Yet another profitable day yesterday, but once again one that could have been much better. Nemo Spirit’s win ensured a good return (advised at 12/1) and Green Park landed the place money at a big price (advised at 20/1) but both Admiral Dundas and Millfields Dream finished 2nd, the latter by the shortest of short heads.
Today’s bets:
York 2.35
Acrostic is just the type his Trainer could get plenty of improvement from this season but, for one so inexperienced, his price is short enough. At much bigger prices Fanjura and Albaqaa represent powerful stables and both have done enough to suggest they are not weighted out of this. Fanjura was below par at Chester last time out over ten furlongs but he wasn't disgraced and form at that track rarely has much emphasis at other venues. A winner of Division 2 of the Wood Ditton on his debut he was subsequently unlucky in a hot conditions event at Newmarket. Probably outclassed in two Group Three races at the same venue in the Autumn, he returned this season with two good efforts over a mile at Bath and Newbury. He is bred to get this extra furlong and he has proven himself to be versatile regarding ground conditions. Well drawn in stall three, there doesn't appear to be an abundance of natural early pace in the race so he shouldn't have trouble gaining a good early position. Albaqaa comes from a stable who can't stop winning at the moment. He hasn't run a bad race in three outings this season over ten furlongs and the drop back to today's trip could suit a horse who travels well in his races. He has plenty of form with cut in the ground and he gets that today for the first time this season. His profile is one of a horse who is improving with racing. His high draw is a major concern but he does have the tactical pace if his jockey does try and gain a good early position.
Selection – FANJURA. 1 point E/W @ 16/1 (Ladbrokes)
Selection – ALBAQQA. 1 point E/W @ 16/1 (General)
Sandown 2.50
Trafalgar bay has to prove his effectiveness around a turning seven furlongs from this high in the handicap and he could be worth taking on at his current price. Jeninsky ended last season on a low note on the A/W at Kempton but she went close on two occasions over this C/D in August/September and she could go well again if she is fit and ready for this reappearance. She was slightly unlucky over six furlongs at Warwick after that and gave the impression she could be a Filly who will find improvement this season. She may not want the ground to dry out too much but she represents a yard who are not only in good form but who have a good reputation with Fillies.
Selection – JENINSKY. 1 point E/W @ 16/1 (Sportingbet)
York 3.10
Master In Disguise is progressing at a rate of knots but Quanah Parker is also on the upgrade and he has an admirable attitude when push comes to shove. He has improved on his Juvenile form in two outings over seven furlongs this season and ground just on the easy side of good could be just about ideal. He went down with all guns blazing on this track at the end of last month and the way he travels the drop back to six furlongs from a three pound higher mark doesn't look like it will inconvenience him. Still relatively lightly raced after just six starts he is open to plenty of improvement and has a good draw in stall eight. The yard are in decent order and the booking of Michael Hills is an interesting (good profitable strike rate at the track).
Selection – QUANAH PARKER. 1 point E/W @ 12/1 (Stan James)
Sandown 5.10
Although Wild Rhubarb was only 6/15 and beaten nearly eight lengths last time out at Haydock over two miles she ran much better than the bare form suggests. Travelling well into the latter stages she was short of room when the pace quickened and switched to race isolated after losing momentum. It was to her credit that stuck to her task as well as she did. She showed ability in two maidens last season and has built on that in three outings in this campaign. After winning on her handicap debut over 15 furlongs she took a steep rise in class and a nine pound hike in the weights for that Haydock event. Back down in class from a two pound lower mark and dropping back to 14 furlongs on a stiff track should see her in a better light. The stable are at the top of their game and always have to be given a second look when teaming up with today's jockey. Whenever makes his seasonal debut but he went well on his reappearance in this race last season after a similar break. He was disappointing on his final two starts last season but had been progressive prior to that. He is very well weighted with Victoria Montoya on their running at Ascot in September and, although the latter has improved, the selection has a whopping 21 pound pull for the six lengths he was beaten. Considering Whenever wasn't at his best in that race a return to his former level of form would make him a hard rival for the favourite to emulate on these terms.
Selection – WILD RHUBARB. 2 point win @ 11/2 (William Hill)
Selection – WHENEVER. 1 point E/W @ 16/1 (Sportingbet)
York 5.25
Looked to be coming to hand under today's jockey at Doncaster last time out and didn't run a bad race in nine outings in her first campaign last season. She may have to be ridden a bit handier than normal today because her exaggerated waiting tactics are not ideally suited to this speed orientated track. Has proven her effectiveness on ground from G/S through to G/F and further improvement in this, her second season, is a distinct possibility. Gone well for today's partner on all three occasions he has been on board and comes here with her stable back amongst the winners in recent weeks.
Selection – LEONID GLOW. 1 point E/W @ 16/1 (General)
Bath 5.35
Selection – MAKE AMENDS. 1 point E/W @ 10/1 (Bet 365)