Colour Guard can do it

COLOUR GUARD was just edged out of it at Lingfield last week but he can gain redemption in the 32Red Handicap at Ke m p t o n , writes The Ferret.

Mark Johnston’s charge had won three of his four starts on the Southwell Fibresand and the switch to Polytrack proved little hindrance as he went down by a short head to Eshtibaak.

That represented a step up in form once again and Colour Guard is clearly still an improving runner who can deal with any of the all-weather surfaces.

DARTFORD has twice been a beaten favourite but he must surely be thereabouts again in the 32Red. com Maiden Stakes.

Well supported to make a winning debut last November, Dartford could finish only a distant fifth but he did improve on that when dropped back a mile on his first start this year.

The Giant’s Causeway colt was staying on for third that day but never really looked like troubling the winner, suggesting a step back up in trip may be needed.

However, John Gosden has opted for another try at the distance here and that should be noted.

THE ABSENT MARE was probably left too much to do last time but with slightly more positive tactics employed in the £32 Free At 32Red.com Handicap, she is a worthy competitor.

While she likes to be held up, The Absent Mare has little chance of pegging back Frederick William when beaten into second just under two weeks ago and is better than the bare form suggests.

SEREN GRIS should be suited by the better ground as she has a first try over obstacles in the North East Business Expo Mares’ Maiden Hurdle at Newcastle.