Saaheq to shine in hat-trick bid

TIPS: Further weight hike should not be enough to halt Appleby’s inmate

SAAHEQ is on a roll after making a late start to the campaign and can make it three wins in as many starts this term in the KFE Leaders In Frying Excellence Handicap at Nottingham.

A 26,000 guineas recruit for Michael Appleby at the end of last term, connections have had to be patient with the four-year-old as he did not make his first start until last month.

His team obviously had plenty of confidence in him on that initial Doncaster outing, though, as he eventually went off joint-favourite on his first crack at five furlongs.

Saaheq never looked like being headed, securing a ready one-length success, with his follow-up victory at Sandown coming in similarly easy fashion under a 3lb penalty.

A further 5lb hike does not look enough to anchor his hopes this time.

BURN SOME DUST has found his niche now he has switched up in trip and should contest the Georges Great British Kitchen Handicap.

After striking gold on his first start at a mile and a half in July, he tackled the same mile and six furlongs he faces here in August, winning by half a length.

He could not bring up his hat-trick at Haydock last time, having to settle for fourth on soft ground which perhaps proved too much of a test for his stamina.

However, good ground awaits at Nottingham and Burn Some Dust is one for the shortlist. SELECTIONS

NOTTINGHAM: 1.30 Ustath, 2.00 Fast Strike, 2.30 Ya Hala, 3.05 Mr Diamond, 3.35 SAAHEQ (NAP), 4.10 Gravina, 4.40 Burn Some Dust, 5.15 Maygold.

SALISBURY: 1.40 King Ademar, 2.10 Stormwave, 2.45 Nassam, 3.15 Jahbath, 3.50 Chynna, 4.20 Beyond Equal, 4.55 Hart Stopper, 5.25 Three Little Birds.

DOUBLE: Saaheq and Chynna.