3 minute read

The Duane Kitchingman trained Nightingale Road is expected to relish the step up in trip on Saturday and prove very hard to beat in the fourth event, at Belmont.

Catching the eye late in the piece over 1000m last start, the daughter of Bel Esprit was simply left with too much to do upon straightening.

Forced to settle towards the rear from the wide draw, Nightingale Road was unsuited by the slow tempo, and though safely held, her performance held plenty of merit.

Stepping up to 1300m now appears ideal racing fifth up, and the decision by William Pike to stick aboard, is a great push for her chances.

From the rails draw, Pike is expected to settle Nightingale Road closer to the speed, and prove very hard to hold out in the straight.

Currently installed a 5-2 chance appears more than fair, as we have the five-year-old rated closer to a 6-4 chance — on predictive ratings.

All in all she has improved 14 pounds this time in, and is tipped to take the next step on the weekend.

The Warwick Bradshaw trained Main Instigator lived up to his heavy market support on debut, and is tipped to go back to back in the third event.

Set out an odds-on shot following his impressive trial performances, the son of Saxon, despite quite green, proved far too good for his rivals.

Recording quicker time than the 64 Hcp a race later, Main Instigator displayed above average ability and should derive plenty of benefit from that raceday experience.

Currently installed a 5-1 chance appears a more than fair gamble as he isn't rated far off the top contenders on bare form.

He is tipped to improve again on the weekend, and is expected to be right around the mark, from the favourable draw.

BET OF THE DAY: Race 4 #6 Nightingale Road @ $3.50

EACH-WAY PLAY: Race 3 #4 Main Instigator @ $6.00