Williams’ runner might be shady but he is the real McCoy
– Shady McCoy can be rewarded for his consistency with a first victory for 12 months in the Wreake Handicap at Leicester today.
Ian Williams’ eight-year-old has run creditably several times since scoring at York almost exactly a year ago, and put up a typically dogged display when third to Raising Sand in the valuable Bet With Ascot Challenge Cup at the Berkshire track earlier this month. Shady McCoy would only have to run up to that form to take this prize.
Come On Leicester would be a most appropriate winner of the Stubbs Fillies' Conditions Stakes. There is every chance,
London
too, because the Richard Hannon-trained youngster has been keeping top company this season.
Her fifth place in the Queen Mary at Royal Ascot was a standout effort, and there have been other fine runs along the way - including last time out when third in a Group Three at Salisbury. She would not want too much rain, but her class should see her through.
Sabador ran a tremendous race in the Cambridgeshire and deserves to strike sooner than later on that evidence. Ed Walker's four-year-old was fourth to Wissahickon in the 1800m cavalry charge at Newmarket, and meets nothing of that calibre in the 32Red Handicap at Kempton.
That run was no fluke either, because he was beaten only 0.75 lengths when third of 20 to Ripp Orf in a valuable handicap over 1400m at Ascot.
This 1600m should be right up his street.
Mr Mac made a triumphant return following a 166-day absence, during which he had a wind operation, when springing a 25-1 surprise at Bath. His only previous win had come at Kempton in December, and he can follow up on familiar territory for the Peter Hedger stable in division two of the Wise Betting At racinguk. com Handicap.
At Huntingdon, Copper West can make experience count in the Paul Ferguson's Jumpers To Follow Novices' Limited Handicap Chase. Tom George's seven-yearold has yet to win under rules, but has finished an encouraging runner-up Leicester (UK) Tues Race 1 @ 15:00 in two starts to date over fences - both at Southwell during the summer - and was successful in his only Irish point-to-point on debut two years ago.
Dreamsoftheatre can take centre stage in the Westons Cider Handicap Hurdle at Hereford.
He may have been a 25-1 shot at Warwick last time, but he relished the 5200m slog that day and can strike again for trainer Jonjo O'Neill.
The Bay Birch, trained by Matt Sheppard, was well-beaten three weeks ago at Uttoxeter on her first start since May - but she will strip fitter for the Equestrianprojects For Fencing Mares' Handicap Chase. –