All out to win

Dear all,

I can’t believe how long it’s been since my last post in 2012. Some of my readers and fellow bloggers appear to have disappeared altogether; perhaps they hit a difficult losing streak or just got fed up with blogging or something else? Whatever the case I hope it’s not the former as I can certainly relate to what that feels like, one or two people may have seen my sporadic betting patterns at the 2011 festival resulting in me wiping out my entire bank in the course of the four days. To say I get carried away in festival week is an understatement; this is an issue I am facing head on as ultimately it results in me undoing the season’s hard work.

I went on to lose more by the end of my last post, by this time I was losing heart in the blog and the posts don’t tell the whole story in terms of profit/loss. My staking was way over the top for the size of my bank, something else I’ve addressed, however I can’t resist a large bet sometime if I really like one!

The 2013 flat season has been good and I’ve ended it with a flourish. Since my break from here I didn’t bet for almost a year and during that time and this seasons flat I have amassed a new betting bank for the forthcoming NH season.

Writing the blog certainly helps think through my selections so once again I’ll be posting up my major selections here.

Roy

14:10 Southwell Bonnie Prince Blue £50 e/w 16/1

Backing him for the reasons I explained recently, he has gone on to lose again since but I believe connections are persevering and it will be especially interesting if money arrives this afternoon. I believe he could prove to be well handicapped today.


16:10 Southwell Mawaakef £200 e/w 10/1

Smart sort Colour Guard from the Johnston yard makes his handicap debut here today and may prove to be well in off his current mark. Has only won a weak maiden and I wasn’t overly impressed with speed he showed that day also goes from less than ideal draw and is upped in trip so I can see connections exercising possible caution with this one today and at the current price he looks to have been over hyped. Instead I’d prefer to side with Mawaakef, a smart performer at 2 years old over in Ireland put in some good performances up to and including group level. Ran in some decent handicaps last summer all of which were on ground that was too quick for him. Certainly looks to appreciate some give in the surface and may be suited to the fibresand he meets for the first time here today. Ran well on reappearance at Lingfield last September under a typical Joe Fanning ride, travelled well for much of the race eventually unable to see out the trip of 10f to finish 4th against some in form horses. Was unable to get his favoured position out in front from widest draw again over 10f at Lingfield last time out, again travelled well that day but found traffic problems on the run in preventing him from producing his run Fallon not going hard on him thereafter finishing up in 12th.. Jockey Freddie Tylicki is 4 from 18 rides with the trainer and is well versed round here and should be able to angle the selection from his draw out front early and see them off from the front the stiff mile very much suited. Locally trained Follow the flag may pose the biggest danger as he goes well round here and is the only serious hold up performer in the race, however I think he’s lost a couple of yards of pace these days and may find the rest(who I expect to set a decent gallop throughout) hard to peg back today. The rest look to have a bit to find and I’ll take the selection to at least make the frame comfortably today.

17:10 Southwell Brown Pete £200 win 28/1

A slow to mature type, looks a miler – 10f horse Southwell’s stiff mile will be in his favour. His mark has continued to tumble and races off a career low mark of 58 for the first time in 0 – 60 company here today. Continued to disappoint since winning a decent maiden over in Ireland. Joined Richard Guests yard in December and I can forgive him his first run for the yard over a trip that probably stretched him too much. Finished 3rd in a claimer over 1 mile at Kempton after that, the form from that race was better then the result suggests as he travelled up for much of the race with eventual winner Encore un Fois, a horse I still believe is open to plenty of improvement. His last run possibly came too soon having badly missed the break and having to make up considerable ground early on he didn’t travel too badly for much of the race and faded in the final furlong, has had a break since and it will not take a great deal for him to get in front of this field which is full of ungenuine horses from trainers who are really just there for a day out.

