8th October 2012

After the excellent racing over the past few days, things understandably take a step down. That doesn't mean there aren't some good races today, with a few names popping up over the racecards. Congratulations to the  Solemnia team for an excellent win yesterday. It was secured by a superb ride by Olivier Peslier who has now won the race four times, a tremendous effort. What was equally impressive was the victory of Olympic Glory. Still only defeated by Dawn Approach, he looks set for a tremendous career if he keeps improving and progressing. Now to today's racing.

15.10 Pontefract

Asatir heads up the weights, but after a disappointing set of runs, he is extremely difficult to back. Fire Ship has to deal with an 8 pound rise today, and although he clearly possesses the ability to win a race like this, he would prefer much softer ground and may be susceptible to someone further down the weights. Satanic Beat arrives with a course and distance win to his name, but has been comprehensively beaten off a mark 1 pound higher than today in his past two races. Instead preference is for RIO GRANDE who represents a great each way proposition at current prices. He may want faster ground, but today's conditions shouldn't be such an issue. He sees out the mile and his last run behind Jo'burg is working out well. He faces only a 1 pound rise today and with Queally in the saddle is overpriced in my eyes. Hi There continues to improve and takes a step up in class today as well as distance and an 8 pound rise. All this combined could be too much for him. 18/1

15.40 Pontefract

I don't normally like odds on shots, but ZUIDER ZEE looks very hard to pass here and should be backed in any doubles to boost the price. He comes out best at the weights, has the best form and will find today's conditions to suit. Of the others, Lieutenant Miller is an intriguing inclusion by Nicky Henderson. Big things were expected of him last year and he failed to show much. Switched to the flat he may be here just for a pipe opener, so we will have to wait and see. 4/7

Good luck!

The Horse Whisperer