I mentioned 10 horses when previewing Monday’s racing. Zomerlust won at 16/1 and we also had a number of placed horses, incluing Otelcaliforni 2nd at 33/1.
Moving on to Tuesday , Compromiznotension is proving a test to my keyboard skills but I hope he will repay me with a win in the 3.40 at Folkestone. This gelding is related to winners from as far afield as Sweden, Greece and the UAE. Third on his only start last season at Newmarket he was neaten by a couple of more experienced rivals and the 4th horse was 7 lengths away. Philip Robinson has the ride.
Summers Eve looked to be going the right way when 2nd at Windsor and the additional 2 furlongs of the 4.40 should be right up her street as she is related to some notable stayers.
In the 5.15 I am interested in Henchman, who is related to Byron, who won me a few bob a year or two back. Henchman has had just 3 runs and makes his handicap debut here, partnered by P Robinson for trainer Lady Herries.
There is evening racing at Bath where the card kicks off with a two year old maiden. There are a couple of newcomers to keep an eye on. Mood Music is related to a few winners and comes from a stable with a very impressive record with juveniles recently. Star Strider has a bit of a “Russellform” pedigree as he is related to Royal Prince, who was on my list to follow in 2004. He won a good mile handicap at Newmarket that year 13/2 and I even tipped him! I remember things like that.
Royal Prince was trained by James Fanshawe, whose handicappers are always worth a second look. John Dunlop is another trainer for the handicaps, especially his 3 year olds. He has Fear to Tread in the 6.10. This filly looks the type his trainer does well with.
My main suggestion at Southwell is Burning Incense in the maiden at 3.00. He looked an unlucky loser last time at Lingfield when his run was blocked. He was apprentice ridden that day and hopefully can make amend here under Frankie Dettori.
Our other list runner at Southwell is Celtic Carisma in the 3.30. This one was last of 16 a couple of weeks ago at Nottingham which was disappointing. Drying ground would probably help this one.
Border Music was on last season’s list. This one has been an absolute revelation on the AW winning 4 times in a row. Carries top weight here and turf form less impressive but he may still be able to continue that winning sequence (4.00) . Another old favourite, Platinum Charmer should go close in the apprentice handicap at 5.00. He was only narrowly beaten at Redcar last time.
Punchestown start there spring festival where there are 10 Grade 1 races during the week.
In the 2.40 Straw Bear has done little wrong in his hurdles career thus far. He looks sure to make a bold showing but will face some stiff opposition from the home team.
3.15 Fota Island and Sir OJ are our list representatives with the former having the best chance of finding any chink in the armour of the favourite Newmill.
3.50 Missed That and Our Ben would have been quite confident selections a few weeks back but both have questions to answer after recent indifferent efforts. 4.25 Forager and Knight Legend are our runners in a wide open handicap hurdle.
ahorse 