Bank = £755

15:10 Taunton Wings of Smoke £300 e/w 20/1


Impressive looking sort who should make up into a decent chaser in his time. Was impressed with the way he raced last April at Aintree over 2m4f won with plenty in hand that day. Plenty will try to make the running in this which will benefit the selection who should sit comfortably in this bigger field. I think the race looked as though it came too soon for him on his penultimate outing and the heavy ground didn’t help last time out on reappearance over 2m4 at Ffos las, nevertheless he travelled well for much of the race and the step back in trip will benefit tomorrow, will surely come on for that run and Trainer Tim Vaughn looks to be revving up for his usual February successes, he has a 23% s/r with Richard Johnson who also has a 20% s/r round Taunton, Jockey knows this one well and everything looks set for a big run on a track which I think suits this one's running style.

16:30 Southwell Bonnie Prince Blue £100 win 18/1

At home on the fibresand this veteran is now racing of a career low mark of 56, Was putting in decent performances round here this time last year off marks in the high 70’s against course specialists such as Punching and Ingleby Arch. Since switched yards twice and is yet to make an impact for his latest. Looked as though he was spared the race last time out round here after starting slowly from the widest draw, that was after a long 2011 campaign and he has since been given what was probably a much needed rest. Wouldn’t take his best to get involved with this field and if fit looks a good opportunity for small yard to get amongst the winners tomorrow.

Bank = £1505

Short of time today, but just a quick note to say i've backed the following this morning. I will bring this blog fully up to date after the weekend.


1:30 Cheltenham Royale's Charter £200 win 14/1

Race comment:jumped slowly 1st, mid-division, headway and in touch when fell 4 out ## Fell sp 14/1

14:05 Cheltenham Tartak £100 e/w 16/1

Race comment:chased winner to 6th, outpaced 11th, soon behind ## Last sp 22/1

14:20 Doncaster Artic Wings £200 win 9/1

Race comment: held up in rear, headway 3 out, chasing leaders when blundered next, weakened before last ## 4th sp 9/2

14:50 Doncaster Wayward Prince £150 win 9/1

Race comment:held up well in rear, some headway 4 out, never dangerous ## 7th sp 11/2


Good luck to everyone who's playing on what should be a cracking day's racing,

Roy

Bank = £755

Bank = £1725

14:00 Hereford Dannancey’s hill £100 e/w 9/1

All eyes will be on Destroyer Deployed with improvement expected after his defeat to the useful all the aces lto, I thought he was flattered by that performance and I’m unconvinced he’s ready for the step up in trip today. I’d prefer to side with Dannanceys hill, A smart looking sort who won a decent point to point over 3 miles in Ireland last April. Showed a good attitude when repapering in November finishing second in a bumper at Uttoxeter over a trip that was too sharp, folded tamely when sent off favourite lto when upped in trip, Travelled well for much off the race only towards the end he shaped as though the run may have come too soon. Will be better for this, ground is ideal, and the added experience of Timmy Murphy who is 10 from 56 with the trainer could see further improvement today.

Race comment:held up in rear, headway on inside from 6th, went 5th before 2 out, no impression before last, stayed on flat, went 3rd towards finish ## 3rd sp 11/1


14:20 Kempton Grand Theft Equine £200 win 6/1

Not a straightforward ride, timing is key and today’s field should provide his best opportunity yet to get off the mark. Has had a tendency to pull too hard in his races. Has suffered due to lack of pace in his last three outings, His last race when stepped back to 1 mile showed more of his potential when Jockey Stephen Craine finally managed to get him settled, the hold up tactics nearly paying off despite the less then ideal gallop, headed late on but showed good speed and a better attitude that day, Today’s race should be run at a decent tempo and I believe if connections employ the hold up tactics with Craine on board once again he’ll come off the pace well, for me he could be well handicapped.

Race comment:held up, effort 2f out, soon ridden and no impression ## 8th sp 13/2

15:50 Lingfield £100 win Dozy Joe 9/1

Showed ability at 2 and caught the eye on reappearance at 3 when contesting a race over 6f at Kempton last may, held his own up to the line against the useful Instance. Connections clearly picked up on this improvement having entered him into a couple of big handicaps over the summer, in which he was outclassed on both occasions, reappeared at Lingfield in November and shaped as though something was amiss that day, never getting into contention. Again outclassed in a conditions race lto over 7f at Kempton, back in this grade over what I think is his preferred trip of 7f, with the speed he’s shown consistently throughout his 3yo campaign I think he should be able to get competitive today, plenty of pace in this which will help as will any improvement with the 1st time visor.

