14:35 Lingfield Marco Botti looks to have got Grey Mirage set up for a winter campaign on the all weather and this seven year old went close to scoring over a mile here last month. Now down in class he could be ready to strike for the first time since April 2015 in a race that looks winnable given his recent run. Of his eight career wins, four have been here, so he is one that relishes this synthetic surface. He’s No Saint has had the door shut in his face on his last two starts where he’s been pegged back close to the line to finish second. They’ve both been solid efforts, including his most recent when beaten by 97 rated Charles Molson. The handicapper has kept him on a gradual rise of the weights, which won’t make life all too easy but if giving his running he’ll be on the premises. The one of interest is Mr Bossy Boots, who was down the field in a Goodwood handicap on his first start for Amanda Perrett. His last two wins have both been on synthetic surfaces at Newcastle and here respectively when in the care of Ralph Beckett. This five year old has been freshened up and with Kieran Shoemark taking 3lb off he’s down to his last winning mark. He probably isn’t one to hit the front too soon, so if Shoemark can deliver him then he looks a solid each-way proposition to continue his good all-weather record. Mr Bossy Boots (E/W)
14:55 Leicester Trapper Peak took a similar event to this one just ten-days ago over course and distance. Alex Dunn’s charge has similar conditions to encounter, possibly quicker ground, which won’t be a problem. This seven year old has won two of his last three in this sort of company under 7lb claimer Robert Hawker and if he tracks the pace from Mount Shamsan or Bohemian Rhapsody then he could be poised to strike again. Destiny’s Gold rates as the main danger; he was second in this company at Stratford 41-day ago. George Baker’s charge has been dropped 3lb by the handicapper and now back down to the minimum trip looks a threatening rival to the recent track and trip winner. Bohemian Rhapsody has won two races over hurdles off higher marks in the past, so if the visor sparks any sort of revival out of him then he could go well but there are a few question marks about him. Moss Street may benefit from the good ground and if returning to the form of his facile success in claiming company at Huntingdon could prove to be slightly overpriced. A mention must go to Right Madam, who was third behind Trapper Peak on the last day and has place claims if able to back that run up. Trapper Peak (WIN)
20:00 Dundalk Sadly it’s not a Friday for this trip to Dundalk where Jim Bolger’s Cresendo could prove to be on a very leninent mark after his recent second. That came over a furlong shorter than this race plus he did himself no favours after missing the break but he put in a strong finishing effort to suggest it would be right up his street. He’s a three year old with more to offer from a very lowly mark, so you can see why there is interest. Emperor Bob is drawn low and he looks the most likely pace angle into this race. He’s been running over further recently but his last success did come over this trip on the beach at Laytown. He’s 3lb lower than that winning mark, so himself could be well treated and it’s interesting to see Seamie Heffernan take the ride for relatively new trainer Patrick J McKenna. The one that should be suited by the return to this trip is Captain Midnight. Joseph Anthony Murray’s inmate is a two-time course and distance winner and looks most comfortable over this sort of distance. His last run caught the eye when finding trouble in running over six furlongs and was closest at the finish, so the extra furlong once again should help. He’s started to become a well-handicapped horse, so from a decent enough draw can trouble the judge and Cresendo here. Captain Midnight (E/W)
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