PADDOCKS PATENT (FRIDAY)

13:10 Uttoxeter Our first selection comes from Uttoxeter and in a small field, class 4 race. The ground is totally bottomless at the track and it will need a decently weighted horse to get home. The 1:10 contest has 6 runners that the trainers must feel will get home in the conditions but all bar one have no form on the going and that leads me to select the Jackie Du Plesis trained 9 year old Ray Diamond. The horse has course and distance form a mere month ago and I think James Best can get this chestnut gelding home under no penalty. One for the Boss may be one to watch out for but carrying almost 12st in these conditions will be a huge obstacle to overcome. Ray Diamond (WIN)

14:55 Uttoxeter The second choice for this week comes once again at Uttoxeter. Victory Gunner has decent form on heavy ground and is an extremely consistent type. This class 4 handicap won’t be easy to win on the ground but I have faith that my preference will revel in it. Whilst the horse hasn’t won at this track, he has won over this distance and with the trainer having a good record at the course he could be the one to win this race. The form appears to be in the bag and on his favoured ground, with tried and tested jockey for the horse, Micheal Nolan on board I am confident of a big run. The horse is quite old at 16 and this is my second selection in a week for a horse older than 14 after Uncle Junior last time but I prefer the term experienced. Victory Gunner (E/W)

15:05 Ascot We end Friday’s selections with a very consistent horse down at Ascot in a class 3 contest. Little Boy Boru has been running very well of late and has the assistance of Harry Bannister, who has won on his back before. The forecast going is soft and if this stays the case then the horse will certainly run his race. He is running off the same mark as his last win and if he can get up the hill then he will certainly have a big shout. The main danger in the race will Midnight Oscar who may be slightly harshly treated by the handicapper. If the ground dries, the weight may be a problem but if the rain comes the horse could be a huge danger to the selection as Kim Biley’s horses are often mud larks. Little Boy Boru (E/W if 5/1+)

by Dave Smith