Race comment:always in rear ## Last sp 9/1


Bank =£1505

Bank = £2375

14:20 Southwell Ivory Jazz £100 e/w 16/1

A horse not without his problems, he put in a couple of decent performances for Dean Ivory, notably last Aril when after an absence of over 600 days he sprung a surprise over 1 mile at Kempton, Showed a good attitude that day to beat two useful in form types benandonner and Jake the Snake. Handicapper over reacted awarding him an opening mark of 87 when making his debut for new yard over 10f at Chester last may. Races off a more realistic mark off 74 today with underrated Jockey Nora Looby claiming a further 7lbs, What is interesting to me is he hasn’t yet raced on easy ground and judging by his action he could be suited to it, whether he acts on the fibresand remains to be seen however he pedigree would suggest he has a good chance of doing so. Went hard after a 172 day absence 10 days ago over 10f at Lingfield notably travelled well throughout the race looking slightly one paced towards the end, probably needed that run and looked as though the step up in trip will suit. Plenty to prove but at 16/1 looks a good e/w prospect.

Race comment:led early, clear with leader 9f out, ridden over 3f out, weakened final furlong ## 6th sp 16/1

14:30 Kempton Cloudy Start 8/1 £200 win

Previously had ability over 7 and 8 furlongs on turf, seems to have lost a yard or two in pace, which was evident throughout his 2011 campaign, increasingly stepped up in distance throughout the year, the furthest being 1m6 back in November, was stretched too far that day and has since had three runs in moderate company at Linfield, a track on which he has never been his best at, He was shuffled back early on his last outing and disadvantaged throughout, in a race run at a muddling pace, he was denied a passage through when staying on well after having to make up plenty of ground on the home straight.
I believe he has a race in him over today’s trip and with the exception of allanit few of these will want to set any pace, this will suit the selection as I believe from stall 8 he will need to come across forcing him to race handily, a position which he has shown in the past can work to his advantage, Jamie Osborne has his stable in good order and may have placed this one well in here off a dangerous mark.

Race comment:held up towards rear, headway over 3f out, stayed on well, never nearer ## 6th sp 6/1

16:10 Leciester Grassfinch £250 win 14/1

Mujamead is currently favourite but is worth opposing for me, he’s better over two miles and I believe he’ll struggle with the conditions here today. David Pipe’s runners at Leicester have to be respected, he runs Painter man (2nd fav) in this. I remain unconvinced however, particularly by his attitude and the fact he’s prone to errors, which I think today’s stiff task will once again bring out of him. I willing to take them both on with the Mare Grassfinch, she wasn’t disgraced on reappearance at Fontwell back in December, came on for that run to put in a good performance at Warwick lto, not given a hard time that day she finished 18 lengths back to the useful Kaffe, travelled and jumped well for much of the race. An opening mark of 107 looks fair she should be spot on for this, and she looks the type who will take to what I believe will be a stiff test here today

Race comment:in touch, lost place 2nd, well behind after 6th, pulled up before 3 out ## PU sp 10/1

Bank = £1725

Bank = 55.5pts

16:10 Yarmouth Huff and Puff 4pts win 12/1


Slow maturing, powerful type who looks built for today’s trip. Given too much to do last time out when bringing the field along at a strong pace, travelled well only to lose out to useful prospect Palazzo Bianco. A much steadier pace expected in this and if Fallon (who is 13 from 52 with trainer and has a 20% s/r here) can angle him in from his good draw behind Thubian and Roccafella (who I expect to lead throughout) his superior travelling speed should see him bang their over a course which should be much suited to his style.

