3 minute read
Sam King landed a 15/8 (advised) winner at Yarmouth yesterday from two selections (one non-runner) and is back with three wagers for this fine Thursday.
It was Charlie Appleby and William Buick's day yesterday at Yarmouth, but this afternoon's card doesn't exactly have that feel about it. Francesco Baracca should really be taking the EBF Restricted Maiden Stakes event at 2.45 but at a general price of 5/6, I'm happy to leave him alone. However, there does look to be a decent bet on the card, and it comes in the shape of Sterling Knight, who should make a bold bid in the Infobond Technical Energy Recruitment Anniversary Handicap (3.55).
Back on his last winning mark of 90, Sterling Knight shaped much better than the bare result when seventh at Thirsk last time and despite finishing last of the septet, he was only beaten under four lengths at the line.
There's a bit of rain forecast across the east coast this afternoon and any further rainfall certainly won't hinder the chances of Ed Dunlop's charge, who ploughed through the mud to score in really testing conditions at Haydock last October.
The booking of Rossa Ryan catches the eye, but more interesting is the fact he sports blinkers for the first time and given he's twice been successful when there has been a change of headgear, a big run could be on the cards at the seaside venue this afternoon.
Selection: Sterling Knight – General 11/2
Ayr's three-day Gold Cup meeting gets underway this afternoon and that's where we head for our next selection.
I'm surprised to see Jkr Cobbler as big as 5/2 in the Virgin Bet Daily Price Boosts Handicap at 4.45 and have him much shorter in the betting on my book.
Iain Jardine's gelding arrives in the form of his life having rattled off a course and distance hat-trick in the summer, each time extending the winning margin as he remained in Class 6 company. The form of his last success in August took a boost when the runner-up comfortably went one better at Wolverhampton next time, whilst ground conditions look to be ideal for this progressive four-year-old, with all three of those track and trip victories coming under today's official description of good-to-soft.
A 6lb rise in the weights is hardly excessive given how readily he scored here forty-five days ago and back at his favoured venue, he can complete the four-timer with the minimum of fuss.
Selection: Jkr Cobbler – General 2/1
Chelmsford brings some decent all-weather action this evening, with a particularly interesting feature handicap at 7.00.
Thirteen go to post for the Class 2 Chelmsford City Racecourse Membership Now Available Handicap and I'm hoping top-weight Ehraz can put his rivals to the sword.
Richard Hannon's charge held some classy form as a three-year-old including when sixth behind Perfect Power in the Group 1 Commonwealth Cup at Royal Ascot. He probably hasn't kicked on as connections would have hoped he could following that performance and subsequently found himself making his handicap debut at York last time.
The gelded son of Showcasing travelled kindly on his handicap bow under the hands of regular rider Jim Crowley and stayed on well from the rear of the field, only failing to reel in two solid handicappers, who appeared better positioned throughout.
An unchanged mark of 105 shouldn't pose any issues for this classy four-year-old and with a good draw in stall six to add to the list of positives, a forward showing is expected on his all-weather debut this evening.
Selection: Ehraz – General 7/2
