PADDOCKS PATENT (WEDNESDAY)

14:10 Epsom Peter Crate rather complicates things here by saddling two but whilst Sandfrankskipsgo is worth of respect his other runner, Smoothtalkingrascal is the one whom makes more appeal. A high class sprinter a few seasons back he most certainly has his quirks but fast run races are what he really wants and having already shown a liking for this venue and with plenty of pace to run at, he is handed the vote to finally come good. Long Awaited ran a fine race when second at Beverly last time and comes here racing off the same mark, he has won here in the past and is handed the main danger tag. Doctor Parkes and Swiss Cross are others to be weary of but the enigmatic Smoothtalkingrascal will have few excuses today and the risk is worth taking. Smoothtalkingrascal (WIN)

15:55 Epsom Sennockian Star won last seasons renewal of this off a 3lbs lower mark and looks to have been prepared in a similar fashion in an attempt to double up this time around, a shocking last of eleven last time out may look a little off putting but this place lends itself to track specialists and as a winner here he must be respected. The other Johnston runner, Fire Fighting almost always looks unlucky and tends to find at least one too good, too often for most peoples liking. Clearly progressive and in good heart however, a big run couldn’t be discounted and he deserves respect. What About Carlo ran a fine race when fourth in the Lincoln, an impressive winner here last term he ought to play a part despite being 4lbs above his last winning mark. Mount Logan and Collaboration are both relatively unexposed and could be big players, both have to prove themselves against these tough sorts however and a chance is taken with Sennockian Star. Sennockian Star (E/W)

17:20 Catterick This looks typically rough for the grade and most will likely be looking to take anything on that is too short in the betting. Likely favourite Smalljohn is probably more effective on the artificial surfaces nowadays but his stable are in decent form and his chances are strong given he handles this ground and is now 6lbs lower than his last win. A decent second last time out he looks sure to figure but at the odds he is probably worth opposing. Mercers Row is another likely to be towards the head of the betting and he too will handle the conditions, a winner over course and distance he has to be respected but there is a niggling feeling he prefers sprint trips. Armelle is a tough filly whom may improve further this term, she would have every chance if ready but is yet to win over this far and is taken on for that reason, despite being given a healthy amount of respect. Marjorie Fife’s Just The Tonic has struggled badly over the last twelve months and hopes here rest almost entirely on the fact she’s a three time course winner ( twice over C&D ) the handicapper has given her every chance however and she’s now 7lbs below her last winning mark. A winner in the past first time up, perhaps she represents good value at around 12/1 and so she is handed a speculative vote to land some place money. Just The Tonic (E/W)

by  Chris Connolly