Flat Racing - Wednesday 6th April

[Bathtime For Rupert]

4.00 Lingfield - 2pts win Maydream @ SP This is a weak 2 mile handicap, and it might be worth siding with a potentially unexposed horse over this trip. Maydream showed little in maidens, but has benefited from the switch to handicap, to record some respectable performances. Despite finishing 8th on her handicap debut at Wolverhampton over 12f in December, she was only beaten 4 1/2l behind Alternative Choice in a weak, but competitive, handicap. A move which I found a bit strange was to drop the filly back down in trip at Kempton where she raced over 10f next time out. This was again a decent effort, and was better than the form shows. Another very poor race, but Maydream was snatched up just before the 3rd marker, and considering this horse appears to be a galloper - and doesn't do anything very quickly, this gave her no chance over the 10f trip. She picked up again to finish 6th, beaten just over 6l. Trainer Jimmy Fox decided to send her over a much greater distance at Wolverhampton next time. The 2 mile trip looked to be ideal on what she had shown previously, and her sister raced in bumpers, as well as her dam being placed over 12f. She had staying influence in her pedigree also. Unfortunately the Wolverhampton race was the rather farcical affair won by Six Of Clubs. All the jockeys pulled up thinking the race was to be voided as a stricken horse remained on the home turn, but this was not the case. Some jockeys eventually proceeded to continue and finish the race. However, Sam Hitchcott on Maydream was not one of these. Frustrating as we didn't get to see whether she definitely stayed the 2 mile trip. Her most recent run was the closest she has come to winning a race, finishing well to finish a 3/4l second to Little Richard over 12f at Kempton. Again, didn't do anything too quickly, but ran on all the way to the line to be closing at the finish. These races are very moderate affairs but there could be more to come over staying trips. A mark of 46 may prove very fair for this filly over further. This race is far from a strong one, though, also. Dansilver is in good form and goes well here, but a rating of 64 may prevent him winning again. The two horses in form that he beat last time out are both maidens, and Camps Bay - who he beat over c&d recently - is a perennial place horse nowadays. Prince Charlemagne ran in the Wolverhampton race behind Six of Clubs, but it is hard to assess that race in terms of form, and failed to run well last time out (when very easy to back). The market often tells the story with this horse so it is definitely worth watching. I think this could be set up for one of the less exposed horses, and out of those, I very much think Maydream could be the one to beat. The track may not play to her strengths as ideally as Wolverhampton, or Kempton, but in a weak field, it might not be enough to stop her at a rewarding price (currently 6.8/1 on Betfair)

[Quackers]

Flat Racing Wednesday 6th April Hope you don't mind me starting this thread. 2.50 Nottingham Five Star Junior 5/1 A very intriguing race which is pretty tough to figure out. I can't be having Face the Problem against these older horses so early in the season. Liberty Lady is not good enough. Think Iver Bridge Lad is a doubt due to the ground and probably prefers it over 6f. Captain Dunne will struggle to take this off top weight. Don't think Star Rover is good enough to trouble the main principals. Judd Street may need the run although has won fresh before in the past but I think will struggle here. Leaves me with three. Very tough picking between the three of them. I think it is interesting that Jamie Spencer rides Corporal Maddox and not Secret Asset. Spencer has a great strike rate for Jane Chapple-Hyam and would have probably had the choice to ride that horse. Saying that Ryan Moore is better in my eyes anyways. I really like Corporal Maddox but just feel the ground will be too lively for him. The last couple of times he has ridden on good to firm ground he has finished last on both occasions albeit in much better races than this one. Secret Asset is interesting with Ryan Moore on board but was beaten by Five Star Junior recently on the all weather. Both of these horses will appreciate the rattling fast ground but I just feel Five Star junior has the better chance here. The horse likes to be held up and with a fast pace pretty much guaranteed I expect Fallon to utilize the horses good turn of foot.