and under the guidance of the meticulous Oxx, Saddlers Rock is my stayer to follow for 2012

Camelot

The unbeaten son of Montjeu is favourite for both the 2000 Guineas and the Derby on the back of a scintillating win in the Racing Post Trophy at Doncaster in October. Clearly held in the highest regard by Ballydoyle, he looks to have the talent to go right to the top as a 3 year old.

The Jockeys Championship

The race to be Champion Jockey promises to be an enthralling and fiercely-contested one, with any number of strong contenders including Ryan Moore, Richard Hughes, Silvestre De Sousa, Paul Hanagan and Kieren Fallon.

One To Note – Saddlers Rock