2.00 Newbury
The newcomers will have to be smart if they are to trouble LEADMAN in the 7f juvenile maiden and I will be disappointed if he can’t go one better than when runner up on the July course last month on debut. The form is already working out very well and the Andrew Balding stable could hardly be in better form.
The Kingman colt holds an entry in the Group 2 Royal Lodge Stakes next month and is a half-brother to Georgeville who failed to go on from his initial promise at Dermot Weld but is still rated 100+ for Ger Lyons.
Bussento belied his odds when running a cracker at Glorious Goodwood on debut faring best of the newcomers, but the enemy lies within as I feel the biggest danger to the selection could be stablemate Lahab who finished third here over six furlongs on debut. Today’s extra furlong should suit but I will be disappointed if Leadman does not run a big race.
Recommendation: Leadman at 10/11 with William Hill
4.40 Newbury
Patrick Morris inherited a potentially well handicapped horse in HOT TEAM, and it took him a little time to find the key to the 6-year-old although he bounced back to form when scoring at Newcastle last time for which he carries a 5lbs penalty.
On slower ground I do think he would be something to bet on and there must be a doubt about him being as effective on fast turf, but he did win on good to firm ground here as a juvenile and remains thrown in on his old form. Today’s apprentice Connor Planas was in the saddle when he scored on tapeta last time and he is in the plate again this afternoon.
Recommendation: Hot Team at 7/2 with 10Bet
6.07 Thirsk
Sprint handicaps are not really my bag, but I do think ALLIGATOR ALLEY will take the beating having been constantly denied a run when finishing full of running at Doncaster last week in the Racing League.
The 5-year-old won the listed Roses Stakes as a juvenile at York and clearly enjoys five furlongs on fast ground. He can compromise his chance at the start and often needs luck in running, but he looks very well handicapped at present and shaped as though his turn was near last week.
Ben Macdui likes to make the running and he is drawn next to the selection. The hope is that Danny Tudhope can stalk the likely front runner and put his race to bed inside the final furlong.
Recommendation: Alligator Alley at 2/1 with William Hill
6.48 Newmarket
FULFILLED should have won at Sandown last week but was given too much to do by Jamie Spencer who met trouble in running at a vital stage and still had running to give as he hit the line back in third.
The selection had previously scored over C&D from a 3lbs lower mark. He would merit nap material were it not for the lack of guaranteed pace in the race, but connections must surely be aware that the race could prove tactical. He remains well handicapped, lightly raced and open to significant further improvement.
Just Amber comes into the race on the back of a fluent Nottingham success last week and looks the main threat under a 5lbs penalty but, granted a truly run race, I do feel that Fulfilled holds excellent claims.
Recommendation: Fulfilled at 5/2 with Boylesports
