3 minute read

The Jim Taylor trained Carocapo has been rock solid in two starts to begin this preparation and now appears set to peak racing third up.

Off the scene for 721 days leading into this preparation, Carocapo has obviously had his fair share of issues, but is certainly back on track.

A game performance first up, Carocapo finished fourth behind Beat The Devil, before only narrowly edged out at Ascot last start over 1200m.

Attempting to lead throughout on both occasions, he has returned good figures and should be able to springboard off that in the third event on Saturday.

From the inside draw he will have no trouble finding the front as there doesn't appear anything fast enough to cross him.

When assessing Timeform weight adjusted ratings, he sits clear of his nearest rival and while facing a full field of 16, the old racing adage - "The bigger the field, the bigger the certainty," comes firmly into play.

Only lightly raced, he appears capable of making the rise through the grades and presents a good betting opportunity with better than 2-1 on offer early doors.

He should lead and prove very hard to gun down.

In the final event the Adam Durrant trained Western Temple appears nailed on to run well despite the wide draw.

Having needed the run first up, he displayed sharp improvement at Ascot last start when hitting the line well to finish a close second.

The slight step up in trip will no doubt suit (placed 5/5) and while he hasn't done a lot of winning (3/21) he has placed on a further 13 occasions and trust in Pike to throw him over the line.

Best From The West

BET OF THE DAY (1): Race 3 #9 Carocapo @ $3.20

BET OF THE DAY (2): Race 8 #6 Western Temple @ $3.80