15:30 Ayr Hernandoshideaway returned to form with a more encouraging third placed effort at Pontefract last time out. Jockey Paul Mulrenan returns to the saddle which looks a positive and I’m hoping the Michael Dods trained runner will go close once again at a course the horse holds a 50% strike rate at. Lucent Dream acts well here at Ayr and deserves his current spot as the favourite but another hike in weight for his second placed finish sees him sit ten pounds higher in weight than his previous victory and in he looks to have more to deal with in today’s contest. The one that interests me as a potential threat to the selection is the bottom weight Powerful Love. He may not have tasted victory just yet but this three year old looks open to much improvement from the yard of one of the best trainers in the North. I wouldn’t be surprised to see the youngest runner in the field do better than expected. HERNANDOSHIDEAWAY (E/W)
19:20 Windsor A very trappy sprint contest awaits in the main feature race at Windsor this evening. The likes of former Group 1 winner Stepper Point line up in what looks a much easier task than he’s encountered in the past. He’s far from the force of old but if he has half of his ability left he’ll trouble his rivals today. Alas however at the age of eight his best days are well and truly behind him and although he could do well he’s probably vulnerable to those with younger legs. Spring Loaded has only ever claimed victory once on turf but that was the only time he’s raced here at Windsor. He returns to the course to maintain his 100% record here and there’s every chance he could go close. Majestic Hero drops back to class three handicaps after a very disappointing run in Ireland but can’t be readily discounted. The selection falls on the shoulders of former course and distance victor Dark Shot. A drop back down to five furlongs is what the Andrew Balding trained four year old has been crying out for. Open to further progress he seems to have everything in his favour and a big run is expected from connections. DARK SHOT (WIN) – NAP
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