Good Evening folks
I found the rest of the NH races tough but two more I like are on the All weather and are below. Nothing further for Saturday.
5:40 Southwell
PETRA CELERA– 1/2 Pt EW @ 20/1 Bet365, 16 & 14’s generally (may get bigger as not all books priced up)
A bit left field and needs to bounce back but, still only 4, open to a bit more improvement and enough reasons to chance. Firstly, she seems to love this track, registering a strong win and a narrow defeat from 2 efforts to date. The jockey booking looks significant also as Finley Marsh, who is in fine form himself, has only EVER ridden twice for this yard all time and BOTH horses WON. Well weighted and drawn, I thought well worth chancing back against her own sex.
6:55 Newcastle
MONKS DREAM– 3/4 Pt EW @ 20/1 Bet365 4 places, 12/1 4 places Skybet 16/1 generally (Betfred & Betay 4 places also may get bigger as not all books priced up )
Also a bit speculative but this 4 year old is the type I like as they often show good form at two then go missing at 3 before finding form again. Thought good enough to contest class 2 & 3 races on turf last season, he was far disgraced at times but I feel, and his pedigree suggests, he should be much better on the AW. In fact, he bolted up here over C & D then followed up over 5F. He ran better than the bare result first time out at this track over 5F on his first start of his season and although the stable form is a concern, he is seemingly very well drawn in 11 and I think he could go well again at a price.
3:15 Haydock
APPLE AWAY– 1/2 Pt Win @ 9/1 Lads, 17/2 generally
GALIA DES LITEAUX– 1/2 Pt Win @ 11/1 Hills, 10/1 generally
Both will relish conditions and have lovely low racing weights. Durrell is 3 from 6, 4 placers at this track for his shrewd trainer Skelton and Apple Away is an improving 8 year old who will go from the front so I thought worth chancing wins the pair instead of strong EW the one in a tough race which often turns into a grueller and anything could go in.
3:00 Ascot
ANNSAM – 3/4 Pt Win @ 8/1 Lads, 15/2 generally
Tipped last time when held up, that looked a tee up job for this. Needs to go from the front (hope he does) and is being very well backed with his stable in rude form. Handicapped to go close.
1:15 Ascot
BLUE HOP– 3/4 Pt EW @ 12/1 Will Hill boost 5 places, 10/1 5 generally
A smooth traveller, he is 2 from 3 and a 2nd from 4 runs on good to soft ground, conditions he will face tomorrow. The form of his smooth win LTO is strong with 2 winners from just 3 runners already coming from that race. The jockey is going at near 30% win SR in the past 30 days and is 1 from 3, 2 placers for the yard. He has yet to prove he goes this way round, but at the prices well worth paying to see how he goes.
2:25 Ascot
CLASSIC KING– 3/4 Pt EW @ 11/1 Lads boost 4 places, 10/1 4 places generally
MOVE IT LIKE MINNIE – 1/2 Pt EW @ 16/1 Lads & Hills boost 4 places, 14/1 4 places generally (drifting so may get BOG and bigger later)
Another smooth traveller, fairly bolted up on his handicap hurdle debut yet faces just a 5lb rise which looks very lenient. The trainer is in excellent form (2 from last 3) and teams up brilliantly with Rex Dingle (rode last time which I like). In fact, in the past 5 years they have teamed up just 10 times in handicap hurdles, gaining a stunning 4 winners, 6 placers! Could have a lot more to offer in this sphere and should go very well.
I will throw in Move It Like Minnie also as I cannot see how he finishes out of the frame and could cause a surprise. He loves this course and is fully 8lbs better off for a staying on well 4 length beating by the favourite who shoulders top weight! Gets on well with the jockey and I can see another good run coming from the foot of the weights.