Bookies Enemy No1 Selections.
1:30 Haydock, Macho Pride – 1pt @6.5 generally
Is a bit in & out and has the profile of a horse that could be regressing. But he’s had a few excuses for below par runs on the all-weather after running well at Newcastle on his returning and looking a possible unlucky loser, with the main reasons being either punching above his weight, racing keenly without cover, and perhaps losing focus in races. Whatever the reason, he’s returning to the track where he last won a race (beat Water Of Leith whom he meets on better terms) off an 8lb lower mark, and if the return to the turf can bring a return to form, then he should go well in what looks his worst quality race since that win here last year.
1:30 Haydock, Good Listener – 0.5pts e/w @34 generally (4 places)
Ex-Richard Hannon trained and now with the much smaller yard of John Mackie’s, where he’s had just the three runs. He was far too keen on his stable debut at Newcastle, then next time up at the same track he improved when staying on nicely from the rear. He looked much better than the result when returning to the turf last time at Ponte where, having had to be held up from his wide draw, he looked to be staying on when his jockey looked to stand up in the saddle, maybe because there was something wrong with his tack as he never looked to be hampered. But whatever the reason, he was staying on well over 5f so the step up to 6f should suit, and if he gets this trip for the first time then he must also go well.
2:35 Navan, We’re On The Way – 1pt e/w @11 generally (5 places)
I’ve got two horses for this race that both caught the eye on their latest outings, which was in the same race at The Curragh. WOTW was arguably the biggest eye-catcher of the two as he had nowhere to go when looking full of running, having the door shut a few times before staying on well inside the final furlong. That form isn’t easy to asses as like tomorrow’s race, there was plenty of apparent ‘dead-wood’ in the field, some of which ran well at big prices, including the first two and our other selection. But the time was decent, plus it’s the same with tomorrow’s race which is for apprentices only, and from a nice draw, if he can build on that last run which was his first for 170 days, then he should go well.
2:35 Navan, Andromedas Kingdon – 1pt e/w @9 generally (5 places)
As mentioned above, this was another eye-catcher from the Curragh race where, after hitting a little trouble, she was staying on better than anything else in the race. That was her first start for her new yard which, although small, this filly was brought in from the much bigger Edward Lynam stable. She looks the part and I think they might have a nice filly on their hands here.
As we’ve done in the past, with four fancies from two races, I like to go with the each-way cross doubles.
0.2pts e/w Doubles Macho Pride/Good Listener/We’re On The Way/Andromedas Kingdon – WON
Plenty to get thru so limited analysis below!
3:24 Limerick, Church Mountain – 1pt e/w @15 generally (5 places) – PLACED
Ran well on return but got hampered early and was always playing catch-up thereafter and did well to reach 9th. A wide draw tomorrow but he can break well and down slightly in grade on his second start after a break he should go well.
5:21 Navan, Buckman Tavern – 1pt e/w @13 generally (5 places)
Ran well on his return last time when held up from his wide draw and finding trouble 2f out and wasn’t pushed by his rider. He should be better for that run and over tomorrow’s longer trip he looks all set to run a big race.
5:30 Limerick, Fair Damsel – 1pt e/w @21 generally (5 places)
Backed last time on her return and her handicap debut. She got shuffled back early and then again mid-race and never really recovered. But she managed to stay on again into a never-nearer 11th and up in trip tomorrow she should go well.
Jamie’s selections
1.50 Sandown – WHIZZ KID (6/1) – Bet365 – 1pt win
2.20 Ripon – COPPER AND FIVE (8/1) – Bet365 – 0.5pt ew (3 places)
5.15 Sandown – SAMARRIVE (8/1) – Sky Bet – 0.5pt ew (5 places) – WON