Dancing To Win expected to take the lead in Ayr’s Virgin Bet Handicap
Dancing To Win can prove a step ahead of her rivals in the Virgin Bet Handicap at Ayr this afternoon.
Hugo Palmer’s filly disappointed at Newmarket recently, but can get back on track up on the Scottish coast.
The three-year-old posted decent performances in defeat, notably when fourth to Baaeed, before hacking up by 13 lengths in a Lingfield novice event in July.
Dancing To Win was then off the track for 54 days, returning in a competitive heat at HQ – for which she was sent off favourite.
She beat just one rival there, patently not showing her best and surely capable of better.
A decent drop of the rain currently forecast before racing would also be a positive for her.
Casilli must concede weight all round, but should be up to the task as she seeks her hattrick in the Virgin Bet Free Bets For Winners Handicap.
Mick and David Easterby's filly has had a fine season, with four wins in seven starts under Joanna Mason.
She has also been beaten an
aggregate of under 10 lengths in her three other attempts and is clearly still improving at this 10-furlong trip after backto-back successes at Beverley last month.
Casilli's exploits have put her on a career-high rating of 78 – more than a stone higher than when she began her productive
campaign with her first Beverley victory in April.
She is also a Ripon winner and has struck up a fine partnership with Mason, who is still able to claim a valuable 3lb to ease the burden on the top weight.
Sound Of Iona is a busy and in-form mare too this summer and can register her third win of the year in the Virgin Bet Fives Handicap.
She bounced back from a rare lacklustre run at Musselburgh to finish second at this track just under two weeks ago, finding Thrilla In Manila just too strong.
Capital Theory has fine prospects of making it fourth-time lucky in the Virgin Bet Maiden Stakes.
He has been contesting some decent events in three starts so far, finishing third to Acomb second Imperial Fighter on his first attempt before taking fourth behind Listed-placed runner Hoo Ya Mal. Capital
Theory then finished fourth in another hot contest at Doncaster, with the regally-bred Israr more than having his measure.
The opposition may not be quite so smart here, and Capital Theory can take advantage.
Zwelela is the choice in the Sky Sports Racing Sky 415 Handicap at Wolverhampton.
Richard Hannon’s runner has not got her head in front since April, but is a consistent sort who can be relied on to put her best foot forward again. Her current mark does notgiveconnectionsmuchleeway, but dropping back to seven furlongs here could be key.