PADDOCKS PATENT (MONDAY)

14:50 Windsor First selection today comes in this 12 runner handicap sprint for 3 year olds. It seems certain that Frenchman will attract a lot of support and it’s easy to see why. A winner of a 7 furlong maiden back in May, this colt has always been held in high regard by connections. A headstrong, keen going sort, the recent decision to drop him down to 6 furlongs seemed a logical one. He finished a fair 3rd last time out and with James Doyle retaining the ride, it is hoped he will relax a touch better this time around and looks set to go close. However, at current prices I feel In Haste is the value pick and therefore my selection. Eve Johnson-Houghton’s charge won a decent looking 2 year old maiden last year which has thrown up a number of subsequent winners now rated in the 80+ bracket. The obvious question is, has the gelding trained on as a 3 year old? The early signs are encouraging – a rusty looking 7th on his return to action has since been bettered by a solid 3rd in a competitive looking Lingfield handicap just under 2 weeks ago. Dropped a generous 2lbs for that run, In Haste looks on a dangerous mark of 72 and with Johnson-Houghton’s enjoying her best season for many years, I think current odds of 11/1 equate to real each way value. In Haste (E/W)

15:50 Windsor This 6 runner, 3 year old maiden seems set to be fought out between the trio of more experienced horses in the field. Plenary has been the model of consistency in his 6 runs to date. A runner-up 4 times, this gelding is undoubtedly due a win, I just don’t think it will be today. My selection comes in the form of Roger Varian’s West Drive. An expensive 100,000 guineas purchase as a yearling, this gelding has mixed with good company in the majority of his 6 career starts and emerged with a good deal of credit. Perhaps his only real disappointing performance came last time out, when finishing 3rd dropped in grade and an odds on favourite. There are excuses for that however, as he got worked up and warm before hand. Varian has an excellent record at Windsor and I am backing West Drive to get back on track here and notch up his first win. West Drive (WIN)

16:20 Windsor My final selection today hails from the red hot stable of Sir Michael Stoute. Percy’s Romance has come on leaps and bounds since being stepped up from 1m to 1m2f/1m4f. This should really come as no surprise as this filly is a half sister to the very useful middle distance gelding, Top Tug, who himself was rated 100. Percy’s Romance is currently rated 73 and given her last two performances – each time filling the runner’s up spot – she seems dangerously well weighted here. Her last outing was marred by a shortage of room 2 furlongs out and this contest looks the ideal opportunity to exact some compensation. Percy’s Romance (WIN)