The Courier & Advertiser (Fife Edition)
Longer trip lets backers think Big
Lincoln disappointment forgotten as Appleby hope returns to 10 furlongs
BIG COUNTRY is worth another chance back up to a mile and a quarter in the Racing UK Zetland Gold Cup at Redcar.
Michael Appleby’s smart handicapper was well beaten in the Lincoln over a mile on his latest start, but it makes sense to put a line through that run.
He had been fancied for the traditional turf season curtain-raiser at Doncaster after winning the Lincoln Trial at Wolverhampton.
But Big Country is arguably better at longer distances and 10 furlongs could be his optimum.
He has been lowered 2lb in the ratings and a repeat of his second place behind subsequent dual Group Three victor Ballet Concerto in the John Smith’s Cup at York could see him defy top weight.
FLEETFOOT JACK should be razor sharp and ready to pounce for the David O’Meara stable in the Market Cross Jewellers Handicap after two encouraging runs at Haydock and Hamilton, having ended last term with two wins at Hamilton in the early autumn.
JUMIRA PRINCE won well on his first run of the campaign at Doncaster and looks a good bet to follow up in the Foxton Handicap over an extended mile at Leicester.
The Roger Varian-trained fouryear-old had been absent for 253 days before justifying favouritism with a cosy, though narrow, success on Town Moor.
The handicapper may have been a little lenient in only raising him 4lb.
AMOURICE looks up to giving weight all-round in the Vis-A-Vis Symposiums Fillies’ Handicap.
Jane Chapple-Hyam’s daughter of Authorized got off the mark at Doncaster three weeks, on her second try at a mile and a half.
That trip really suits her and she should relish the long straight at the East Midlands venue.
KODITIME can lift the Sky Bets Price Boosts Handicap at Windsor after making light of a nine-month break when scoring in good style at York earlier this month.
This five-furlong heat does not look as tough as his latest expedition and he can oblige again before trainer Clive Cox looks to step him back up in class.
He was thought good enough to run in the Group Three Molecomb at Glorious Goodwood last summer. SELECTIONS
LEICESTER: 1.45 Manchego, 2.20 Geetanjali, 2.55 Elnadim Star, 3.30 Photographer, 4.05 Amourice, 4.40 Jumira Prince, 5.15 Raashdy.
REDCAR: 1.50 The Great Heir, 2.25 Yorkshire Rover, 3.00 Saisons D’Or, 3.35 Bow Belles, 4.10 BIG COUNTRY (NAP), 4.45 Fleetfoot Jack, 5.20 Hussar Ballad.
WINDSOR: 2.30 Voi, 3.05 Gunforhire, 3.40 Urban Icon, 4.15 Al Asef, 4.50 Koditime, 5.25 Mordin, 5.55 Equitation, 6.25 Simply Breathless.
DOUBLE: Big Country and Jumira Prince.