Alan Thomson, the former Racing Editor at the Daily Record, picks out five to follow on the all-weather at Lingfield and Wolves on Saturday.
THERE’S nothing like a few winners to thaw out Britain’s deep freeze and there are some tasty bets on the card at Southwell on Saturday.
The Fibresand is certain to run deep, having been constantly harrowed to beat the frosts, but that won’t inconvenience MASLAK (1.25). He’s a tough cookie around here and dug really deep to beat Yossi on Tuesday. His mandatory penalty is negated by apprentice James Roger and another sterling effort is anticipated. Lay Claim has been crying out for a step up in trip but going 11 furlongs in these conditions is a tough ask.
KINGAROO (1.55) finished third to Maslak and Yossi four days ago but this dual course winner can rediscover the winning thread. The handicapper has dropped him a couple of pounds and 5lb claimer Billy Cray renews their successful partnership. Stadium Of Light remains a maiden but has been running well, while Grand Art looked the winner over hurdles at Musselburgh last time, only to find Buckstruther too strong on the run to the line. On the down side, Grand Art’s best form has come on a sound surface.
COSIMO DE MEDICI (3.25) has come out second-best on his last two runs at Wolverhampton but looks set to click on a return to Southwell, where he broke his maiden tag for Hughie Morrison in January. Fitness is a big factor as some of his opponents returning from a break may have been held up in their work by the bad weather. That remark may apply to principal threat Proud Times. Alan Swinbank’s top weight folded tamely after cutting out the running at Wolverhampton last time but his single visit to Southwell in August yielded an impressive four-length victory.
At Wolverhampton, LORD OF THE DANCE (5.20) was rewarded for some very consistent efforts by a battling course victory in October and looks sure to feature in quite a competitive event.
ALBURI (7.20) is no great shakes but David Simcock has found him a very weak opening. My selection showed enough when third in a Chester maiden in September to suggest he can give Jamie Spencer a winning ride.
Tally Ho
Alan
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