Bank on the Buffer Zone

BUFFER ZONE can start to become something of a Windsor specialist by following up a recent six-furlong course success in the Sky Bet Top Price Promise Handicap.

The son of the speedy Bated Breath made a triumphant return after a 238-day absence to comfortably land wter lengths in a 10-runner novice event.

Victory was never in doubt once he was asked the question and the Roger Charlton-trained colt looks the answer to this sprint series qualifier at the Berkshire venue.

Contrive is of plenty of interest as she switches company in the Aptus Investment Fund Fillies’ Handicap.

Roger Varian’s runner kicks off life in the handicap division on an attractive mark of 81 having shown promise on each of her three starts to date.

She had clearly impressed a few punters when sixth on her racecourse bow as she was sent off favourite for her second start at Haydock, but she did not enjoy the clearest of passages that day and had to be content with fourth.

Contrive then rolled on to Goodwood where she made eyecatching late headway to finish second over a mile, giving every indication the switch up to 10 furlongs here should suit. Quick ground is a bit of a question mark, but it may well prove the handicapper has been particularly generous to this filly.

Jahaafel looked a bit rusty on his seasonal return earlier this month, but can feel the benefit of that outing in the Alan Bushell On Course Bookmaker ``Confined’’ Novice Stakes at Chepstow.

Fourth on his first trip to the track at the backend of last year, Jahaafel filled the same position at Wetherby when beaten just under two lengths.

He was another to be putting his best work in at the end that day, and 10 furlongs looks right up his street.