Some competitive midweek racing this afternoon and we begin at Newcastle where the BetVictor Racing Club's Bob (4.20) is taken to follow up his Doncaster win two weeks ago over a mile dropping back in trip. The horse was also entered at Beverley this afternoon and, after much deliberation, we decided on a drop back in trip to 7f at Newcastle given the gelding has disappointed on both previous starts at Beverley.
Jockey Davis Allan was instrumental in the decision-making process and he believes the gelding has sufficient pace for the drop in distance. The hope is that there is plenty of pace in the race and the handicapper has only saw fit to raise the horse 1lb for his win in the Legends' Race at Doncaster. Note Tiger Jim re-opposes on 1lb better terms today and he was very well backed (11/4 fav) against the selection last time. Jockey George Duffield may have given the leaders too much rope on that occasion and he represents a big danger especially if he attracts market support again.
Half an hour later and Moscato (4.50) can land his third win in his last four starts for Sir Mark Prescott. The grey carries a 6lb penalty for scoring at Yarmouth over today's 2m trip last time and a 6lb rise is unlikely to prevent a quick follow up.
Prescott also saddles High Secret (6.50) in the finale and the gelding has not been seen on the track since the last of three quick runs (inside a fortnight) over 7f and a mile back in November. His subsequent absence from the track is a concern but he is bred to come into his won over today's trip and begins life in handicaps off a mark of 52.
At Beverley the lightly-raced Tasmanian (4.15) stepped up on previous efforts when landing his maiden at Newcastle earlier in the month and Mark Johnston looks to have found a suitable opportunity for the colt in the extended 7f handicap. The colt still showed signs of greenness when scoring last time but travelled like much the best horse in the race. The slight drop back in trip shouldn't inconvenience and, as long as he handles the downhill run into the home straight, he can score with his 3lb weight-for-age allowance a big advantage.
The BetVictor Racing Club's Real Tigress won over C&D back in April but is still 13lbs higher and she might have to come down a few pounds before she can return to the winners' enclosure. That said she has a cracking draw, has been freshened up after a short break and I wouldn't put anyone off having a few bob each way on her.
The handicapper has certainly given Dolphin Rock (4.45) a chance and the booking of Jim Crowley by Brian Ellison suggests connections mean business. This extended mile might suit the selection who has been running over further of late and he can race off a mark 12lb lower than when last successful.
At Nottingham Referendum (3.30) is almost a week late but would still be a topical winner of the 9f nursery on his handicap debut. Cam Hardie takes off a valuable 5lbs for Sir Michael Stoute and this well bred gelding seems to be slowly getting the hand of things and posted a career best effort when third at Thirsk last time. Godolphin's Romance Story looks the obvious danger with Franny Norton getting a rare ride for Saeed Bin Suroor.
Hesbaan (4.05) is open to further improvement now he has shown he is at least as effective over 10f than a mile having finished runner up at Brighton last time from a 2lb lower mark. He is pitched in against his seniors today but is well drawn and may have most to fear from Zafranagar for Ian Williams and George Downing who takes off a valuable 5lbs.
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