Another busy day following a winner with Sweet Pursuit at Ffos Las yesterday (review of recent runners likely to be online this evening) and we have four runners at three different meetings.
RED MIRACLE – 2:20 Newton Abbot ATR
Well bred filly that was a solid second on her last flat start at Bath and had been schooling well prior to her hurdling debut at Stratford last month. Unfortunately, she raced too keenly and despite looking likely to be involved, she came down at the fourth last. Luckily she was fine after her fall and the main aim this afternoon is a clear round and she enjoys the experience. However, she does receive 17lb from the hot favourite Cracker Factory and as there is only 12lb between their flat ratings, it might be much closer at the finish than the market suggests.
CRYSTAL CASQUE – 4:40 Salisbury RUK
Consistent filly that has been placed on three of her four starts this year and looks sure to benefit from dropping back to seven furlongs this afternoon, having not quite seen out the mile when third at Sandown and Kempton on her last two starts. She travels quite freely in her races which should be ideal in a hands and heels contest and Theodore Ladd is one of the more experienced riders in the race so she appears to have strong claims.
ALUCINADO – 7:00 Kempton RUK
A new addition to the yard and one that had a reputation for being very difficult. However, she seems to have settled nicely into our routine and behaved impeccably on her first start for us last week, travelling nicely in midfield before getting tired. Hopefully she can build on that a week later and might surprise a few people at big odds this evening.
HANDYTALK – 8:30 Kempton RUK
Has had a stop start season but showed he retains all his ability with narrow defeats at Bath and Epsom but he remains 6lb above his last winning mark. He had a poor draw in a very competitive handicap at Glorious Goodwood last time and will enjoy the calmer waters this afternoon and a return to the AW may well suit (second and fourth in two attempts so far). While current odds of 20/1 are on the large side, it is a competitive event but he should not be too far away.