Dundalk 6-30 Handicap 12f
BOWERMAN (nap) hinted at better things to come when finishing a running on fourth in a ten furlong contest at this venue last week, a performance that also saw him register a speed rating of 88.
That figure sees the selection rate top on the clock for tonight's 12 furlong event, with this extra yardage unlikely to harm his cause.
Not over-raced of late, and a multiple scorer at this track in the past, it will come as no surprise if he gets back to winning ways here.
Pencilled in odds of 10-1 are another reason to take an interest.
Catterick 4-12 Handicap Hurdle (Class 4) 25f
FLEXI FURLOUGH posted a top figure of 92 when finishing third over this course and distance in March of last year, and was a 114 performer when just losing out at Huntingdon in December of 2021. It's also good to report that the mare can handle rain softened ground, and has gone very well fresh in the past. It will be interesting to see how she trades in the market on today's return to action.
Chepstow 2-30 Novices Hurdle (Class 4) 24f
HEEZER GEEZER rates top on the clock for this seven-runner novices hurdle, courtesy of his narrow victory at Hereford in December, with the form of the race having been franked by the third horse home at Doncaster next time out. Today's much stiffer track shouldn't be a problem for the selection, who went well at Newbury on his previous outing, plus, he is lightly raced enough in this sphere to still be going forward.
Chepstow 3-30 Handicap Chase (Class 4) 26f
LYRICAL GENIUS went close over this trip at Doncaster last month, while at the same time managing to generate a premier LTO speed rating of 84. The form of that race has been franked since too, with the third horse home running 11 points faster when scoring at the same venue next time out. Twice raced over fences, the selection can be fancied to step forward again this afternoon and finish with his head in front. A 7-2 shot with William Hill at the time of writing, those odds or bigger should be taken.
Lingfield 2-50 Handicap (Class 4) 8f
FARASI LANE posted a premier LTO speed rating of 88 when last seen at Windsor in October of last year, and was a ready winner on the Polytrack at Kempton in November of 2020. The gelding's ability to go well fresh, and decent win record, makes me interested in his chances on today's return, as do his early bird odds of 10-1 with bet365. One to watch out for in the live market, that's for sure.
Newcastle 8-15 Handicap (Class 6) 5f
CANZONE (nb) had to settle for third behind Rose Bandit over this track and trip last week, but showed enough zip on that occasion to suggest that he can reverse placing tonight on 5lb better terms, even more so as he could get an easy tow into the race off predicted soft early fractions.