Ludlow failed an inspection on Monday afternoon so no turf racing in Britain this afternoon although we do have two all-weather cards to look forward to.
At Lingfield there is a good Novice event with the well-bred Escapement making her racecourse debut for Ralph Beckett. The filly is out of a French all-weather winner and is closely related to several Group winners. The booking of Richard Kingscote is a positive, but she lacks the racecourse experience of La Tihaty and Melody Of Life (1.10) and it is the latter who gets the vote at 2s with Boylesports.
The selection has finished placed in both starts on polytrack including over a mile at Chelmsford last time. Andrew Balding’s Dark Angel colt was beaten by a Beckett trained filly – Serena’s Queen – last time and it would be significant if the money came for the debutante. Without that information I feel Melody Of Life is the best option in what promises to be an informative contest.
Marco Ghianni takes a valuable 5lbs from the back of Jennivere (2.10) who was, arguably, an unlucky loser when runner up here from a 2lbs lower mark last time. The filly – 10/3 with William Hill – wore cheekpieces for the first-time on that occasion and the hope is the headgear works the oracle again. A draw in stall four looks ideal and it should be noted that Obtuse, who beat the selection by a head last time, has won her two subsequent starts and last four for David Evans.
At Wolverhampton this evening, By Jove (7.40) steps up to 12f for the first time since joining Michael Appleby and this son of Nathaniel was only beaten a length over this trip at Beverley from a 2lbs higher mark for Michael Bell back in the summer. The selection – 4s with 10bet – was a dual winner on turf and Tom Marquand – who has recently returned from a Caribbean holiday with partner Hollie Doyle – keeps the ride having been in the saddle at Lingfield last time. Note the trainer dispenses with the cheekpieces he applied for the first time on his latest start.
Earlier in the card in the 1st division of the 7f 0-50 Classified Stakes Trepidation ran a good race in the circumstances last time when missing the break and too keen before finishing well in third over C&D giving the impression a step up to a mile would suit. One of these days he is going to break on terms and would be a huge threat. Do note he is also declared at Kempton over a mile on Wednesday.
The three-year-old Selfless Act (5.10) has left John Quinn since her last start and can make a winning start for Ian Williams. The filly finished fourth over 6f here back in August giving every indication a step up to today’s trip would suit. I am loath to support a three-year-old against her elders at this time of the year, but connections have found a good opportunity and the booking of Joe Fanning catches the eye. The ew recommendation is 9s with BetVictor.
