Saturday
An opening mark of 116 looks very lenient for OH MY JOHNNY after a facile success at Uttoxeter last time out. That run was preceded by another promising run at Bangor where he took a false step after the last when victory was all but assured. He certainly looks a progressive type who is improving run by run and I’m sure a mark of 116 underplays his ability. He is in deeper waters tomorrow at Haydock up against some more experienced types but I’d like to think he has enough in hand to deal with them.
The 2.50 at Ascot is a very competitive race on paper and the better ground might throw the recent form book out of the window. One horse who I think could make the step up to graded level at some point in the future is KAMSINAS whose slick jumping is a joy to watch. He finished 4th at Haydock in the valuable staying handicap hurdle but came from an unpromising position on ground softer than ideal. He has his fair share of weight tomorrow but I do think he is the class horse in the race and if he bounces back to the form of his Aintree win I think he and Johnny Burke must go close at 10/1 here.
In the same race I would advise a small each way saver on BOWENSPARK who is crying out for better ground. Henry Daly’s horse is a talented horse when faced with the right conditions and his current odds of 20/1 don’t provide a true reflection of his ability so he could outrun his odds.
The 3m handicap hurdle at Haydock at 3.05 could be at the mercy of TUNE IN A BOX who is bang in form at present. A second at Chepstow last time out is evidence of that and a repeat of that run will see him go close here in what is a slightly easier race. The ground should pose no problems and I expect the in form Stan Sheppard to guide him home here.
Haydock 12.45 – Oh My Johnny
Ascot 2.50 – Kamsinas / Bowenspark
Haydock 3.05 – Tune In A Box
