Hi all,
Goodwood
2:35 – Game Player – 5/2 @ Ladbrokes & Coral – Very much a distance specialist. All three of his career wins have come at 7f. The 4-year-old seemed to appreciate the slight drop in class when running out a comfortable of a Class 3 handicap at Lingfield 20-days ago. Up just 5lb in the weights and looks capable of going close again if the track doesn’t inconvenience. Should get the race run to suit and has a decent draw in stall 5.
Sandown
7:05 – Mekong – 4/1 @ William Hill & Ladbrokes – Mark Johnston saddles three of the five runners but my choice is the Sir Michael Stoute trained Mekong. Progressive as a 3-year-old the selection looked the sort to do well as 4-year-old. The gelding ended last season when runner-up in an Ascot Listed race last October. One first time up last season so fitness shouldn’t be an issue and could improve for the step up to 2m. Both turf wins have come on heavy ground, but he’s also run well on a quicker surface. The trainer has an excellent record at Sandown in Group & Listed races – 10 winners from 23 runners 43% +15.64 13 placed 57% since the start of 2015.
7:35 – Regal Reality – 7/4 @ Ladbrokes & Coral – The selection won a Group 3 at Goodwood last season. He wasn’t the best away when 3rd to Beat The Bank 27-days ago but stayed on well to finish just 1 ½ lengths behind the winner. Of the first three home he may have needed the run the most. The colt looks the sort to better as a 4-year-old. He’s only had the six career starts and should be the step up to 1m 2f.
Cheers
John