Most of the selections ran decent enough races yesterday, without return. Harlech Castle was particularly unlucky, not having the smoothest of passages in finishing a close 3rd. Tiger Moss looked nailed-on for a place at the very least yesterday, but blew up spectacularly and finished only 4th. Red Dynamite was a non-runner, and the day ended in a loss.
Todays bets:
Lingfield 2.10
Much too keen on her reappearance (debut for current stable) but, in the hope that has taken the fizz out of her, she should be seen to better effect now she reverts to racing against her own sex. She lacked a bit of consistency in her first season in handicaps last year but her best two performances came at today's trip, the final one resulting in victory at Great Leighs from a mark of 58. She likes to lead/race prominently and has a good pitch from which to do that today. Jockey 2 from 5 for this yard on the A/W in recent seasons.
Selection CARMELLA MARIA. 1 point E/W @ 16/1 (General)
Nottingham 4.45
Fallen to a career low mark and, although not at his best in two races so far this season, he did enough on occasions last season from higher marks in better races to be seriously considered here. He recorded two victories, once at this track and both over ten furlongs, and his chances won't be ruined should the ground ease. Today's jockey has winning form on the horse and has only been used once in recent seasons but prior to that in six outings he had form figures of 3/8, 2/11, 1/8, 2/13, 3/11, 4/11.
Selection DRAGON SLAYER. 1.5 points E/W @ 8/1 (General)
Lingfield 4.55
Kiss A Prince has been progressive on the A/W at Lingfield but he comes from a family who have produced plenty of turf winners and it would be unwise to assume he cannot continue improving on grass. he won on his handicap debut last time out and he is taken to beat Imperial Skylight again, even though that rival is favoured at these revised weights. Both the jockey and stable have surprisingly poor records on the turf track at this course but in Kiss A Prince they have a horse who looks likely to exceed his current mark in the very near future. Saturn Way makes his handicap debut after winning a seven furlong soft ground Maiden on his second start last time out. That was a big improvement on his debut run and his breeding and running actio suggest he should handle this quicker surface. His initial mark of 69 looks very reasonable if he can build on that victory and the yard know how to get a decent priced winner at this track.
Selection KISS A PRINCE. 1 point win @ 16/1 (Stan James)
Selection SATURN WAY. 1 point win @ 12/1 (General)
Ripon 6.55
Excusez Moi could go well here at a big price but he may find things happening a bit quickly and Indian Trail is preferred. He was mainly disappointing last season, but was often seen in much better races than this, and he showed more than enough in a higher grade last time out at Epsom to be considered here. He didn't have the best of draws there but he ran a cracker to get within a length of Fathom Five in a very competitive handicap. That came over five furlongs but he stays six and he proved his effectiveness over this C/D a few seasons back by going close in the Great St Wilfred. He was running from a 22 pound higher mark this time last season and has the use of a decent five pound claimer to further enhance his chances today.
Selection INDIAN TRAIL. 2 point win @ 6/1 (Skybet)
Aintree 7.35
Selection DEV. 2 point win @ 6/1 (Sportingbet)
Aintree 8.40
Selection BILLY MAGERN. 1 point E/W @ 11/1 (General)