3 minute read

Sam King returns with two selections on Monday…

Brian Ellison recently enjoyed notable victory with his stable star Onesmoothoperator in Australia and although the Class 6 apprentice handicap Travel Candy contests at Redcar (4.15) this afternoon might not be of the same significance, the Malton-based handler could be set for further success.

A comfortable winner off a mark of 69 at Catterick last September, the three-year-old daughter of Dandy Man has tumbled down the weights and is now 10lb lower than that last winning rating.

Brian Ellison's filly signified her return to the winners' circle could be imminent when runner-up in a five-furlong Class 5 handicap at this venue ten days ago, shaping as though the step back up to six furlongs would also suit.

The booking of promising young apprentice Shay Farmer, who has been seen to good effect in big field handicaps at York this season, catches the eye. Shay Farmer's valuable 7lb claim makes this filly incredibly well-handicapped on the pick of her form and with a good draw to boot in stall five, she could take some stopping off the front end.

TRAVEL CANDY – WIN

Odds – 9/2

We head to Newcastle for our second selection, and it could be worth taking a chance on Stonecare Girl in the Class 6 £30 In Free Bets With BetUK Handicap at 6.45.

Ed Dunlop's Havana Sky should go close in the first-time visor, while the previous course and distance winner Tomorrow Day needs to be respected. However, both may have their limitations exposed unlike Stonecare Girl, who shapes as though she could relish stepping up to six furlongs for the first time.

The Jessica Macey-trained filly is 0-10 under Rules, but she posted her best effort to date when runner-up in a five-furlong Class 6 at Musselburgh in August and has had excuses on both subsequent starts.

She stayed on strongly once headed that day, shaping as this stiff six furlongs on the all-weather could be right up her street. Oli Stammers, who is no stranger to riding winners for the Jessica Macey team, gets on board for the first time and with a potentially favourable draw in stall nine, this filly looks value at the current prices.

STONECARE GIRL – WIN

Odds – 10/1