The 2.12 at Chepstow looks an open race and
with a recent run under his belt I quite like the chances of STIMULATING SONG for Milton Harris. His
comeback run at Ffos Las wasn’t devoid of promise as he finished close up to
two nice types and his previous form also looks of a decent standard. He won
nicely at Wetherby last year beating quite easily a few horses who aren’t rated
all that different to him now. He certainly looks to be on a workable mark and
in an open race, he should provide some value.
The
Silver Trophy is a race which always works out well and I think it will do
again this year. There are a few I like in here but the conditions of the race
should suit HOMETOWN BOY. Stuart
Edmunds’ charge was a big improver for the switch to handicaps last season and
has form that ties in closely with yesterday’s easy winner, McFabulous. I
presume his shrewd trainer would have targeted this race for some time and I
fancy him to capitalise on a lenient handicap mark.
Across
at Newmarket, I think it’s telling that Jason Watson shelves his contracted
partnership with Roger Charlton to jump on one of Willie Mullins‘. GREAT WHITE SHARK ran in the race last
year but eveyrthing went wrong for him that day so it can be easily excused. He
has since proven a high class performer in both codes and off a low weight
today, I hope he can go close at 9/1.
I
thought LUCANDER was over priced in the
finale at Newmarket at 20/1 given he finished second over track and trip just 2
weeks ago. Yes, this is a step up to Group 3 level but we have seen in the past
few days, there is a bit of a end of season feel to some of these Group races.
Lucander missed the majority of the season so is still relatively fresh
compared to some of his rivals and can take advantage of that today. Highest
Ground and Darain both suffered defeats last time out and have questions to
answer here so I’m more than willing to take a punt on a bang in form outsider.
Chepstow 2.12 – Stimulating Song – 1pt e/w
Chepstow 3.57 – Hometown Boy – 1pt e/w
Newmarket 3.35 – Great White Shark – 1pt e/w
Newmarket 4.50 – Lucander – 1pt e/w
