Plenty I like today though as per usual Saturday is not the day to lump on. May play around with doubles and trebles but hope to find a few winners from these.
Haydock
2.30 Going to follow Frankie and have a wager on Athoug though it looks a tricky contest. LOST but ran well, close 2nd.
3.00 Wychwood's Legend e/w @ 12/1 Mous of Men win bet @ 10/1 : Wychwood's Legend has been in decent form over hurdles and though this looks a tough contest back on the flat could spring a surprise in this wide open race. Mous of Men has been well backed this morning and must enter calculations at 10/1. USELESS !
3.35 Conquisto e/w @ 10/1 (General) Looks a hurdler with abundant potential, hacking up for second start running in Market Rasen novice last month. Handicapper may have taken a big chance with him and he must be considered. LOST
Hexham
2.45 Dunaskin @ 5/2 Better than ever late last summer, won twice over 2¾m, and also in good form on AW this year. Seemed unsuited by fixed-brush hurdles when flopping last time and one for shortlist here. WON @ 3/1. Came from nowhere after I had abandoned hope !
Nottingham
1.55 Sands Crooner @ 6/1 : Should relish the conditions today and was good enough to win from a higher mark than today's 11 months ago. He has run well on both his last two starts and should not be far away. LOST
3.30 Serious Attitude NAP @ 2/1/ Prescription ew at 11/1 This is generally a good contest but Serious Attitude looks to have every chance ahead of Golden Destiny, Prescription and Swiss Diva. The selection is best off at the weights here courtesy of her official mark of 109, which has resulted from four wins out of her six career starts. A Cheveley Park winner at two, she did not quite live up to expectations in last year's 1,000 Guineas, but then came back to win a Group 3 at York. Trip and ground are ideal for her here, while she also has a favourable draw, and she will take plenty of beating. Small ew saver on Prescription, been well backed.
Serious Attitude another 2nd, good winner though in Prescription, well done guys. Should have done the forecast !
Ascot
2.50 Rafiqa e/w. @ 14/1 (General) Twice successful as a juvenile and further progress at 3 yrs, despite not managing to get head back in front. Takes little getting ready and no forlorn hope on return with yard going well. LOST
3.25 Mabait ew @ 5/1/Onewayoranother e/w @ 20/1 I think Mabait could well be a group horse running in handicap company and I really fancy his chances. Very progressive winning 4 times up to 1m last term and again in some style at Sandown on his reappearance. Raised 10 lb for that and drops a furlong in trip, but clearly thriving. The only concern is the large field, for that reason only I'm going ew, if he gets a clear run I think he's definitely the one to beat. I also think Onewayoranother is worth a small ew saver, won 4 times in Australia in 2008 and shown useful form in Britain, notably when unlucky third at Doncaster in March, cruising through but hampered before finishing well. Only 2 lb higher here Mabait 2nd @4/1, Onewayoranother nowhere. Nice winner for Frankie with Dandy Man. Should have done the forecast here too !
5.10 Get Carter @ 4/1/ New Leyf e/w saver @ 12/1 (General) Get Carter Improved in second half of last season and carried on progression when scoring over this trip at Windsor recently. Has an 8 lb penalty but likely to be more to come with Richard Hughes on board. New Leyf has progressed into useful performer on AW this year, winning twice over 6f at Kempton and good second over 7f there last time. Up another 5 lb but cant rule out if as effective on turf so a small ew saver at 12's for me. Very poor !
Warwick
6.20 Lovat Lane @ 3/1 Lovat Lane shaped well when runner-up on her debut and this looks a good opportunity for her to go one better. Ascot fourth Reposer has to be of interest, while the booking of Paul Hanagan suggests Laylas Princess is expected to go well on her debut. DIRE !
8.20 Kajma @ 5/2 Ran well enough last time out when winning 8.5f handicap at Epsom Draw not ideal but 5 lb rise doesnt look excessive and should go well, with drop back to 7f unlikely to inconvenience. WON @ 15/8
Thirsk
6.35 Mr Wolf @ 6/1 Front runner who has shown he still has plenty of ability with 2 good runs ( runner-up both times) this term. 4 lb rise is a slight concern but could take some pegging back if in a similar mood and 6/1 looks a decent price. LOST
Good luck all and hoping Saints end the season in style, 6-1 my prediction there Close !!
Chris
A real tough day with several very tight finishes but a good day overall for the "team !"
