Great Leighs 11/12/08

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Re: Great Leighs 11/12/08 8.50 Great Leighs With Ivory Silk withdrawn only six line up for this class 4 sprint handicap over 6 furlongs. Temple of Thebes is only 4 lbs higher than his last win (at Newmarket back in May) in this grade but he's not managed to win since. He acts on the surface and is a CD winner from a maiden. Epic Odyssey is a former Ger Lyons import from Ireland and finished 6th on his UK debut for his current trainer. He ran off 86 that day in a class 3 event, so this is easier. He has some decent Irish form - a second to 92-rated Aine back in April at Navan, won a Curragh maiden in June (weak form though) and was closely matched with Romeos On Fire in a Dundalk race. That rival has just won off 84 at home and the 2nd, Invincible Ash has won a handicap off 79 and finished a neck second lto in a listed race. Some of his more recent form is less impressive though. Glencalvie returns from a 115 day break but won a handicap in this grade off 73 at Windsor last year and more recently won off 71 in a class 5 Lingfield handicap. His losing distance when last seen was just a neck behind Fiefdom, but he's been raised 3 lbs for that defeat which seems a little harsh. He doesn't have the benefit of Tolley Dean's 3 lbs claim today either. Southandwest is more than capable at this level. He's been 4th and 2nd in this grade on his last two runs off 76 at this level, and has even won a class 3 handicap at Newcastle off 82 in May so has the class to win a race like this. The trip looks okay as he's won over 5f and 7f, and he seems to handle the surface well enough. First Order has recently moved to Ann Stokell from Amanda Perrett and was beaten by only half a length by Canadian Danehill last time out off his current mark off 75. This is a step up in class though. Did win off 78 at Newcastle in this grade earlier in the year when Neil Brown claimed three, so has a chance at the weights, but I've never had any luck with Stokell's runners so passing over. Asian Power always seems to run solid races but rarely wins. Back down to last winning mark (Feb '08) but steps up in class from that win here. Has been getting beaten in class 5 races and this is tougher; opposed. Verdict I don't fancy Asian Power in a race at this level,Glencalvie has been raised by the handicapper so must be in tip-top shape to win this returning from a break and Temple of Thebes and Epic Odyssey have a little to proved based on recent form. I can't back First Order with Ann Stokell on, so Southandwest gets my vote. Liam Keniry is capable, and he looks well handicapped. If Glencalvie and Epic Odyssey do battle upfront, he could sit in nicely behind and get up late on. 9/2 Paddypower.