Friday, 1st September 2023
Tomorrow is not the best day of racing for handicap punters….
…. but we do have the Virgin Bet Handicap at 3.00 over the 10f trip….
…. in which I’m backing EDUCATOR at the general 8s….
He was probably a little underwhelming during the first part of the season….
…. but they gave him a break….
…. applied a pair of blinkers….
…. and returned him at York last time in the Sky Bet Handicap – the most valuable open-age prize he’s yet been turned out for….
He didn’t trouble the scorers – finishing 7/14 and beaten 5.25 lengths….
…. but he kept to his work well in the later stages and left the impression that he might have just needed the run….
If that’s the case then I’d expect him to run a bigger race tomorrow….
…. and the price is acceptable in a race where the proper big prices don’t make much appeal….
There’s not much around in the way of rain – and that will suit William Haggas’s horse….
…. and a mark of 91 appears workable for a horse that connections believe is a stakes level animal in the making….
Regular rider Tom Marquand was down to ride Gaassee for Haggas. That one’s been pulled – and Moore is still down for the ride on Educator….
The top man is the top man. Perhaps that’s how Haggas sees it. Whatever, I consider Moore’s presence in the plate a positive….
I’m also swinging the bat in the Virgin Bet Best Odds Handicap at 1.50….
…. where I’m chancing ERNIE’S VALENTINE at the general 10s….
He’s dropped to a mark of just 81 – which is pretty much a career low….
…. despite the fact that he’s not run so badly the last twice on the AW over the last fortnight….
He wasn’t miles away under Cieren Fallon over 7f….
…. and the time after – over a mile that just stretched him – he was the victim of a wide draw….
With two quick runs under his belt – you’d think he’s fit enough to run up to whatever he’s capable of….
…. and the stiff 7f tomorrow might just prove more suitable than the full mile….
If he’s on his game then he’s handicapped to go well….
The pick of the prices….To recap on my bets for tomorrow…. In the 3.00 @ Sandown….
e/w terms = Sky Bet & William Hill are 1/5 the first 5. It’s 1/5 the first 4 generally…. In the 1.50 @ Sandown….
e/w terms = It’s 1/5 the first 4 generally…. Advised prices are correct at the point of publication – but prices are subject to fluctuation. Consult Oddschecker – you may find better quotes and terms than advised…. |
That’s all for today….
Back next time….
Meantime – contact me direct at – nick.pullen@oxonpress.co.uk
And remember – win, lose, or draw – enjoy the racing….
Stay tuned.
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