I don’t understand why MERRY SECRET is the outsider of the field in the 2.10 at Chester
today. A quiet debut run was followed by an impressive fourth at Windsor in a
race that couldn’t work out much better. The winner has proven himself to be a
smart performer, the second is now rated in the 90’s and Supremacy who finished
behind him that day went on to win the Richmond at Goodwood. That run was
followed by a close third at Chepstow where he was only narrowly beat by,
again, two horses who have higher ratings. Off a mark of 74 today with a low
draw and Tom Marquand in the saddle, I am really struggling to see why this
horse if is such a big price.
Shrewdies
would have snapped up the generous 15/2 that was available on DAMAGE CONTROL today at Pontefract.
Andrew Balding‘s 3 year old looks a belting each way play in an open race when
you take his weight for allowance into consideration and Joshua Bryan’s 3lb
claim. He won nicely at Chepstow despite hanging badly before finding the
Bahrain Trophy a little hot and too far at Newmarket. He performed with credit
at Goodwood however and a repeat of that run should see him go close here.
Chester 2.10 – Merry Secret – 1pt win
Pontefract 4.20 – Damage Control – 1pt win
