Wetherby 3.35

 

It's easy to forget that Wetherby only started Flat Racing in 2015. The Track has gained a good reputation as being a fair test on decent ground.

 

There are some in here who'll need the run and a few who would definitely prefer less rain and firmer underfoot conditions.

 

At the head of the market I can see why Clear Angel is favourite, more on a Course and Distance win off 66 last season than a good run in a Class 2 race on turf seasonal debut at a very heavy Doncaster that may have flattered it. It has a favourites chance and I wouldn't put any one off a "win saver" but I've confidence in a couple more at nice odds not to make it a formal win bet today.

 

Nine Elms arrives on a hat-trick and clearly in fine form as are the small yard but best form is at Nottingham and the handicapper may now just have the horses measure, a big danger nonetheless. End Zone could be running in to some form and i've just added it to the TRACKER, it does seem to prefer Tracks with stiffer uphill finishes and we'll keep an eye open for that eventuality. Perfect Swiss tends to stick to AW tracks but the turf mark here suggests a decent run would not be a surprise. Yellow bear hasn't yet fulfilled the early 3 year old promise but looks a nice handicapper for this and the next few years and will also be winning races soon once it finds a level. The Yard form of Forward Flight makes it of minor interest.

 

At big Odds I would definitely suggest some shrapnel on MAC AILEY, its out of form but on a nice mark for sure and has been runner up in 2020, 2021 and 2022 on its 3rd seasonal run, after a couple of sighters it may be one that can continue that sort of trend that many miss but the sort we keep a VERY close eye on!!...FROG AND TOAD is in the Tracker , completely missed the break on seasonal debut but had a good blow, I would not be surprised if it ran a lot better here IF it can break on terms and with enhanced places he would be 4th pick.

 

I'm very sweet though on the chances of EAGLES ROCK and MENELAUS. EAGLES ROCK is from the in form Lucinda Russell team, its back to its most recent winning mark here, has had 2 AW runs so will be fully tuned up. trip is ideal, won't mind more rain but doesn't really need it, drawn in Stall 1 should give it tactical place on the rail round the bend if it breaks OK and hard to find any chinks. MENELAUS is more a "gut horse" it's not yet followed up early 3 year old Handicap promise but always looked like a horse that could really strengthen as it got older, it's had a run and very closely matched with Eagles Rock on some solid collateral form.