Pretty mediocre fare today with conditions likely to be on the soft side of good at Carlisle who hold an eight-race card with spectators welcomed back on track following the relaxation of lockdown restrictions.
In the 5f sprint handicap the 12-race maiden Marvel (1.35) has finished runner up eight times in his twelve starts but can make it lucky thirteen with this stiff five furlongs considered ideal for Julie Camacho’s five-year-old. Apprentice Josh Quinn met trouble in running, in a six-runner race, at Southwell last time and his mount can be a tad keen but the stiff finish on soft ground will suit and I hope to see him finally break his frustrating run of seconds. He has run very well fresh in the past and returns from a near two-month lay-off. The ew recommendation is 7s with MansionBet.
In the concluding 11f handicap. Seventeen O Four (5.00) carries a 5lbs penalty for running away with a 12f handicap at Catterick last week and he is taken to defy the rise. That 7L success was his first start on turf, but he was always thought capable of better when trained by Michael Bell and his three best runs have come with a visor applied which is obviously kept for this afternoon. Note he also holds an entry at Catterick on Friday. The 7/2 on Sunday looked too big and he is a best price of 11/4 with 10Bet at the time of posting.
Ffos Las was described as good to soft on Sunday with the prospect of further showers – some heavy – for later in the day. Apache Creek has won his last three, but they were all on decent ground and he has been lapped on all four starts on soft ground. It is possible that he has just improved of late, but he is short enough in the betting at 11/10 and I will look for an each way alternative.
Bay Of Intrigue was still taking along when coming down four out at Worcester last time, but would he have got home having pulled so hard before unseating Ben Poste? He is a fascinating contender, but The Macon Lugnatic (1.45) hinted at a return to form when third at Worcester off this mark last time over 3m, and this drop back in trip looks ideal. His two hurdle wins have come over today’s trip including a win on soft ground and he receives 7lbs from the market leader including Luca Morgan’s 5lbs claim. The ew selection is 5s with Boylesports.
At Windsor, the form of Hollywood Lady’s (5.20) second in a Newbury maiden last month has been franked by the subsequent runs of winner Gloria Mundi – second in a listed race at the weekend – and third Sea Karats – runner up in a Newmarket listed contest earlier in the month. With that in mind an opening mark of 70 looks lenient for this filly who is bred to appreciate the step up in distance. The selection is 2s with BetVictor.
Olympic Theatre didn’t have the clearest of passages at Beverley last time and she is another who should appreciate today’s step up in distance. She will be winning races this term, but Hollywood Lady could be a handicap snip.
