Good evening folks
Hopefully Jilly Cooper is none the worse after going well then breaking down. Dayzee went to fast early I thought and was spent so we move on. It will be tricky tomorrow lets hope the weather plays ball. Two more selections as below, along with the ones already sent and shorter than normal write ups due to time constraints. Nothing further for Saturday.
2:40 Doncaster
HALF SHOT – 1/2 Pt EW 16/1 4 places generally
Low weighted horses go very well in this and this horse has been running in races that have worked out very well. Over this trip last season, he was narrowly beaten by Bill Baxter with Racing Post winner Forward Plan well behind in 3rd. His trainer is in form and has long stated he has abig race in him so hopefully it’s today.
3:32 Newbury
FERN HILL – 3/4 Pt Win 9/1 Bet365, 13/2 generally (not all books priced so may get bigger)
With first-time blinkers a possible source of improvement, FERN HILL is worth chancing on these terms. Still unexposed over hurdles where is was 3 from 4 (was back in 2020), the selection is having his first start in handicap company over timber and is very interesting given is the only likely pace in the race and could pinch it from the front (I want him to front run!) as we saw today it paid to race prominently.
1:42 Kelso
SERIOUS OPERATOR – 1.25 Pt Win 5/1 generally
Tipped LTO in the Lanzarote, he got the place money for us at a big price if you recall after being given a ridiculous ride from the rear. His winning jockey is reunited, he has won impressively over C & D so if the ground doesn’t get too testing which is the only negative, then he must go close on form off his weight of just 10st 4lb!! (less riders allowance)
1:20 Newbury
CYCLOP – 1/2 Pt Win 20/1 generally
AMATEUR – 1/2 Pt Win 25/1 generally
Both unbeaten in chases over C & D, they carry decent racing weights and will both relish the ground so I went win only on both at speculative prices.
2:17 Kelso
BERTIE’S BALLET – 3/4 Pt EW 25/1 4 places generally
RICH SPIRIT – 1/2 Pt EW 20/1 4 places generally
Both smooth travellers improving with racing. They need to step forward on what they have done thus far but I think they may be capable given doubts over the Henderson horse and others if the ground deteriorates.
2:50 Kelso
BALLYGEARY – 3/4 Pt EW 22/1 Skybet 6 places, 20/1 6 & 5 places generally
CAITHNESS – 1/2 Pt EW 50/1 5 places generally
Both horses love the C & D and Ballygeary is dangerous from the foot of the weights. He thrashed the more fancied Skycutter at Bangor and is still better off at the weights. This should be run to suit and I can see him going very well with Hughes booked. Caithness is a massive price yet this is way around of racing IMO and his prominent style of racing is an advantage at this track so I thought worht a tickle.