Cape Islay can make amends

RACING: Johnston’s filly looks for change in fortunes after troubled Beverley outing

Mark Johnston appears to have found a fine opportunity for CAPE ISLAY to regain losses in the British EBF Nursery Handicap at Nottingham.

The Cape Cross filly is back up in distance to this one mile and two furlongs after one victory in three attempts so far.

Following a promising third here on debut under Silvestre de Sousa, then her decisive maiden success over a well-touted odds-on favourite at Epsom, Cape Islay was at the head of the market herself at Beverley last month.

But sent off the 11-4 joint-favourite, despite giving weight away all round, she had a luckless run, twice stopped in her tracks and having to switch late on.

A resulting 12-and-a-half length fifth tells little of the true story and with De Sousa back on board for this valuable event, significant consolation is due.

HARLEQUIN STRIKER is top weight for a reason in the Bet At Racing UK.com Handicap.

Some may be put off by the six-yearold’s acquisition of a visor in place of his long-owned cheekpieces. But Dean Ivory’s gelding was last a winner in the corresponding race here 12 months ago, when the headgear went on for the first time.

He has been getting to the front of late, but just not managing to stay there on stiffer tracks, and it may be that everything falls into place this time.

Over jumps, FOREVER FIELD may be the answer in the Kevin Mallon Celebrates 60th Handicap Chase at Ludlow.

SELECTIONS

LUDLOW: 2.10 Shuhood, 2.40 Sheila Tanist, 3.10 Forever Field, 3.40 Lord Condi, 4.10 Sumkindofking, 4.40 Blushing Red, 5.15 Miss Heritage.

NOTTINGHAM: 1.30 Mohaather, 2.00 Autumn Flight, 2.30 Time Immemorial, 3.00 Mind The Crack, 3.30 CAPE ISLAY (NAP), 4.00 Harlequin Striker, 4.30 El Ghazwani, 5.00 Decima.

DOUBLE: Cape Islay and Forever Field.

Mark Johnston: looks to have found big chance for Cape Islay.