TROUBADOR A CLASS ACT
Dods poised to snare sprint prize
MICHAEL DODS is a dab hand at getting his charges spot on for a big prize and TROUBADOR (4.35, nap) looks set to grab the dosh in the big sprint handicap at Haydock this afternoon.
Highly tried last season in class two handicaps, the grey gelding looked badly out of form on his first four starts this season, two of them over seven furlongs, which is simply too far for him.
But returned to six last time out and with the first-time blinkers on, the selection showed he retains most of his ability with a running on sixth of 16 at Ripon despite running away from the main field of runners. The blinkers are retained here and off a one pound lower mark he can see off the likes of the well-weighted Manigordo and Prince of Abingdon.
Donald McCain’s yard is really flying at the moment and the lightly raced five-year-old (6.55) can back up his game York success in the staying event, while CIVIL LAW (6.25) is weighted to confirm recent form with top weight Howzer Black.
A cracking fifth of 12 in a class two event at York last time out, ARABIAN ROMANCE
(6.00) will relish the step back up to an extended mile.
I have been waiting for NIGEL NOTT
(2.35) to return to seven furlongs at Chelmsford and the five-year-old can teach his younger rivals a lesson in the feature.
I am hoping that Andrea Atzeni can get a lead on the selection and power through to grab the loot in the closing stages.
A winner of two of his last three starts,
SAATTY (3.10) looks set to defy his welter burden in the Class 5 Handicap, while the handicapper has given a real chance to
AFFAIR (4.20), the only course and distance in the field.
The best wager at Musselburgh could come in the fillies’ handicap with
SEPARATE (3.02) set to take advantage of a drop in grade. The Cable Bay filly ran way too freely in the first time visor and could be the call over top weight Pretty Rebel.
It’s finals day at Bath this afternoon and
CHIPSTEAD (3.55) can complete the hattrick in the sprint event, while COGITAL
(4.30) can win the battle of the stayers. The former can use this as a stepping stone before going on to better things while the last named may enhance his course form figures of 2311.
BEST LONGSHOT Returned to the bare mile at Chelmsford,
MAYKIR (1.35) looks overpriced on his best form from last year.
NEXT WEEK RETROSPECT has been crying out for two miles and gets it in the 6.50 at Wolverhampton on Tuesday.