Leading Arc fancy Cracksman (6/1 at BetVictor) is reported to have worked exceptionally well on the rain-soaked Newmarket gallops at the weekend. His supporters, however, will not have appreciated the latest long-range weather forecast for Paris which suggests there will be little rain in France between now and post time on Sunday week. Stablemate Enable remains 11/10 favourite with fellow Newmarket-trained filly Sea Of Class 4/1 at BetVictor.
At Warwick this afternoon Peppay Le Pugh bids for a quick hat-trick since joining Dan Skelton. The 7-year-old is 15lbs higher than when scoring at Sedgefield last time, however, and he is overlooked in favour of the lightly-raced chase debutant Cap Du Nord (3.30) who did finish runner up in an Irish point last April.
The selection looked as if he could be a useful sort when scoring at Sandown (good to soft) over timber back in December and the booking of Richard Johnson suggests Christian Williams is expecting a bold show.
Fact Of The Matter (4.05) is visored for the first time for Jamie Snowden back over timber from a 10lbs lower mark than his chase rating. The race is the Paul Ferguson Jumpers to Follow Handicap and my copy arrived last week – a very good read for all jumps enthusiasts.
The 3m 1f handicap chase is a belter and Call To Order will appreciate reverting to a left-hand track having won despite the track at Market Rasen last time. The indifferent form of the Neil Mulholland yard is a concern and Sam Waley-Cohen has few rides in public these days, but I am going to give The Young Master (4.40) is well handicapped on his best form and is young enough to still fulfil his potential. Red Giant and Winter Lion are two more to consider in a hot race.
Filemon (5.40) may not have got home over an additional quarter mile at Stratford last time, but he travelled like the best horse in the race and would have gone very close but for blundering three out. The grey is still a maiden but is only six and has only had the same number of career starts. He remains open to significant improvement if he can iron out those mistakes.
Goodwood Showman (1.30) has been raised 5lbs for scoring at Kempton last time under Silvestre De Sousa – keeps the ride – and William Knight's progressive three-year-old can follow up from a good draw in stall five.
The champion jockey also has a leading chance on Living Legend (2.00) who was no match for stablemate Eesha's Smile at Bath on debut but would have finished closer had he got a clear run. There is plenty of stamina in his pedigree and I hope De Sousa makes plenty of use of his mount.
Ralph Beckett has his string in excellent form and Sam Cooke (2.35) is taken to go one better than when second to Artois at Kempton earlier in the month in Division II of the Mile Maiden Auction Stakes.
Handmaiden (6.15) can make it third time lucky in the Fillies' Novice event at Chelmsford this evening with Frankie Dettori in the saddle for John Gosden. The selection steps up to 7f for the first time but her form is rock solid and she certainly deserves to win a race.
For all your racing odds go to BetVictor.com
