Wednesday 28th May

Hamilton 4.30 - Handicap - Class 4 - 1 mile 5 furlongs - 13 run - Good to Soft

The top 4 in the market are generally unexposed but tightly packed in the 4-1 > 7/1 price range. Alnayef is a nice recruit for Jim Goldi, who runs a few and one I will TRACK forwards as I will also do with the far more experienced Forza Orta, this one would usually be in better company but after a disappointing 2024, they have gone for a wind operation, if it works this one can be winning again. 

There are 3 that really catch my eye and in preference order they are KITSUNE POWER as the rain, the trip and the return of David Allen are all ticks in important boxes and it will be very disappointing if this one isn't placed at the very least. I narrowly prefer the bigger priced TAFSIR, a Course and Distance winner for whom the ease in the ground is also a big positive and it is back down to Class 4 and running off 75 with a 7lbs claim, with a last  win mark of 73. I think this one will be back so get on asap. The 3rd rated is TWO AULD POTS a Course and Distance winner off 73 last season who has had a similar preparation and off a mark of 69, could be very competitive too here IF you want to play the enhanced places on offer (Northern)

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Beverley 4.40 - Handicap - Class 6 - 1 mile 4 furlongs - 12 run - Good

Arch Legend and Sawgrass are worthy favourites but i can't split them for win purposes and neither at their prices hold each way value. STAR DELTA is possibly the one to beat anyway and if you wanted a "win saver" on anything in here it would logically be that one.

A chunk of the field will likely benefit from the run so my speculative each way confidence lies with CLOUDY ROSE, a Course and Distance winner who has had a run at Brighton, won second time it was out last season and also has Course and Distance winning form and probably adroitly placed here by his always under-rated Trainer. If there is one at a really juicy price it might be SASSY GLORY who has been competitive a few times and a berth in Stall 12 is not the graveyard it used to be here, a bold run would not surprise.  (RJ)

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Newton Abbot 2.48 - Novice Handicap Hurdle - 2 miles 2 and 1/2 furlongs - Class 5 - Good (possibly Good to Soft after deluge yesterday) - 14 run

Mr Le Philosophe looks a worthy favourite but I'm happy to take him on as Going may be softer than initially advertised.

Stringinhisstep ran very well to place at 40/1 at the last meeting here, whether he can repeat it, I'm not so sure but he was my 3rd best rated. I will TRACK forwards both La Tranaria, an interesting one for Nick Litmoden and also Marley Head, a Tizzard horse who is being given time to grow and fully develop but who may well reward patience at some point later in the summer.  

On the day though the pair I fancy to place at least at nice prices are HURST HILL who had a couple of decent course runs last season, rain is a plus for this one and I on't think the early 20/1 will last long once that form is scrutinised. PRIVILEGE is interesting on its penultimate run, can be excused a poor run last time (jumping error) and ne that looks like a bit of a potential springer at this trip (Robin)

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Wexford 8.00 - Handicap Hurdle - 3 miles - 14 run - Good to Yielding

The fact that 2 of the 3 reserves are priced at 9/2 and 13/2 suggests a lack of depth, I don't think either reserve would merit a bet "with a run"