Non better at Wolverhapton
NONIOS gave himself no chance when finishing last at Wolverhampton before Christmas, but he can make amends in the Betway Handicap back at Dunstall Park.
David Simcock’s charge has shown glimpses of promise so far but the fact he has won only one of his nine starts might put some punters off.
However, he is a well-bred individual and his victory over nine and a half furlongs at Wolverhampton back in November shows just what he is capable of on his day.
Nonios remains on a mark of 84 and while he is clearly no world beater, he should have enough in reserve to claim another course-anddistance verdict.
Simcock should earlier have been on the mark with newcomer Oxford Don in the 32Red.com Maiden Stakes.
He changed hands for just 25,000 guineas as a yearling and while he has taken some time to get to the track, the fact he is a half-brother to Pattern-class former stablemate Glass Office makes him of interest.
You’re Cool found one too good at Chelmsford at the beginning of the month but it would be no surprise if he could regain the winning thread in the Betway Sprint Handicap.
He seems to relish the Tapeta surface at Wolverhampton, as evidenced by his victory at the track in January.
Byres Road has hit the bar four times already in 2017 but his time can come in the winner.co.uk Beaten By A Length Free Bet Handicap at Chelmsford.
Mark Johnston’s charge was up there with every chance at Newcastle before Inaam swooped by in the final strides to edge the win by a neck.
Byres Road remains on an unchanged mark of 81, but he seems perfectly capable of striking gold from this kind of perch. Desert Queen can add another Listed prize to her CV in the 188Bet Lady Protectress Mares’ Chase at Huntingdon.
The nine-year-old was due to visit Kayf Tara following her run at Leicester last month, but those plans appear to be temporarily on hold following what was a hugely impressive success.
Conceding 10lb all round, Desert Queen grabbed the race by the scruff of the neck from the off and kept going all the way to the line to win by 10 lengths from Cresswell Breeze.
A couple of those that finished in behind are in the mix again, but given they race off exactly the same terms, there is little to suggest they are capable of turning the form around.
Amanda Perrett’s Glaring created a favourable impression first time out and can get back to winning ways in the Six Nations Rugby at 188Bet Novices’ Hurdle.
A smart performer on the level in France, he was curiously sent off at 33-1 for his hurdling debut in December but fairly bolted up.
Whitsundays can oblige for Donald McCain in the Weatherbys General Stud Book Goes Online Chase at Sedgefield.