ROAD READY TO HACK IT
HORSES that win an apprentice event escape a penalty, so are essentially ahead of the handicapper.
They are generally one to follow but there comes a problem when there are two in the same race.
That has happened tonight at Kempton where both Madame Bounty and Hackney Road come into the race without a penalty.
Madame Bounty is seeking a hat-trick after victories at Windsor and Newbury but makes her all-weather debut.
The John Butler-trained HACKNEY ROAD (8.55,nap) may edge it and comes here just a week after a cosy success over track and trip.
In fact she has a 100 per cent record at the Sunbury venue, having won both her starts over tonight’s distance.
Joshua Bryan, who was on board last week, takes a crucial 5lb off her back and he has been in decent form with a 38 per cent strike-rate over the last 14 days.
Butler has strong claims to complete a double on the card with TOM’S ROCK (8.25).
He was just denied on his last visit to the course but that form ® took a boost when the third scored next time out.
He drops down a furlong but both his career victories have come at tonight’s distance.
Eve Johnson Houghton is heading towards her best season ever and DOWNTOWN MOMBASA (7.25) could be another for the Blewbury trainer.
Downtown Mombasa was unfancied on her Windsor debut and ran very green in the early stages.
She soon cottoned on to what was required and finished with a flourish.
She was beaten less than a length and, with that experience under her belt, is sure to go close.
DOWAYLA (8.40, nb) may prove the best bet on the card at Bath.
She went agonishingly close at Ripon on her latest outing when she dictated matters and quickened decisively before being caught on the line.
She is up 2lb but drops back to a mile which should help her if she decides to lead.
Martin Lane has the ride on Dowayla and has claims for a double when he partners The Detainee, who scored at Cheptow last week.
However, he may have to play second fiddle to LONDONIA (7.10).
He returns to the Flat after a successful time over hurdles, winning two of his last three over the smaller obstacles.
He has never won on the level but he appears well treated judged on his recent National Hunt form.
Ex jumps jockey Timmy Murphy could be on the mark in the opener on CAPTAIN RYAN (6.10).
He was beaten a nose on his last start at the track which seems to bring out the best in him.
All five career turf victories have been gained at Bath.
MOI AUSSIE (5.25, treble) is best when able to dominate and is fancied at Yarmouth.