Today’s horse racing preview has four selections over three meetings which come from Leicester, Catterick & Brighton.
14.10 Brighton – Gary Atkins Birthday Handicap (0-65) (5.1f)
Taajub (73)
Little Miss Daisy (69)
Something Lucky (65)
Peter Crate’s ten year old Taajub was seen winning a 0-75 over course and distance back in May and has been struggling ever since in the mid seventies, however he drops back down to a mark of 67 this afternoon, and with the rating I have, he definitely looks to have a chance to record another win this season. Little Miss Daisy looked out of her depth when competing in a 0-75 at Sandown last month, it’s her run prior at Ffos Las that would give a cracking chance here.
She was second that day behind Gnaad who went on to win a 0-75 and probably ran up to a 72 mark, he has since competed in a 0-95 running up to a status of around 85, so in theory Little Miss Daisy would have to be considered. One that could outrun her odds is Something Lucky who gets into this off just 8st 6lb under claiming pilot David Egan.
He does have something to find with Everkyllachy, but does get 12lb more this time around, and I would not be surprised at all if the each way thieves have a cracking bet on her, overall this should for me go to Taajub, he has been keeping a solid level this season, the main danger comes from Little Miss Daisy.
TAAJUB : 1pt Win @ SP (BOG)
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14.35 Catterick – Bet At Racinguk.com Nursery Handicap (0-95) (7.1f)
El Chapo (84)
Ventura Knight (76)
Star of Zaam (72)
Just the five runners and you could make an account for all of them, but the tentative vote goes to Richard Fahey’s El Chapo. The trainer is looking for success four in six renewals and won this last year with In First Place. He has improved with every run since turning to handicaps and got his just reward when landing a 0-85 over course and distance two weeks ago. Obviously by looking at it, the handicapper has still given him a chance off 76 to win again.
Mark Johnston’s Ventura Knight won two low graded handicaps and even attempted a crack at Listed class which failed miserably finishing a wayward last, back to Doncaster when running over a mile she never seemed happy at the trip, back to 7f this afternoon is going to suit, but having to give too much weight and the fact that he has not been running up to his current mark makes him very vulnerable for me.
Star of Zaam has not been beaten that far in a couple of 0-80 handicaps this season, but he will have to step up more than most to get his head in front here, its a tough one as I do fear Ventura Knight on what he has achieved to date, and with De Sousa booked. But Paul Hanagan is back with the old firm here on El Chapo and with now getting his head in front he can build on it .
EL CHAPO : 2pt Win @ SP (BOG)
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15.55 Leicester – Squirrel Handicap (11.9f) (0-110)
Sumbal (105)
Soldier In Action (103)
Blakeney Point (102)
A tight race this one. I was taken with the way David Simcock’s Sumbal ran last time out when third at Doncaster in a competitive conditions race which was won by Mount Logan. It’s been over two years since he landed the Group 2 Prix Greffulhe and was unlucky not to add the Group 3 Prix du Prince d’Orange to his resume in the same season. Its hard to figure out his best index as his best runs have come at 9.9f, with one completion over today’s index when finishing down the field in the Group 2 Grand Prix de Chantilly, however there was encouragement last time to feel he can run well again here.
Soldier in Action last win came over 14f when winning the Qatar Summer Handicap at this years Goodwood festival, On paper his best run this year has come in the Old Newton Cup when just denied by Marco Botti’s Dylan Mouth, Blakeney Point was back in fourth on that occasion to four lengths when getting 9lb at the weights. Only 8lb this time around so its hard to see realistically that form being reversed here.
I would like to think that there are many flaws in the form of many here, so the tentative vote goes to Sumbal to improve on what he showed last time out at Doncaster, Blakeney Point and Soldier in Action have their own private battle with the latter looking to come out on top once more.
SUMBAL : 2pt Win @ SP (BOG)
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17.00 Leicester – Red Deer Handicap (0-70) (6f)
Borough Boy (84)
Desperados Destiny (79)
Whitecrest (76)
Derek Shaw’s Borough Boy does not win that often, in fact his last recorded win came on the all weather when landing a 0-65 handicap at Southwell back in April. The last time he won on turf came at Haydock in a 0-70 handicap over 6f on soft ground in 2015, these days he is more seen around the all weather, but on his day he can be competitive.
One of serious interest is Michael Dods Desperados Destiny who was seen finishing runner up at Carlisle in a 0-65 handicap on heavy ground. Staying around this sphere and class he has to be feared the most under 3lb claimer Callum Rodriguez. Last one to look at is Whitecrest who ran very creditable in a 0-80 two runs back going behind by one and a half lengths to 82 rated Marie of Lyon, that is useful form, even though Marie of Lyon showed no attitude over last weekend when given a very tame ride by Ryan Moore.
Overall Desperados Destiny and Whitecrest have to be given strong consideration, but the vote goes for an each way bet on Borough Boy who is capable of landing a weak race like this.
BOROUGH BOY : 1pt each way @ SP(BOG)
Best of Luck, Bet Responsibly
