ILLUSION CAN DO THE TRICK
2.30 SMART ILLUSION
(nap) made pretty much all when he won for David O’Meara, pictured, in a 7f handicap on good ground at Musselburgh at the end of August. That was a weak affair but the gelding was a fine third at Kempton on the all-weather last time and he can score again this afternoon. Sesame finished third over a mile at Ffos Las last time on his stable debut and doesn’t run a bad race. This consistent sort takes a step back in trip and can follow the selection home. The Simon Crisford-trained
Ghost Queen is another danger.
3.05
The Robbie Osborne-trained JJ’S JOURNEY (nb) has run twice, both times at Hamilton, including when staying well in third over 1m 4f behind Just Wait, trained by Mark Johnston. The extra distance will be an added bonus. The main danger in this six-runner event is clearly Sharja Silk, who will likely start at odds-on for the Roger Varian yard. Yet to win in seven outings, the colt has consistently knocked on the door. He was a beaten favourite in a Class Two affair at Yarmouth last time receiving weight all round.
4.10
In an open contest ALBERT BOY is the pick. The four-year-old won at Thirsk in August and has chased home the winner on his last two starts. Last time he battled willingly, as always, to finish second behind Right About Now at Yarmouth. A game and consistent four-year-old from the Scott Dixon yard he can fend off Tigerfish. Trained by William Stone, the four-year-old had his best run of the season when a decent second at Brighton over 1m 3f on good to firm ground. Having Ben Curtis in the saddle in a big plus.
4.40 FLOWER POWER
(treble) carries plenty of weight but runs off a 1lb lower mark and takes a step down in class after finishing third over 1m 5f last time. In her last eight starts the seven-year-old mare has won once – at Beverley in August – and finished in the frame in the other seven. She’s sure to go close.
Richard Strauss is the danger. He was a decent third on the all-weather on his most recent start and will appreciate the trip.
Highway Robber won over an extended 1m 4f on his most recent run but is raised 2lb as a result.