There’s more racing in ‘God’s Own Country’ with afternoon action from Beverley and an evening card from Thirsk, with Scent of Summer (8.10) taken to make it third time lucky for trainer William Haggas in the 5f Maiden at the latter. The selection made an excellent debut at Wolverhampton finishing second in a warm maiden over the minimum trip, before disappointing eight days later with the race presumably coming too soon for the speedily-bred daughter of Rock Hard Ten. Notwithstanding that effort, she returns with the stable in much better form and is open to further improvement.
David O’Meara’s Thankstomonty (9.10) has proven expensive for punters to follow however came good last time out at Beverley and should be able to follow-up from a 2lb higher mark in the finale. The selection has been well backed on all four starts this term and won well last time out despite hanging badly when leaving the stalls. A 2lb rise by the handicapper seems fair and it is hoped that first-time cheek-pieces can iron out any quirks en-route to a second success of the campaign.
At Beverley, Mick Easterby’s hat-trick seeking Aldreth is respected for the handicap over the marathon 2m trip after impressive successes at Newcastle and Musselburgh. The gelding has been raised 16lb by the handicapper for those efforts and, at his tissue price of 5/4, has to be opposed at the prices. Instead it could be worth taking a chance on Waterclock (4.00) for the in-form combination of Jedd O’Keefe and Graham Lee. The selection has improved on both starts since returning from an absence of four months, finishing fourth in a brace of Pontefract handicaps, however should be stripped fitter for those exertions and should remain competitive now at a 3lb lower mark.
Mark Johnston’s Suzis Icon receives lumps of weight from her elders in the handicap over the extended mile and is dangerous in a first-time hood with the stable flying at present, however she is overlooked for David O’Meara’s course and distance winner Rousayan (4.35). The form of his win at the track in May has worked out well, with the third and fourth scoring subsequently, and from just a 3lb higher mark is a confident selection to score for the second time this term.
Tim Easterby’s Stormin’ Tom (5.35) landed a gamble over course and distance three weeks ago and should be able to go in again from a 4lb higher mark. The selection travelled well before quickening up in the closing stages and is a confident selection to carry on his upward curve under regular partner David Allan.
There’s excellent all-weather action from Lingfield, and an excellent 7f contest for juveniles in the opener. Debutantes Celebration Day and Swift Response tick plenty of boxes on paper however it could pay to side with those that have the benefit of experience. The well-bred pair of Midhmaar and Hawkbill (5.50) appear the most obvious pair to shed the maiden tag with the latter preferred under William Buick. The selection built on his debut at Newbury when narrowly beaten last time out at Kempton Park and with the form of both races working well, should improve further to make it third time lucky for trainer Charlie Appleby and Godolphin.
Michael Bell‘s Tarando (8.50) remains a maiden after eight starts however can belatedly shed the maiden tag in the closing 5f Handicap under Hayley Turner. The Newmarket based handler’s string have started to turn the corner and, after a career best on grounder softer than ideal last time out at Leicester, can improve further now returning back to the all-weather.
For all the latest odds head to BetVictor.com and follow @BetVictorRacing on Twitter
Be Lucky
