Strike me a pose has winning look at Southwell
AFTER getting off the mark last time out, Strike Me A Pose can go in again - this time at Southwell in the Play 4 To Score At Betway Amateur Jockeys’ Handicap.
The Archie Watson-trained gelding is lightly raced for a four-year-old, with just nine career starts. He has been knocking on the door, though, and it all came together at Wolverhampton at the beginning of the month.
Never far off the pace, Brodie Hampson’s mount turned in travelling best and was never going to be headed after hitting the front, winning hard held.
He has another 6lb on his back, but he would have won with that last time and there is every chance of a bit more to come given how little racing he has had.
The excellent Hampson rides again. It will be a surprise if My Oberon is beaten in the Mansionbet Proud Partners Of The AWC Conditions Stakes.
William Haggas’ charge has exceptionally strong form to his name, being just a neck away from Group One glory in the Prix d’ispahan in May. He was also a close fourth to Love at Royal Ascot and has been gelded through the winter.
He has to give 5lb to each of his rivals, including a couple of useful Archie Watson contenders, but his class should see him through and set up a big season ahead.
A quick double is in store for Haggas and Tom Marquand, as Punda Maria can take the following Watch Racing Free Online At Coral Handicap. Her keeping-on effort at Wolverhampton last month was her best yet, and time might show she bumped into one in the shape of Shadwell newcomer Mukaddamah.
The Charlie Longsdon-trained Snow Leopardess can continue her excellent season with victory in the Virgin Bet Mares’ Chase at Exeter.
The grey daughter of Martaline made a bright start to her campaign when beating subsequent Sky Bet Chase winner Windsor Avenue in a handicap at Bangor in November.
She was subsequently sent to Aintree to tackle the Grand National fences and produced an impressive round of jumping on her way to beating Hill Sixteen in a thrilling renewal of the Becher Chase.
Connections are eyeing a tilt at the Grand National itself in the spring, but have decided to take in this Listed race en route in a bid to ensure she is rated high enough to make the cut.
Her current perch of 145 makes her the highest-rated runner in this field and with ground conditions on the soft side, she should prove hard to beat.
The Virgin Bet Novices’ Hurdle also carries Listed status and it is difficult to look beyond Grade One winner Stage Star.