Race comment:keen tracked leaders, ridden over 3f out, outpaced over 2f out, switched right over 1f out, kept on towards finish ## 7th sp 8/1

16:20 Ayr Zenella 4pts e/w 33/1

Put in some good performances as a 2yo including winning a listed contest over 1mile at Pontefract last October. Not disgraced on reappearance in July in a listed contest over 7f at Chester found the trip two sharp that day but showed she had trained on filled out and looked impressive physically. Hasn’t settled well early on in her last two starts and not knocked about as a result. Should be suited to the steady pace on offer here today and I do find the step up to 1m2f interesting as all three starts this year have been over 7f which she has clearly found too sharp plus 1st cheeckpieces could help her regain focus. Very well thought of by connections and has showed plenty of ability at home and for me may fit the profile of a seasonal filly, producing her best towards the latter end of the season, at the price I’ll take a chance that she can reproduce it here today.

Race comment:led, ridden and headed over 2f out, soon weakened ## 10th sp 20/1

Bank = 47.5pts

Bank = 74.5pts

14:00 York Lady Chaparral 3pts win 12/1

A smart filly who has put in several decent efforts this year, including a very good performance here over 14f last month when she set a quick tempo travelling impressively throughout but failing to see out the extra two furlongs. She has had a tendency to race keenly at times but now seems to be getting the hang of things showing a good attitude when winning at Carlisle lto over 11f, I was impressed with the way she travelled that day as she has a powerful stride, this is a stronger contest albeit one that should be run to suit as I don’t think the pace will be particularly strong and if Sanders can get her to settle up front early her travelling speed will see her at the business end as 12f certainly looks to be her trip with no worries about the ground I believe she could be open to further improvement today.

Race comment:keen in touch, ridden 3f out, weakened 2f out ## 12th sp 10/1

15:40 York Requinto 6pts win 7/1

Hoof it deservers respect particularly with his last performance in the stewards cup but he drops back in trip and steps up to group company for the first time today so 5/2 is far too short, I was hugely impressed with Requinto’s performance when he showed excellent speed to win the Morecombe stakes lto(almost setting a new course record on similar ground to today’s), he’ll relish the quick pace on offer here today and being drawn close to the favourite should help as Lordan will want to keep tabs on him to know when to produce his run, which I believe off this flyweight will see him superior to Hoof it over this trip.

Race comment:raced stands side tracked leaders, ridden 2f out, weakened final furlong ## 13th sp 5/1


19:35 Salisbury Swindy 10pts win 6/1

I’ve been following this one since backing him at Epsom two races ago and have waited to see him stepped up to a mile and a half, Backing him for reasons stated in previous write up’s, I firmly believe this race is ideal for him and taking into account opposition and conditions I fully expect him win this, a change of tactics to bring him into to a prominent position early on would be welcome, In which case I can see him winning on the bridle.

Race comment:prominent, led after 3f, swerved badly left and ran out over 6f out ## Ran out sp 9/2

Bank = 55.5pts

Bank = 78.5pts

15:30 Nottingham Crème Anglaise 4pts win 5/1

Ivan Vasalavich, Polperro and Traffic sister should set a decent pace in this, of which could set up the race for Crème anglaise from the in form Bell yard, she caught the eye when racing over today’s trip at York lto, in a race which had plenty of pace, Hayley turner had to get to work early but by the time she responded it was too late however she came from a long way back without having the smoothest of passages finishing 3 ¼ lengths back to improving Prescott filly Tenby Lady, I think she's potentially well handicapped coming into this and will also appreciate the faster ground here today which she hasn’t met since winning impressively two races ago.

Race comment:prominent 1f, held up, switched right 3f out, chased winner over 1f out, 1/2 length down when stuck on nose by rival jockeys whip towards finish, held after ## 2nd sp 11/2

Bank = 74.5pts

Bank = 88.5pts

17:00 Kempton Ugalla 2pts e/w 10/1

Needed the run on reappearance over 12f at Doncaster last month, forgiven for her next run when upped to 14f at Salisbury when she was badly hampered as the rest of the field were asked to quicken. Finished 5 ½ to the improving Final Liberation lto shaping as if step up was needed
Ridden the wrong way last two starts as the key to this one is getting her to race out in front well drawn I can’t see them going a particularly decent gallop here which should play into her hands. Looks a decent staying type, showed decent ability as a 3yo and it’s interesting to see him switched to this surface and up in trip as trainer places them well here and yard are coming into form.

