Friday 10th May
By SP2A Analysis
ASCOT 4.35 - Handicap Class 4 - 3 year olds -Good To Soft 14 run
This is a 3 year old handicap and the type of race we slowly want to dip our toes in to as the summer progresses. The Good to Soft is likely to dry to Good during the day.
There are 3 that stand out on form and pedigree and the third rated would be the so far unraced this season Boyfriend for the Hannon Team and a big run from this one would not surprise.
TERAABB looks worth either a win bet or a crafty each way banker at around 7/2 after an impressive return and 1 mile here should be ideal. THE ICE PHOENIX is a progressive type and again the trip looks ideal and it's possible this one could make up in to a nice 10 furlong horse later in the summer. (TA)
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DOWNPATRICK 5.35 Handicap Hurdle - 2 miles 6 furlongs - 15 run - Good
Gordon Elliott runs a couple and C'Est Quel'quon looks a solid win punt if you want the option and I'd prefer it to both Son of Hypnos and Kilbrin Rocco at the head of the market. Politicise will be a genuine danger but drying ground will not suit this one and there is better value elsewhere. I Am Spider man has a squeak at best and at bigger Odds Quite Incredible who has shown glimmers of form gets cheekpieces and it will be interesting to see if they improve a horse who may pay its way later in the summer.
I think the clear each way value though in this race lies with DINOLAND who had a trio of placed runs on Good ground last summer and who could really come on now back on decent ground with plenty of evidence of stamina for the trip and Elliotts second string GAYE WINNIE is another who looks likely to step up form wise , A Course win at 2 miles at this tricky undulating Course adds to confidence and off a declining mark that looks to be at the right level now, ices the cake. (MG)
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DOWNPATRICK 7.55 - Handicap Chase - 2 miles 7 and 1/2 furlongs - 14 run - Good
Tangental and Lady Kate look strong options at the top of the market, Lady Kate has a 6lbs penalty and Tangental has to stay on four legs but both look worth a small reverse forecast.
I can see vulnerabilities in most of the others including Gladatorial and Nuttoridge who should both be winning races soon but the former needs Handicap Chase experience and the latter will almost certainly need the run on past evidence. Welsh Saint too is one to follow and has some race fitness to exploit, Townhill Penny has really struggled jumping Fences and now steps in to a Handicap but really I feel is not a natural jumper and can't be invested in until showing it can jump better. Amaulino would have routed these at best and may yet find a new level but looks basically regressive now. Ardaghs Choice is worth TRACKING after a spin back after a near 2 year break showed rustiness but glimmers of ability remain.
I would be very keen on OCEAN LEGACY at a nice each way price to back up the suggested reverse forecast punt, OCEAN LEGACY is a decent and consistent dual grade horse who has Course and Distance winning form off a mark of 83, its had a run and a mark of 88 should not be a negative and early 20-25/1 really did jump off the page with so many questions to answer elsewhere. (Sean)
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SEDGEFIELD 6.20 Mares Handicap Hurdle - Class 5 - 2 miles 4 furlongs - Good -
I think that the hot favourite Mrs Tabitha is a very strong win bet even at the price but I wanted an each way Banker to cheer on for you on my final tip this season before a break and SPOT ON SOPH would be that horse at around 6-7/1. (RT)
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