WEDNESDAY
EPSOM
3.55 INVESTEC CITY AND SUBURBAN STAKES (HANDICAP) – 1 M 2 F
What About Carlo did well to finish fourth in the Lincoln at Doncaster last month and this return to a mile and a quarter ought to bring about further improvement.
He has won over this course and distance in the past and his experience here at Epsom should stand him in good stead. Jimmy Fortune has partnered him in his two most recent wins so it is of significant interest that he is booked to ride once again. Unlike a couple of his rivals he arrives here with a couple of under his belt and with the Eve Johnson Houghton team enjoying a purple patch at present he should be capable of running another solid race.
Mount Logan is far from exposed and was ready to win at the first time of asking last season. This looks a competitive enough start for the Luca Cumani trained runner and he will need to have improved throughout the winter. Fire Fighting has also won here in the past, but has endured a hard season already. He is not the most straightforward of individuals and he may struggle to give weight away all around. What About Carlo looks to be coming to himself just at the right time and he can put together another decent effort.
5.05
INVESTEC PRIVATE BANK HANDICAP – 1 MILE 114 YDS
Lear’s Rock has made an immediate impact this season and has won his two most recent starts.
He set about making all at Windsor last week and saw off a competitive field in good style. As a result he has to carry top-weight, but if maintaining his excellent rich vein of form he has to have every chance of landing the hat-trick.
American Artist progressed to record a victory on what was only his second start for Roger Varian. The front two in that race pulled some four lengths clear of their rivals at Goodwood suggesting that the form could be well worth following and he could be the biggest danger despite not being seen since September. Godolphin are doubly represented by the likes of Deerfield and New Strategy. Both seemed to need their first outing last year and whatever they do - they will improve upon as the season progresses. Lear’s Rock comes here in the form of his life and he ought to prove tough to beat on a track that lends itself well to front-running sorts.
THURSDAY
BEVERLEY
2.30 MAYDAY RACEDAY HERE MONDAY 4TH MAY HANDICAP – 7 FURLONGS 100 YDS
Mustaqbal looks an interesting contender for this handicap given that he gets weight from all bar one rival.
He had a prep run for this on the polytrack at Kempton last month and he now has the assistance of Dane O’Neill in the saddle. This step up in trip and a return to turf should suit this son of Invincible Spirit. Mark Johnston is one of the leading trainers at this track in recent seasons and Dane O’ Neill rides the track well and has incurred a near 30 per cent strike rate here.
Sir Lancelott has been in rude health throughout the winter for Keith Dalgleish. Wins at Wolverhampton and Newcastle in recent starts have seen him rise to a career high mark, but he comes into this race at peak fitness and looks to be the biggest threat to the selection. Beach Action will do well to give weight away to lesser exposed types despite the excellent form of his stable. Mark Johnston runners always command respect when stepped up in trip and it wouldn’t be a surprise to see the Hamdan Al Maktoum owned runner go close.
FRIDAY
DONCASTER
1.20 BETDAQ.COM 20 FREE BET & 3% COMMISSION HANDICAP – 7 FURLONGS
Birdman was a three time winner for David Simcock on a variety of surfaces over the last couple of seasons and he has recently moved to the yard of David O’Meara.
He made his first start for new connections at Thirsk last Saturday and he won in the style of a rejuvenated horse. He has won over a furlong further in the past so stamina should be guaranteed. His new trainer is clearly striking whilst the iron is hot and before the handicapper can punish them too severely in the ratings. Danny Tudhope should know a bit more about him this time around and they have to rank highly on any shortlist.
Light Rose came back her best when winning at Kempton last time out. She saw off the likes of Indus Valley and Teen Ager and is clearly on good terms with herself. She would prefer a bit more cut in the ground to be seen to her best and if the rain arrives she will present a clear threat. Gannicus has been keeping himself busy on the all-weather tracks throughout the winter. He should improve for a return to turf and he too can make the frame. Birdman is still well handicapped on the best of his old form and he should prove tough to beat in this opener.
Selections:
Wednesday Epsom 3.55 What About Carlo
Wednesday Epsom 5.05 Lear’s Rock
Thursday Beverley 2.30 Mustaqbal
Friday Doncaster 1.20 Birdman
