Iron Phist BECKETT MOUNT CAN PACK A PUNCH
BACK at the scene of his debut run, MEPHISTO (2.30, nap) looks just about the best bet of the afternoon in the mile-and-a-quarter handicap at Sandown Park.
That opening run of his career resulted in a staying-on fourth of eight runners behind no less than 2000 Guineas hero Kameko.
Behind early on, he made relentless progress up the final climb but has since not moved on forward although the Tapeta surface and soft ground since may well have hindered him.
Back on a fast surface, Ralph Beckett’s bay gelding could be absolutely chucked in on that debut form off a rating of 63 and must be backed at a double-figure price.
I did look at King Robert in the opening sprint but the old boy needs a bit of dig in the turf while the conditions should suit course and distance winner INDIAN RAJ (12.00) better and he can take advantage of his falling mark.
(1.45) is another course and distance winner that should go close again.
And in the finale, the consistent
THAI POWER (3.55) gets a narrow vote over the lightly raced Immortal
Beloved.
Like at Sandown
Park, Leicester has a punishing closing climb and that is perfect for KODIMOOR (2.10). This seasoned campaigner will relish the drying ground and the handicapper has given him a real chance off his current rating of just 48.
Half-an-hour later, VAPE (2.40) should prove very hard to beat in the seller, while I will be supporting THAI TERRIER (3.40) in the mile-and-a-half handicap.
On the all-weather at Newcastle, the standout wager may well be BIRKENHEAD (1.25). He has probably dropped to a winnable mark and will be a fair price as well.