Another busy day awaits and although we aren't getting the
rub of the green completely, I am loving having racing back.
Haydock
is the early kick off today and there are a few there I quite like but most of
them are involved in fierce handicaps so I've picked my battle. I've sided with
CELSIUS for the inform Tom Clover
yard in the 2.45 5f handicap. This horse was a revelation last year after being
gelded and proved to be a real star for his rookie trainer. He supposedly got
stuck in the mud on his last start, so will appreciate this better ground and
in a recent stable tour, Clover stated he hoped he still had plenty left in his
current mark. The selection has already notched two course and distance wins
and with Andrea Atzeni booked, I would say he is likely to be cherry ripe ready
to strike.
I'm
pretty sure Mark Johnston has got the winner of the 6.30 at Wolverhampton as he
has two young, progressive handicappers entered who should both improve for the
step up to 1m 6f. Jockey bookings, form and breeding suggest BATALHA is the main hope and that's
enough for me. His form in his three qualifying runs looks strong enough, especially
the run in behind Celestran, and an opening mark of 68 may well underestimate
him somewhat. Being a half brother to the stable's Elegiac, he is bound to
improve for the step up to 1m 6f and I would be extremely hopeful about his
chance today.
It's then down to Chelmsford for
the final tip of the day and it's COSMELLI
who I'm backing to at least bring home some each way returns in the 7.15.
This looks a hot little race, especially with Collie lurking at the top of the
handicap but if there are any fitness worries regarding the market principles,
my selection will be ready to pounce. He proved his well being with an
encouraging staying on fourth last week at Newcastle over a trip short of his
optimum. Going back up in trip should play to his strengths and with a nice
weight on his back, I hope he can go close.
Chelmsford 7.15 – Cosmelli – 1pt e/w
Wolverhampton 6.30 – Batalha – 1.5pt win
Haydock 2.45 – Celsius – 1.5pt win