Race comment:took keen hold in touch, pushed along 6f out, weakened inside final 2f ## 5th sp 14/1

19:10 Windsor Sure Route 6pts win 7/1

Ran a good race at Newbury over 7f back in may, travelled well and finished strongly to finish 2nd, She was then too keen in an 8f contest at Sandown and didn’t look to appreciate the rapidly softening ground that day. Slightly out of her depth last time out over 7f but not as bad as result suggests as she travelled well but met traffic problems and missed her chance. Looks like a miler and returns too favoured ground today, down in class and if Dobbs can get her prominent early on I believe she has an excellent chance.

Race comment:held up towards rear, not clear run over 2f out and soon switched left to outside, stayed on to 2nd approaching final furlong, no chance with winner ## 2nd sp 5/1

Bank = 78.5pts

Bank = 92.5pts

19:55 Sandown Mattoral 4pts win 9/1

Race comment: dwelt, soon in touch on outside, pushed along over 3f out, hung right under pressure and weakened over 2f out ##6th sp 4/1

Bank = 88.5pts

Bank = 96.5pts

15:10 Pontefract Jade 4pts win 9/2

Camberley two warrants respect having won his last 4 starts, had things his own way in what have been relatively weak contests and goes under a penalty today, certainly odds on is far too short and I’d like to take him on with Ollie pears’s filly Jade, has shown ability and is yet to get off the mark in handicap company, She has put in decent efforts however particularly when 3 ½ lengths back to improving Pepper lane in may and in a in a decent contest here last month over 6f, showed good speed but just failed to get her head in front of improving horse Louis the Pious, didn’t act on the softer ground when stepped up to 7f at Carlisle after that and her last two runs over 7f were on softer ground then she would have liked, she did put in respectable efforts though and didn’t get the smoothest passage on both occasions, shaping on both occasions as if the step up to a mile should suit. Steady pace on offer will help; down in grade and back on preferred ground I think she’ll take some beating.

Race comment: chased winner throughout, ridden and tried to close over 1f out, driven and no impression final furlong ## 2nd sp 7/2

Bank = 92.5

Bank = 92.2

19:40 Windsor Pats legacy 2pts e/w 16/1

A few with claims in this, however I do believe the way this race will be run should work heavily in the selections favour. , Has shown good speed on previous occasions, Likes to get out in front early and if doing so today could be hard to catch as with the exception of Osgood the rest like to come off the pace which I can’t see their being a great deal. Osgood doesn’t seem to act on this ground and would appear outclassed, had a race just 2 days ago and is better over a couple of furlongs extra, I think this in effect will leave him back with the rest of the group as he’ll struggle to maintain his speed. 3 times winner over in the states and now campaigning for up and comming trainer Jo hughes with this being his third start for the new yard. The selection put in a good performance when winning over this trip at Chepstow last month on g/s ground, showed a good attitude and speed controlling the race from the front. Outclassed lto under a penalty also on g/s ground with 1st time blinkers not helping causing him to burn up too early. The blinkers are left off today and back down in grade will be interesting as he will appreciate the faster ground, talented jockey Josh Baudains takes off a useful 7lbs.

Race comment: took keen hold, chased leading pair, not much room and squeezed through inside final 2f, ridden to lead inside final furlong, headed and not pace of winner final 100 yards ## 2nd sp - 5/1

Bank = 96.5pts

Bank = 76.2pts


14:15 Goodwood Boogie shoes 4pts win 10/1

Roger Varians yard is currently in very good form and I’ve been impressed with this one on all four of his starts to date. Improved markedly when stepped up to today’s trip on reappearance at Salisbury back in May, travelled very well finishing strongly to win that race comfortably. Finished 3rd in a strong race when sent of favourite at Epsom lto wandered slightly towards the finish and didn’t look fully comfortable handling the final turn. Bigger field here should help him to focus and I think his notable galloping power will see him bang in the mix at the end if Neil Callan can find him some cover in the early stages.

