Wednesday April 14th

An excellent card at Newmarket today and must watch stuff from a seasonal point of view.

Keep an eye on Music Show in the Nell Gwyn, and Clive Brittain's Srda. Clifton Bridge looks interesting in the last, while Fuzzy Cat, Colonel Sherman and Harting Hill all look likely sorts at Kempton later tonight.

We'll be having two bets.

3.35 Newmarket Red Jazz 4pts win @ 11/2 (Stan James, guaranteed) WON

Represents the Barry Hills stable who have won this twice in recent years. Red Jazz looked a colt to follow when winning easily on his debut in a decent Windsor maiden this time last year. He followed up with a win at Ascot before bombing out at Royal Ascot behind Canford Cliffs. He did not run to form that day and was notably week in the market for most of the morning and pre-race. A few weeks later, he ran Arcano to within 3 1/2 lengths off level weights in the July Stakes, the winner, Orpen Grey and himself four lengths clear of the field. He got outpaced there before running on quite strongly and I am happy enough to take his stamina on trust for seven furlongs today on that basis and the fact that he is bred to be a miler. Seven furlongs with a midfield sit should be ideal, and if Michael Hills (not my favourite jock, but well capable and knows the horse) gives him the right ride I think he should win. I must admit I was quite excited when I seen 9/2 available this morning, I priced him up as an 11/4 shot myself and although we're only having four points on, I really like this is an excellent bet.

4.45 Newmarket Prizefighting 4pts win @ 7/2 (Generally, get guaranteed)
Made his debut in a decent Kempton maiden last backend and made an immediate impression, settled in midfield before making up giant strides in the closing stages to close down a gap of fully eight lengths to two good horses, eventually winning going away. This expensive son of Smart Strike was then sent to France for a Group 1 race only a few days later, and acquited himself well on ground that may not have been ideal. Providing he has done well over the winter, I reckon big things are in store for him this year. It is hard to tell just how good he is, but if he turns up here in the same form as at Kempton, he will definitely serve it up to the favourite. It's impossible to know how well he is until we see him on the track, but he looks such a good prospect I'm happy to have an interest at the price.