Flat Racing: 7th Apr 2011

[RussP]

5.30 Ripon Class 4, 6f handicap over the straight track at Ripon and there's 12 runners currently in. I can't be having lto winner Sir Nod but I do think Great Charm is a danger from a stable amongst the winners. However, the one for me that has most going for it is: Coolminx (RPF 10/1) - Races here off 2nd top weight and, on the best of its form, that's fully justified. A much easier race than it normally contests combined with an easing in mark & a 5lb claimer swings the balance in favour of my charge. With the new draw numbering in place, high numbers are expected to hold sway so box 10 of 12 is a positive. Hails from a stable too in cracking form, just like it was at this time last year. As a 2yo, won its first 2 starts before running a cracker in 2nd in a listed event at York. That earnt the horse a handicap mark of 93. Has since run 7 times without winning but you can read more into it than that. 4 times it has raced & been ouitclassed in Class 2 although one effort was extremely promising over at HQ. Ran well off 90 in one of the other races, although mark and Class 3 was just beyond this one. Its most promising run was under this jockey off 86 (2lb lower today), when a fast finishing unlucky 2nd at Newcastle when not getting the clearest of runs. Lto, was over 7f, a trip too far, but did ok on its AW debut and that run will have sharpened the horse up. With that run under its belt, a good draw and a nice mark, I fancy this one to give its running and go very close.

[zoolander]

Re: Flat Racing: 7th Apr 2011 Kempton 8:55 Sunshine Always 10-3 Coral 1 POINT WIN Previous C&D winner was narrowly beaten last time out over C&D but should come on for the run as it was only its second run since a long break. Horse is steadily improving and looking to get back to where it was once at, winning here over C&D off a mark of 80 with Ryan Moore on board at one stage. Jemma Marshall takes the ride and she is a capable pilot, claiming 5lbs meaning the official mark is actually 68. Field looks pretty weak and this horse makes the most appeal on current and past form.