MAGIC LAMP!
Luckless Easterby sprinter to put rivals in the shade
THROW some light on the Wokingham Stakes by switching on to Lamp.
LAMPANG (5.00) suffered some dreadful luck with the draw in three big-field sprint handicaps last season.
He was second home on the unfavoured stands’ side in this race 12 months ago and Tim Easterby’s speedster also ran much better than his finishing position suggests in the Stewards’ Cup and the Great St Wilfrid.
The draw shouldn’t be a problem and a gelding operation during the winter seems to have helped him as he won nicely at Ayr on his return.
Have 2pts each-way at 25-1, with several bookies paying out on seven places and Sky Bet stretching to eight.
Australian raider Nature Strip bolted up in the King’s Stand Stakes on Tuesday and I fancy another to head back Down Under with the Platinum Jubilee Stakes.
ARTORIUS (4.20) loves to come from off a fast pace and the stiff Ascot finish should be right up his street. Australian tracks don’t generally play to his strengths so he looks a much better bet than fellow Aussie raider and likely favourite Home Affairs. Have 2pts eachway at 10-1 with plenty of bookies going six places.
In the same race, I can’t let DRAGON SYMBOL (4.20) go unbacked. If he’s back to the form of last year’s placed efforts in the July Cup and Nunthorpe, he would have to have a great chance. Have 1pt each-way at 40-1.
Last year’s Irish Derby winner Hurricane Lane is rightly odds-on for the Hardwicke Stakes but he might be vulnerable on the quick ground for his first run of the season.
Noel Meade’s LAYFAYETTE (3.40) might well improve for the fast conditions and is in great form. Have 1pt each-way at 20-1 if all eight runners race.