Here come the posh kids - Craven at Newmarket and the opening of the flat season

It's the start of the flat season, and it's rather like the posh kids starting term with their polished caps and briefcases while the rougher, older kids brush off the mud and cast envious glances. So which posh horses are we looking at this year?

Father Time

We just watched a replay of his fantastic win at Great Leighs and couldn't fail to be impressed. This Henry Cecil-trained colt is running on Friday at Newbury, so won't be going at Newmarket at the Craven meeting - keep an eye out, though, as this is a big strong horse being aimed at the Derby.

Rainbow View

"The best two-year old filly I've ever seen" said Luca Cumani. Four runs, four wins - can't say better than that. She beat Fantasia, who is an odds-on favourite on Wednesday at Newmarket, in a Group 1 race at Ascot, and has everything it takes to win the 1,000 Guineas. Get on her now.

Delegator

Aimed at the 2,000 Guineas, Delegator will get a run out on Thursday at Newmarket and has what it takes to make a big impression early this season. With a first and a second already under his belt at Newmarket, money has already been going on this one.

Mastercraftsman

A disappointing 4th at Longchamp should not mask the fact that Mastercraftsman was hugely impressive in being previously unbeaten. Aiden O'Brien will be pinning hopes on this horse whose impressive beating of Art Connoisseur, another colt with great potential, made him one of the top 2-year olds last year.

Native Ruler

Unraced, but highly spoken of, Native Ruler is one that Henry Cecil has been keeping up his sleeve. He's entered for the Dante Stakes and the Derby, and has been getting the gallops in at Newmarket. Another to watch.

On Our Way

A good tip for the Craven Stakes on Thursday, On Our Way has never been out of the places. Contacts have always said that he was going to be a good three-year-old, and that last year was mere preparation. We'll see on Thursday.

Liberation

We couldn't not mention the Godolphin colt Liberation, could we? Out of Refuse to Bend, Liberation is running on Wednesday at Newmarket, and is well worth keeping an eye on. Will go off with favouritism, but whether it is justified or not remains to be seen.

So there you go, just a few horses to start you off with. As always at this time of year, we just don't know. In fact, by the time the Derby comes along, we still don't really know much - personally I tend to put my flat season money on towards the end of the season, and especially at the Prix de l'Arc when you've got enough data and information to really make an informed decision.

Still, it's great to watch the posh kids dust their caps off for another season.

published: 15th April 2009 by Free Bet Bookmaker

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