Race comment: chased leaders, effort on inside over 2f out, stayed on inside final furlong, not pace to challenge ##6th sp - 8/1

15:05 Nottingham Go nani go 5pts win 5/1

A decent horse as a two year old and hasn’t been without his problems with injury. Put in some good efforts against better company then this last season. Showed signs of returning to form lto at Doncaster travelled well but had knowere to go in the closing stages finishing close up in second full of running. With the likes of Grudge and Baby queen setting a decent early pace this should set the race up for the selection who likes to be help up. Was racing off a mark of 84 this time last year goes off 72 today, this onelooks ready to go in.

Race comment: in touch in rear, headway on outer over 1f out, led inside final furlong ##WON sp - 9/4


20:40 Epsom Regal Approval 5pts win 9/2

Ran some good races last year including a very good effort on handicap debut at York finishing 41/2 lengths back to some useful types off a mark of 81 despite being unlucky in running (this race much easier today). Will have needed the run on reappearance last April and has since put in two decent efforts despite being unsuited to the drop back to 5f lto. Back up to preferred 6f here off an attractive mark of 76, will handle the track and goes from a good draw. I’ll take the selection to catch Roodie queen and Welsh inlet (who I expect to make the running) on the run in.

Race comment: restless in stalls, slowly away and outpaced in rear, never a factor ##last sp - 7/2

Bank = 92.2pts

Bank = 83.2pts

20:05 Sandown Lady Gabrielle 4pts win 4/1

With Tameen, Mystic edge and flying phoenix non runners I think Lady Gabrielle can take this. The in form filly has warmed to her task well since switching to handicap company on her reappearance last month, has showed a good attitude and travels well, I can see their being no strong contestants for the lead which should suit as she like to race prominently and could dictate. Hunter forward is interesting as she’s come in for support this morning but has only won a weak 5f maiden in Australia and alto Cummani does well with these types she’s been off the track since last October so I’ll oppose her here at such a short price on yard debut.

Race comment: chased leaders on outside, ridden 3f out, hung right under pressure and weakened over 1f out ## 7th sp - 11/4


20:35 Sandown Blazing field 3pts win 16/1

An improving filly who travelled well and shown good speed to finish 3rd over 12f lto, should come on for that run and the step up to two miles is interesting as she looks a decent staying type and is bred for todays trip. Memory lane is likely to be popular after winning his last two starts but he now looks exposed and doesn’t fit the profile of one of Prescott’s better improvers. Mango park didn’t show a great deal of speed lto in what was a weak race so one to oppose for me, so I’ll take the selection to get involved at in what\t could be a very generous opening mark.

Race comment: chased leader, led over 3f out, hung right from over 2f out, ridden and joined when edged left over 1f out, headed and no extra final 150 yards ## 2nd sp - 16/1

Bank = 76.2pts

Bank = 68pts

14:35 Goodwood Highland castle 2pts e/w 20/1

Strong well balanced sort from a shrewd yard who caught the eye when showing his battling qualities to win over 10f on his second start at Windsor. Started slowly and didn’t travel well when upped to today’s distance on his handicap debut lto at Haydock. I think he was probably unsuited by the quick ground that day. However I was impressed with the way he responded in the final few furlongs showing good speed to get in front from a long way back, which was even more commendable given that the pace was muddling throughout, also hung slightly towards the end. I think that there could be plenty more to come from him today if Dane O’neill can get him settled early with the likes of Dordogne and Moriety likely to set an honest pace and the ease in the ground helping.

