Good ground forecast at Uttoxeter ahead of today’s
eight-race card and Jessica Rabbit (1.15) is taken to go one better than when
runner up over today’s C&D in the 3m handicap hurdle. The mare was given
plenty to do and made an error three out when beginning her challenge and she
may have been an unlucky loser. The winner has subsequently run a good race
from a 4lbs higher mark at Market Rasen and a 2lbs hike for the selection
should not prevent her going close.
Paul Webber fits Go As You Please (1.50) with first-time
cheekpieces this afternoon and he is another who is taken to go one better than
last time. The seven-year-old finished runner up over an additional quarter of
a mile here last time when he was a bit too keen for his own good. Jonjo O’Neill
takes the ride on the JP McManus owned seven-year-old and me thinks we will see
the young jockey in these colours for many more years to come.
Rose To Fame has had her wind tweaked since finishing tamely
on her first start for 470 days last month. She is entitled to come on for the
run but was nibbled at in the betting which suggested she was ready to do
herself justice. In the circumstances it was a disappointing effort.
Perfect Myth (3.50) improved for the application of a
first-time hood and a wind operation to finish runner up on her reappearance
and connections look to have found an excellent opportunity for this
long-standing maiden although she has been raised 2lbs for her run here last
month. .
They also go at Hexham for the first-time post lockdown and
I feel there are races to be won with Slainte Mhor this term having finished
second on his final start over timber at Newcastle back in March. He certainly
has the scope for the larger obstacles and a market move would be worth noting.
The vote, however, goes to Somethinboutangela (4.50) who was
all out to score at Perth last time over three miles but had travelled
powerfully and today’s drop back in trip by four furlongs is not considered a
negative. Brian Hughes takes over in the saddle with Sam Twiston-Davies
currently on the side-lines and Dr Richard Newland’s charge can defy a 7lbs
hike in the weights. Martin Todhunter’s Derry Dubois is better than he showed
at Bangor on his chase debut and is another to consider in a competitive heat.
The Ian Williams yard have hit their straps in the last week
or so and Almost Gold (6.00) was too keen on his reappearance – well backed –
at Uttoxeter on his reappearance and faded close home. With that run under his
belt, and the yard in much better form, he is expected to leave that form
behind, and his handler has decided to fit his seven-year-old with first-time
cheek-pieces this afternoon.
At Wolverhampton Lead Singer (5.35) drops back from a mile
to an extended 7f for his handicap debut and I felt he shaped with considerable
promise when third at Kempton last time. He is well drawn in stall three this
evening, and James Doyle keeps the ride on John Gosden‘s Kingman colt.
