A frustrating day yesterday with a 14-1 second and two fourths at 33-1 and 7-1. But that is what happens when you are looking for longer odds.
The quality of racing today is better and the form lines more logical. The ever softening ground, however, works in the other direction as many of today’s runners haven’t been tested in these conditions. Anyway here are a few thoughts:
13:50 KARABANA 1pt win
Beckett’s horse looks the likely favourite but Richard Hughes’ Karabana went into my tracker after what I thought was an encouraging debut run. The market seems to be saying that my conclusion was wrong. Despite that I will stick with the evidence of my own eyes and make Karabana a tentative choice.
15:00 GALE FORCE MAYA 1 pt e/w
This improving filly was unlucky to be beaten by Lady Of Arran last time and is weighted to take revenge on this occasion. Has won on good to soft in the past so going shouldn’t be an issues.
17:20 TOP RANK 2pts win
He has been off for five months but, if he replicates his form from April, Top Rank is thrown in on his handicap debut.
17:55 QUICK 2pts win
Hannon’s gelding is fairly weighted, has won a race in a small field and another on soft ground, and, has Oisin atop – so has the right credentials for this race.
And a late addition at Chelmsford:
19:00 EXCELLENT GEORGE 2pts win
One for the trend merchants. Stick in trainer / jockey combo, course form, age, conditions etc plus a few form considerations and then look at the weights and it all stacks up.