I will start with Ascot on Friday where Easy Air could give the list to follow a winner in the 2.10. He has only had 6 career runs, winning twice. Although beaten in his last 2 starts they were both in very competitive races and he acquitted himself well each time. He finished strongly in second behind the talented Sir Gerard in the Britannia handicap and was best of those on the “wrong” side in the Bunbury Cup.
We have 2 runners in the 3.15 and again I am hopeful of a winner. Consular gained a deserved success in the Old Newton Cup at Haydock. Although raised 6 lbs for that win he is not out of it here. On this occasion I narrowly prefer Glistening who was considered by many to be an unlucky loser here last month.
In the 4.25 Mesbaah should improve for his debut run when he was 4th at Newmarket.
In the 5.00 Mick Channon introduces Silca Chiave who is a half sister to Green Manalishi and Silca’s Sister.
At Chepstow Gremlin looks the best of those that have already had a run in the 6.50. Henry Candy newcomer OldJoesaid looks a two year old on breeding.
I have been plugging Harrison’s Flyer this season and I am sure he will pick up a spring handicap or two eventually. He has been 3rd on his last two starts and is knocking at the door. He runs in the 8.50
Art Investor has changed stables, moving from Amanda Perrett to David Elsworth who is enjoying a fruitful season from his new base. Art Investor showed enough promise in 3 starts to warrant a place on the list to follow. This trip should suit but he does have to overcome quite a lengthy absence from the track in the 6.10 at Newmarket. Our 3 runners in the spring handicap at 7.40 have so far failed to win a race between them this season. Kenmore is in some ways the most interesting as he is running off a very winnable mark and Dandy Nicholls has such a good record in this sort of race. The horse appears to need some give in the ground though. Both the other two, Banjo Patterson and Fullandby have shown some signs of a return to form recently. Fullandby is another that might need a bit of rain so my tentative selection has to be Banjo Patterson.
Up at Thirsk Golden Topaz runs for Howard Johnson in the 2.30. This one showed a little promise on her debut when 6th (the 4th has since won). She is a half sister to Play Misty for me.
See you tomorrow for a look at Saturday’s racing.
ahorse 