Good afternoon folks
Having said about the weather, it has lashed down as we speak at Newmarket (of all courses) with further heavy rain predicted so I hope they pull out Zoulo Chief (they did at Doncaster) as I had banked on goodish ground/rail run for him. We shall see but the rain, I fear, may scupper him/our bet as he has shortened
I am hoping for lot’s of rain (forecast very heavy through the night into the day at both York & Chepstow) for the further trio of bets, along with the 2 already sent are below along with their write ups. Steady as we go though.
Nothing more for Friday. Back throughout the day tomorrow with Saturday selections.
4:25 York
BOARDROOM – 1/2 Pt EW 30/1 4 places boost Unibet, 28/1 4 places generally (if you like, maybe wait as drifting & BOG may be available with Corals etc)
This well bred fill by showcasing (loved soft and today’s C & D) will relish easing of the ground and looks well drawn around the pace. Low weighted horses have done well in this race in the past and she looks very, very well treated off just 77 on her eye-catching, strong finishing run against Graceful Thunder (now rated 100) on soft over 5F at Beverley. Found the trip in the ground too far over 6F ay Donny LTO but shaped encouragingly on the unfavoured nearside of the track. Trainer likes a winner here so a speculative put and too big a price not to chance.
5:35 York
LOOK BACK SMILING – 3/4 Pt EW 18/1 6 places Skybet, 18/1 5 generally (again drifting)
As above (the more rain the better though), relishes soft terrain(4 places from 5 on it) and the jockey, who has ridden him to 2 eye-catching runs recently in better races than this over the mile trip takes off a further 7lbs which comes in very handy against her peers. Can start slowly so stall 20 shouldn’t be that big a concern and they come stands side normally on softish conditions. The drop back to 7F(F.Figs 1,3,1 from 3 runs over this trip with give!!) in a well run race should suit admirably and I expect a top 6 finish at the very least if the quick return doesn’t hinder.
4:33 Chepstow
ZAMBEZI FIX – 3/4 Pt EW 10/1 4 places generally
Very early days over the sticks but our old friend loves this C & D. He has recorded figures of 4,1,3, fell when cantering and a 2nd. Goes very well after a break so, being one of the youngest horses in a seniors race, should travel as smoothly as ever and go well for a jockey he always runs well for.
1:50 Newmarket
ZOULO CHIEF – 1/2 Pt EW 16/1 4 places generally
A fast improving sort, this speedy type showed his customary blistering speed over 6 furlongs here last week, the hill finding him out close home. The drop to 5F, a good rail draw (who knows which side?) and the booking of Doyle suggest the yard think he can improve again, and he needs to on the bare to form, to go very well in this so worth chancing at the price.
3:50 York
HAFEET ALAIN – 3/4 Pt EW @ 15/2 boost William Hill, 7/1 4 places generally
This race normally goes to a 4 or 5 year old but IMO there is no stand out amongst the sparse representation from that group. Instead, I will go with the ultra consistent Hafeet Alain, who finished ahead of the favourite for this, Lattam, at Goodwood last time and they are still similarly level on weights and measures. That Goodwood contest has thrown up a couple of winners of this race and I like the fact useful 3lb claimer Conor Planas keeps the ride. He gets on great with this horse, the pair combining 4 times on turf to date over a mile, returning form figures of 2,4,2,1! He has a good looking draw in stall 1 and his prominent style of racing is a huge advantage at this track as we have seen over the years. In fact, he bolted up (in lesser grade granted) by near 4 lengths on his ONLY visit to the Knavesmire. He won’t mind what the weather does either so rates a decent bet.