20th September 2012

Yesterday's mixed day could have turned into a real winner had Timepiece been given the chance to complete the double with Chamonix. Hemmed in against the rail, she never had a chance and ultimately that summed up the day, never really quite getting a run. Nevertheless we move on to today. The racing isn't as strong but there appears to be a couple that really stick out and at some tasty prices.

16.20 Yarmouth

Repeater's phenomenal efforts in the Doncaster Cup certainly warrant favouritism here, but to race again only 6 days later after the exertions that would have been required there is a monumental ask; especially against some of the horses in this field. He is due to rise 14 pounds in the ratings for that run, so effectively you're a stone well in with this horse, but even still, there's no way he can be as sharp as some of the others who will have been laid out for this. One of those is Montaser, current market co-leader for the upcoming Cesarewitch, who is seeking a hat-trick after impressively winning a handicap last time out. He certainly warrants respect, but with that race in mind, a loss here wouldn't be the end of the world, nor would they want him to have too tough a race. Unfortunately it looks like he is going to get that from MAWAQEET. Finishing a close 2nd to the potential Gold Cup horse Sir Graham Wade last time out conceding 7 pounds, he is undoubtedly going to run well. Prior to that he also finished a half length second to Trade Commissioner and with this extra distance set to suit, that should help account for his 5 pound rise. Of the others Bilidn reopposes Montaser 12 pounds better off, so he is expected to finish a lot closer this time, especially under conditions he will enjoy, and Lordofthehouse represents the in form Haggas yard. Handsome Man should also finish closer with a weight swing in his favour. 6/1

16.35 Listowel

The Champ AP McCoy makes an increasingly rare appearance across the Irish Sea today to race on PRINCETON PLAINS, another horse bidding to follow up on last year's success. He actually has a really good recent record over hurdles, with his total form figures being 6151312230.  He is taken to defy top weight in this, although it is menacing to see Ruby at the bottom of the weights in receipt of over a stone. However his mount Dara Tango doesn't appear to have as much class as McCoy's ride. 4/1

17.20 Yarmouth

A very interesting 5 runner encounter where it would be foolish to completely discard any runner. Signor Sassi and Saloomy head up the betting, but preference is for course and distance winner SALACIA dropping back to handicap company. Winning over this track last time out by 7 lengths, the second horse that day has since gone on to win. Admittedly that in itself doesn't mean much, but thats a huge distance over this short 6 furlong trip and warrants respect. The trainer's yard is also in some really good form. 3/1

15.10 Ayr (***ABANDONED***)

Another tough 5 runner race to decipher with 4 horses with good records coming up against a newcomer. Hay Dude faces a big task on debut, and one of the more experienced horses is preferred. Polar Chief and Willie The Whisper have both won well on their only start, and Oasis Cannes has already raced in Listed company in France, where he came second. However, UNSINKABLE is taken to land this to ensure he can take up his entry in the Royal Lodge next week. Pulled out of the race with Dundonnell and Toronado last weekend where the fast ground would have gone against him, the soft conditions today ensure this should be his for the taking. (price unavailable but currently 2.44 Betfair)

15.40 Ayr (***ABANDONED***)

A typically difficult large handicap to decipher with Ascription at the lower end of the weights warranting a lot of respect on the winning trail and attempting to justify a 400,000 euro pricetag. His recent fourth to Razorbill also took a boost yesterday. However I just fancy VITO VOLTERRA for a place. Receiving the third opportunity to race of a mark around this level, he has previously run well on softer going and his recent form is certainly decent, especially behind Anderiego. Green Howard and Our Boy Jack are both respected.  9/1

16.40 Ayr (***ABANDONED***)

SCRAPPER SMITH returns to the scene of last year's victory and although possibly preferring further these days, the upcoming rain is going to ensure conditions are just the way he likes them. He has a phenomenal record at Ayr and gets on really well with Julie Burke, who takes a handy 3 pounds off. Circumvent is another who could run into a place, but his performance will depend on that of his claiming jockey. Clayton makes a belated reappearance to the track after a good race behind Scatter Dice and is another who would appreciate worsening conditions. The going should ensure Kalk Bay does not get a look in and instead Voodoo Prince is feared. 7/1

Best bets - Lucky 15: Mawaqeet, Unsinkable, Scrapper Smith, Princeton Plains

Good luck!

The Horse Whisperer