WEDNESDAY
KEMPTON
6.45 32RED ON THE APP STORE HANDICAP – 1 MILE
Ian’s Memory looks to have appreciated a switch to artificial surfaces as well as being upped to this one mile trip.
He made a first appearance in almost six months over this course and distance back in January and he ran with credit when third to more race-fit rivals. He then took a drop in class which he took full advantage of when scoring at Southwell.
That will have done his confidence the world of good and being a lightly raced sort he can continue on an upward curve. Jimmy Fortune has been booked to ride and Jeremy Noseda has a useful strike rate at this track. He already has the beating of both Presumido and Embankment and he is weighted to reverse form with Franco’s Secret.
City Of Angkor Wat has proved a revelation for Conor Dore this year. Three of his four successes this year have come when Hayley Turner has been on board and all have come over this course and distance. He is clearly in the form of his life and if running his usual solid race he could well provide the stiffest opposition.
Silverheels has dropped back down to a winning mark and is usually reliable around here. This grey son of Verglas will be snapping at the heels of his rivals and will be ready to pick up the pieces should they underperform. Ian’s Memory remains far from exposed, though, and it will be disappointing if he cannot build on that win from last time.
KEMPTON
7.15 32RED.COM MAIDEN STAKES – 1 M 4 F
Aussie Andre is turned out quickly following a decent seasonal reappearance at this track just last week. He was doing all of his best work in the closing stages and this extra furlong should see him go one step closer to losing his maiden status.
He got the better of several more fancied rivals on that occasion and ought to prove a lot sharper for the experience.
Chorus Of Lies is expected to do much better having been upped to this trip at Lingfield for the first time a few weeks ago. Shane Gray is able to claim a useful three pounds from his mount and that will make them more formidable opponents.
Katie Elder was an unconsidered outsider when runner up at Lingfield on her racecourse debut. She will have learned plenty from that and can make the frame yet again. Aussie Andre looks set to build on what we have seen from him so far and it will be disappointing if he cannot get in the mix here.
THURSDAY
TAUNTON
2.20 AP MCCOY CELEBRATION MAIDEN HURDLE - 2 M 3 F
Go Odee Go seemed to improve for the return to a better surface when only beaten a length at Fakenham last time. That run came after a three month break and he should strip a lot fitter for it.
He was only beaten a neck at this trip the last time that he attempted it and he is likely to be seen to much better effect this afternoon with Ryan Mahon replacing the five pound claimer that rode him previously.
Port Melon looks the biggest danger at this stage if he takes up his engagement. Paul Nicholls has a few entries at this stage, but he looks the classiest of them and this one will shed his maiden status sooner rather than later. Dan Skelton has enjoyed a purple patch of late and sent out 10 winners in the last few weeks. With the yard clearly in good form Go Odee Go has to have every chance of going close here.
FRIDAY
LINGFIELD
3.45 CLASSIC ALL WEATHER MIDDLE DISTANCE CHAMPIONSHIPS CONDITIONS STAKES – 1M 2F
Tryster comes here in search of a five timer and was last seen winning over this course and distance when running away with the Winter Derby.
He has actually beaten most of this line up before whilst accumulating his series of wins including the likes of Grendisar, Gaelic Silver and Lamar amongst others. He is still only a four year old and he clearly likes racing on artificial surfaces having gained all bar one of his victories at the likes of Chelmsford, Kempton, Wolverhampton, and Lingfield. Will Buick is set to ride for the first time and with further improvement likely to come he has to be high on any shortlist.
Complicit has to be rated as the likeliest danger. He was only beaten a length by the selection last time following a three month hiatus. He will come on in leaps and bounds for that recent outing and with Jim Crowley booked to ride the combination should prove tough opposition.
Grendisar has not finished outside of the first two places in his last six races at Lingfield and fully deserves his place in the line-up. Tryster represents a very much in form Charlie Appleby yard and it wouldn’t be the biggest of surprises to see him move into better company later in the year.
Selections:
Wednesday
Kempton 6.45 Ian’s Memory
Kempton 7.15 Aussie Andre
Thursday
Taunton 2.20 Go Odee Go
Friday
Lingfield 3.45 Tryster
