BBOTD - Sunday 12 June

[Haystacks]

Osiris Way - Salisbury 2.30 (7-1 WH BOG) Wildly varying early bookie opinions on this race, so there must be some value: Osiris Way is 7-1 WH; 4-1 BET365 Sutton Vent is 8-1 VC; 6-1 BET365 Solemn is 10-1 BET365; 11-2 WH Kyllachy Storm is 10-1 BET365; 7-1 WH Steelcut is 12-1 BET365; 15-2 WH For BBOTD I'm going for Osiris Way, a veteran 5f specialist and CD winner. After being narrowly beaten into third by Solemn on his seasonal reappearance he again came third last time out at Sandown. However, on that occasion he had the widest draw in a race in which the first five were drawn 3-4-11-1-2! From a handicapping perspective at 85 he is 3lb higher than his last win (at Goodwood in May 2010), but won off 87 and 90 back in 2008. Anyhow, he's obviously in good form and 7-1 seems like a pretty good price for a horse whose last performance was far better than it may seem due to the bad draw. (Incidentally, I've also backed Solemn as he is in tremendous form and did me a favour LTO.)

[Lars]

Re: BBOTD - Sunday 12 June 14:00 Salisbury Short write up, as the price may go but I really think Nibani can show his Chester showing over 1m2f wasn't his true running, and the step up in trip and less awkward track should make a world of difference. Very well bred, but has made only four appearances at the racecourse. His first being as a 2yo which was a very creditable run in a typically decent Newmarket maiden. He was sent off a heavily backed favourite for his second start (first and only one as a 3yo). He travelled well but seemed dropped out tamely and presumably something was wrong. Interesting in itself that connections held on to him as a 4yo, so he must have some ability. He showed he did when a very close 2nd to the decent Laughing Jack, and was expected to build upon that on handicap debut when last seen. He never travelled at Chester, though and maybe did well to finish where he did. I'll put that bad run down to the track, especially as he seemed pretty unbalanced throughout, and it's a course that doesn't suit some. Salisbury isn't the most conventional but should suit him better, and the step up to 1m4f can also be of benefit. He's bred for the distance and his 2nd behind Laughing Jack indicated that he should stay it. SMS wasn't in very good form when Nibani last ran, that's in contrast to presently, as he's absolutely flying with plenty of winners in the last week. Nibani is obviously well thought of, and the 4/1 on offer does seem big. It's a weaker race I feel than last time, and some of these are pretty exposed. He'll have to improve but no doubt things will be more in his favour, and I'm confident he can run very very well. Nibani; Win @ 4/1 Boylesports (bog)