19:10 Newbury
Only seven runners go to post for this mile and a half handicap, however it does look a competitive heat nonetheless.
Course and distance winner Frontispiece doesn’t have any secrets re the handicapper, but he has a decent win to run ratio. He ran really well on seasonal debut, and back up to his optimum trip, holds a big chance.
Despite appearing to be fairly exposed, Grand Scheme seems to have upped his game this season. He is a course and distance winner, however he’s up another six pounds and that may just be enough to stop him.
Zain Nights an unexposed three year old, and the youngest horse in the lineup is just too tempting to pass over. Gelded before handicap debut brought about a decent effort last time out. Also his two year old novice stakes win over St Leger candidate Lionel is a standout piece of form in this race. To add to his appeal, he is ridden by the talented five pound claimer Harry Davies.
ZAIN NIGHTS (WIN)
20:00 Newton Abbot.
A two and a half mile handicap chase is quite an interesting little contest.
The angle into this race is the almost guaranteed pace, with three of the runners likely to force the tempo.
Black Gerry won under a forceful ride in first time blinkers, and it’s hard to imagine those successful tactics being changed.
Mr Mafia has won over further making the running, so will want to make the most of his stamina, along with another free going sort in Al Roc.
So that leaves Kauto The King who did well to win here last time over a trip that was arguably short of his best and Across The Line who finished a long way behind him.
A chance is going to be taken with Across The Line to reverse that form. He found things happening a little too quick last time, and on decent ground over this longer trip he could be seen to better effect, he looks the value.
ACROSS THE LINE (WIN)
written by Matt Polley
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