ZABEIR was a big eye catcher last time out at Newbury and the step up in trip should see him go one better and get his head in front today. Andrew Balding has a good handle on the sire and he has a few El Kabeirs this season so he will be confident the step up in trip will bring about further improvement in a race that won’t take much winning.
I’d love to see the ultra consistent HELLOMYDARLIN gain her second turf win at York today. George Boughey’s filly suffers due to her consistency as the handicapper doesn’t relent much but she keeps on performing with credit. I think she has been found a good opportunity today at a track which she has run well at before and her form should put her in with a right chance. Ben Curtis is a positive jockey booking and I’m more than hopeful of a bold showing.
I’m also taking a punt on the veteran SIR CHAUVELIN at Hamilton this evening. Jim Goldie’s horse returns to turf off what could be a favourable mark. His past few runs have shown me enough to suggest he still retains plenty of ability and I’m sure the stiff uphill finish will play to his strengths.
Newbury 3.15 Zabeir
York 5.20 – Hellomydarlin
Hamilton 7.20 – Sir Chauvelin
Saturday
It will be a relatively quiet punting day for me on Saturday but I will have a punt on TINTO for the in-form Michael Dods team. He showed plenty of zest on stable debut last time out and he would obviously have come on for that. He looks feasibly handicapped on his best form and the nature of this track should play to his strengths as he likes to make all. He looks a solid bet in a weak-ish race.
Thirsk 4.05 – Tinto
