CHANNON OUTSIDER TO SPRING A NOTTINGHAM SHOCK

17:50 Nottingham

An eleven runner nursery for two year olds over one mile.

It’s getting to that time of the season were the more stoutly bred two year olds or later developing types get the chance to try extended distances.

All bar one of the runners are making their handicap debuts here. It’s fascinating trying to decipher which of these have been given the fairest marks to attack handicap life or even slipped through the net to some extent where they may have got in lightly.

On The River is the only runner to have already tried his hand in handicaps and duly won on his latest start. It was quite an impressive victory that day, but he carries a penalty for that victory and one can’t help feeling there may be a couple of more likely candidates who might just improve past him.

Zimmerman is potentially one of the horses that could fit that bill. Improving with each run culminating in a fine third on his latest start. He starts handicapping on a fair enough mark and for a stable that specialises in these types, he looks to have place possibilities.

The horse that really stands out is Clifford. There’s no doubt after his debut run, handicaps would be the target. He has run with some eye catching promise in his last two starts both at courses that wouldn’t suit due to his stamina laden pedigree. The step up in trip here with some cut in the ground should be his optimum conditions at this stage of his career and I fully expect a big performance.

CLIFFORD (WIN)

written by Matt Polley