Decent evening racing, for me a day to go ew with doubles and trebles, probably a Yankee on these 4 which are all decent prices.
6.05 - Sandown - Rumble Of Thunder - e/w.@ 9/1 (General) Resurge and Dubai Crest are arguably the best handicapped horses in the race but Rumble Of Thunder has a chance of an uncontested lead and with his reappearance behind him he could go well. He went close over this C/D from a one pound lower mark last August and, in hindsight, he did well to get within three lengths of Alainmaar, even in receipt of a stone, subsequently at Newmarket. He improved slowly throughout last season, one Goodwood disappointment aside, and gave the impression he needed the run at Newmarket last time out. The yard have had two winners (both at Bath on Sunday) from the six runners they have sent out this season and they have a decent record here. Of the 29 entries they have made in recent seasons six have won and a further seven have placed.
8.20 - Sandown - Lord Zenith - e/w. @ 8/1 (General) Fallen Idol has the potential to be better than this grade but at this moment in time he doesn't appeal at around 13/8. At a much bigger price Lord Zenith may be a better option. He had improved with each outing until finding the 2000 guineas beyond him. However, he wasn't disgraced, and prior to that he did win a Listed race on the A/W, despite still looking green. He gives the impression that there is still improvement to come over a mile and he will enjoy the likely fast conditions he will encounter here. The five pound penalty he has received for winning that race will not make things easy but with his Trainer/Jockey in good form he looks likely to give his running. They have enjoyed a good season on the turf so far with a 29% strike rate yielding a l.s.p of £13.
8.40 - Newcastle - Hamoody - e/w.@18/1 (General) Hamoody hasn't won since taking the Group Two Richmond Stakes at Goodwood as a Juvenile. He had a brief stint in America before returning to his former yard for last season. He was only seen four times before being sold to current connections who have had him gelded. He never beat a horse home on his debut for them at Pontefract last month but there were definite signs that he retains plenty of ability over five furlongs at York last time out. He was hampered mid race, after which his jockey seemed to accept that he wasn't going to make the frame. However, under hands and heels, Hamoody never lost any further ground and his jockey gave him a few soft slaps to at least give the impression that he was putting an effort in. The step back up to six furlongs will suit the selection and he is with a yard who have a knack of rejuvenating horses from other stables.
8.50 - Sandown - Docofthebay - e/w. @ 9/1 (General)
Otherwise a few more I've considered :
Ayr 2.50 Jigajag: Looks a gimme but as we all know anything can happen and too short at around 4/5
Wolverhampton 3.00 Faithful One @5/1 : Very consistent performer, winner on penultimate start before finding a decent sort in Hatheeq last time out and which was tipped on here. Wouldn't go overboard as this is a competitive race but worth a few quid at what I feel is a good price. Frankie's Mainstay an obvious danger.
Ayr 3.20 Mutafajer @9/4 : Looks sure to improve on previous start when he broke his maiden, this could prove his optimum trip and definitely the one to beat for me.
Sandown 6.35 Cape To Rio @11/10- Another short price but looks well ahead on the form book and highly regarded by the Hannon yard. 11/10 looks a decent price for this one.
Newcastle 8.10 Sendali ew @8/1 : Tight little race but I'm opting for Sendali ew at a best priced 8/1
Good luck all,
Chris