Race comment: held up in rear, took keen hold, ridden over 2f out, hung right over 1f out, stayed on inside final furlong, never near leaders ## 5th sp - 16/1

15:20 Beverly Johnny lesters hair 1.5pts e/w 9/1

Tends to run well around this time of year and showed signs of a return to form when finishing 3rd at Newcastle last month. Disappointed lto when backed at Ripon, probably given too much to do that day and will be better suited to the steadier pace I predict here today, the step down in trip should be ok as this is a stiff mile and he does finish strongly on best form. Back down to a decent mark in a race that should be run to suit I think he can go close.

Race comment: with leader, led 5f out, ridden over 1f out, kept on well ## WON sp - 6/1

Bank = 83.2pts

Bank = 78pts

14:45 Yarmouth Miss Villefranche 2pts win 16/1

Will handle the soft ground here today, most likely needed the run on reappearance at wolvs over 9f in May, also tried in the first time head gear that day. 12f furlongs was a step to far lto and the step back to a mile here should suit. Willing to give her another chance as looks like a decent enough sort and the type to improve at 3, Michael Bell does well with these types here and this looks like a good opportunity to get off the mark.

Race comment: disputed lead until led over 3f out, ridden and headed over 1f out, kept on one pace ## 4th sp - 14/1

16:00 Muss Hurlingham 2pts e/w 14/1

At his best on soft ground, proven tricky to get right (not won for 29 races) but his win and place record stands at 24% all of which have come in races of better quality then this, only last year he was running of a mark of 70, Races of a career low mark of 53 today and his last to races have been encouraging ,with the exception of Pokfulham who is far too short at 3/1 this is a race full of out of form horses, and with very little pace expected if Graham Gibbons can get him out in front early, I think he has a chance.

Race comment: held up towards rear, headway 2f out, ridden over 1f out, kept on ## 4th sp - 14/1

16:15 Yarmouth Jack my Boy 4pts win 13/2

Chiefdom Price is currently odds on, but I remain unconvinced, looks like a fragile sort and although his campaign got of to a good start winning a decent Maiden last April he looks like a firm ground horse to me, didn’t show a great deal of speed lto and has a tendency to hang, I feel this race with just 6 runners could be a step back for him today. I prefer to side with Jack my Boy, has yet to fire this year but showed signs of a return to form when backed at Pontefract lto when leaving the blinkers off, With the return to a small field no problem (3 wins and 2 places from 8 races with 9 runners or less) and 1st time visor helping to focus him I feel he could have the rest in his pocket if reproducing the sort of the excellent speed he showed over 6f last year.

Race comment: led after 1f, ridden and headed over 1f out, kept on one pace ## 4th sp - 10/1

Bank = 68pts

Bank = 82pts

17:00 Ayr Lady del sol 2pts e/w 25/1

Showed some decent ability last year and 6f looks to be her trip. Showed a return to fitness and looked welllast month over 6f at Doncaster travelling well if not a little freely at times. Didn’t settle in 1st time blinkers lto over 5f, but connections have stuck with them, Return to good ground is an advantage and I think if settling out in front early today in a race which I predict little pace she may prove hard to pull back.

Race comment: held up mid-division, ridden and weakened over 1f out ## last sp - 33/1

Bank = 78pts

Bank = 85pts

No time for a write up on this one.

Newbury 16:15 Lucy limelights 3pts win @ 10/1

Race comment: soon led, driven over 2f out, narrowly headed 2f out, still pressing leaders under pressure over 1f out, weakened inside final furlong ## 5th sp 8/1

Bank = 82pts

Bank =89pts

19:45 Epsom Swindy 4pts win 6/1

Caught the eye on his reappearance at Kempton back in April, looks a class sort with an excellent action. It’s interesting to see connections keep him at 10f as I think he will go on to improve over further but I think epsom’s demands on stamina could play into his hands today and suit his style of running. I think he will set a gallop that will prove too strong for the opposition. Outclassed lto at Newmarket 7 days ago and will appreciate the return to this smaller field here. One to follow I expect he has great potential and is capable of plenty more.

Race comment: held up in rear, headway 3f out, squeezed through rivals over 2f out, soon ridden, kept on towards finish ## 2nd sp 7/2

Bank = 85pts