RussP's Flat Handicappers

[RussP]

After being away from the racing scene for a few years, I'm going to give it another try. Those that know me won't be surprised to hear it's flat handicappers only and I'll be betting to 10pts per race. My methods remain the same as previously but I don't expect there to be quite the number of long priced selections there once was. In the main, I'll be backing to 5pts EW. First 2 bets for tonight coming up :ok

[RussP]

Re: RussP's Flat Handicappers 7.40 Ripon Russian Heroine, 5pts EW @ 15/2 Betfred The market suggests the winner will come from the top 3 and, whilst all have chances, I'm prepared to take them on. Snow Cloud has had a touch of seconditis but got off the mark in handicaps last time out. However, an extra furlong, different ground, 6lb rise in the weights, up in grade and Tudhope replaced by Sam James give me enough to oppose the current 3/1 on offer. Foreign Diplomat hails from the powerful Haggas yard but I'm extremely concerned by the jockey booking on a horse that doesn't appear to me to be totally straightforward. Again, I'm not sure conditions are ideal so looks worth taking on. Especial is the one I am worried about, with ground to suit and a recent C&D win albeit in a maiden. The step up to handicap company is the worry but if coping with that, looks the big danger. Instead, I'm going with Sir Michael's charge, Russian Heroine. Stables' last 3 runners have won and this one, albeit a maiden, has solid form and should be capable of defying a mark of 71. Form suggest this is her ground and I'm certain 6f is her trip. Finishes her races off well which prompted the yard to step her up to 7f but hasn't totally convinced in 2 tries over that far this term. Ran 8 days ago over 7f and travelled quite well but was a never nearer 5th. That was a big step up on her seasonal reappearance and looks ready to strike now over a trip more suitable, on ground that will suit this horse but not necessarily her 7 rivals. Record in small fields reads 2-2-2 including a nursery head defeat off this mark at 10/1. In just an 8 runner heat, 15/2 looks a decent price.