A competitive card at Salisbury this afternoon and in the opener I like the booking of talented 5lbs apprentice Edward Greatrex for Mr Hobbs (2.15) who belied odds of 33/1 when finishing third on debut at Leicester. Trainer Sylvester Kirk has his string in good form, had a winner at Epsom on Derby Day and today’s pilot was also successful for the yard at Lingfield on the same day.
The filly Hellofahaste wasn’t beaten far on her debut in a better race at Goodwood last month but she might need 7f to make her mark.
No surprise to see Ehtiraas (2.45) drop back in trip having looked a non-stayer over a mile at HQ last month; as a son of Oasis Dream I fully expect him to break his maiden tag at the third time of asking and it should be noted that he still holds an entry for next week’s St James’s Palace Stakes at the Royal meeting.
The last four renewals of the fillies’ 10f handicap have gone to the classic generation and Bombilate (4.15) lost little in defeat when beaten a neck by Fadillah on her first start on turf having been campaigned exclusively on the all-weather prior to that excellent run in the BetVictor Million Pound Goal Handicap at Nottingham; she can confirm that form with Sunscape who is allowed 2lbs for the 2 lengths she was behind the selection.
The veteran Regal Parade (5.45) suggested that there could be one last hurrah in the 12-year-old when a close third at Goodwood last time and his chances would improve considerably if there was significant rain at the track; a former Group 1 winner in his prime it would be wonderful if the old boy could land a 14th career win.
At Southwell this evening Celtic Intrigue (6.05) has his first start for Kerry Lee having left David Bridgewater since finishing down the field at Fakenham on ground softer than ideal back in February. The 9-year-old has never won off a mark this high but is only 4lbs higher than when winning at Newton Abbot last summer and as long as there is no significant rain he must go close for his new and upwardly mobile yard.
Lucky Jim finished in front of Valseur De Granval at Kempton last time and the suggestion is the former can confirm the form with the latter, arguably, better going right-handed but the vote goes to, at the foot of the weights, Queen Spud (6.35) who ran well at Warwick on ground perhaps softer than ideal last time. She has yet to win over the larger obstacles but gained her last success over timber under Jake Greenall and they can go one better than at the midlands track.
Cut The Corner (7.05) is blinkered for the first time in the 2m 4f Handicap Hurdle and is 5lbs lower than when scoring over fences here last September; Sam Twiston-Davies keeps the mount and he is taken to give weight away all round for Dr Richard Newland who has his string in excellent shape.
In the Mares’ Hurdle a chance is taken on Ethelwyn (7.35) who stumbled on landing after the last at Perth last time; Emma Lavelle’s Time Is Money should be noted if the market speaks in her favour but this frustrating yard remain quiet.
The night might end with a royal winner Take To Heart (9.05) who makes his racecourse debut for Her Majesty The Queen; the selection represents the yard of Nicky Henderson and is the half-brother to a number of jumps winners including the talented Close Touch.
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