Perth 2.05 - A Regional National over 3 miles 6 and 1/2 furlongs and a field of 9 runners. Hopefully all 9, or at least 8 stand their ground as I do think there is some value here in a specific horse at a nice early price.

 

Several of these may be over the top for the season, similarly a few are unproven beyond 3 miles or 3 miles and 2 furlongs or have marks they may find is beyond their current ceiling.

 

I think the each way value for a speculative punt lies with HOUSTON TEXAS whose past form suggests this trip is in range on this pretty easy right hand Track and who has shown indications when travelling well in similar underfoot conditions that it has a very solid chance of getting in to the first 3 here at least. (Speculator)

 

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Doncaster 4.55 - a 12 furlong Class 5 Flat Handicap.  I looked long and hard at Clever Relation who won on debut last season and who could be very unexposed but just made it my fourth best option in this race.. At  nice Odds there might be big runs in Regally Blonde on some irish Flat form and Lawmaker. A few make handicap debut so cant be ruled totally out. 

 

If we look though at rock hard Handicap form then it is clear that ANIMATO who has become disappointing is very well handicapped on turf form and comes absolutely 100% fit off the AW. It was a tight call between DAMASCUS STEEL and Bearaway (@ 16/1) but DAMASCUS STEEL gets the nod as it should improve for a recent seasonal debut and strong signs these are optimum conditions. (Bearaway would be a handy reserve if either are a non runner) (Northern)

 

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Chepstow 5.10 a Handicap Chase over 3 miles and 2 furlongs in Good to Soft conditions. A few of these are summer jumping types who may need the run and genuinely Good Going, I think the market leaders (Lyrical Genius and Silver In Disguise) are vulnerable at their prices and the likes of Innisfree Lad, Max Dynamo, Haut Folin may need it a bit heavier.

 

At speculative Odds therefore we'll have a bash with BALLYDISCO a Course winner over just shy of 3 miles who has frustrated this season over Fences and Hurdles but who has arrived at a very nice handicap mark as a result and some proven Course ability and the enigmatic or should it be mercurial JOHNNY B who has 2 ways of running , either winning or pulling up but who has crucial Course and Distance form and with a tendency to bookend with an opening win and a closing win, may just be ready to win again. (RT)

 

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Downpatrick 5.50 - Handicap Hurdle 2 miles 7and 1/2 furlongs - 14 run - Yielding.

 

The top pair are Jacenry who may not like the trip and Surf Club who rav a few days ago and reverts back to hurdles/ I think the consistent STOCKDALE could not only give them most to do but also take them on here and it will be very disappointing if this one isn't in the first 4 home. At the early odds of 20/1 plus the returning TOWNHILL PENNY may well need the race off a 197 day absence but Elliotts horse was in nice and progressive form before the break and he rarely runs them undercooked and I'd suggest getting a price asap. (MG)

 

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Downpatrick 6.20 - Ulster National 3 miles 5 furlongs - 15 run

 

There are 3 decent reserves here, any of whom could upset the applecart. Max Flamingo is a frustrating sort but very capable of winning this on best form and Tullybeg who has had a very light campaign should not be written off.

 

I'm very keen though on FRONTAL ASSAULT who ran very well for a long way in the Irish National and who looks an each way banker to enhanced places if getting round and PEACHES AND CREAM who has had a very light season and who will enjoy the slight drop in trip and for whom this trip may actually be ideal. If you want one at big price to enhanced places then a bold run from 15 REGINA DRACONES @ 20/1 a decent mare who can slip in the occasional very big run would not be a surprise (Sean / Placespotter)

 

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