Saturday 2nd February 2013

Some excellent action this afternoon, two races really interest me and we'll have two bets in both.

2.05 Ffos Las

Tanerko Emery 4pts win @ 4/1 (Bet 365, Stan James, Betpack.com, William Hill, independents, guaranteed)

El Dancer 1pt each-way @ 28/1 (Stan James, Betpack.com, guaranteed, 28/1 Sporting Bet, 25/1 VC Bet, guaranteed)

An interesting renewal of a contest that is now a limited handicap. The top two in the betting look the best horses here, but of the pair I fancy the Pipe's Tanerko Emery and I think there is juice in the price at 4/1 guaranteed. He bears all the hallmarks of a plot horse, and his ownership would suggest this has been the target all season. There is a question mark over the trip, but connections have presumably had this day in mind all along and he gets plenty of weight off Oscar Dara. In addition, Oscar Dara looked a bit tired at the end of the Lanzarote and this gruelling two and a half miles may come too soon.

One horse with no question marks about ground, trip or recent form is El Dancer. He is far too big at 25/1+ and I'd make him a 16/1 shot in my book. He travels well into his races, he is a fine big horse and the big field won't bother him. His form behind African Gold looks most interesting and may have been underestimated. Connections have a 484 mile round trip to contend with and this is their only entry on the card - they clearly feel it is worth the hassle and I wouldn't be at all surprised if they picked up some prize money.

3.30 Lingfield

Spirit Of Sharjah 2.5pts win @ 12/1 (Generally, get guaranteed)

Emerald Wilderness 2.5pts win @ 12/1 (Generally, get guaranteed) - WON

Potentially lots of pace on here with Verse Of Love in stall one likely to make it, and Loyalty, Grey Mirage and potentially one or two others who like to race prominently. That might just set this up for a closer and I've selected two against the field. Spirit Of Sharjah is really well handicapped on his old form and although his defeat of Chapter And Verse last time should not be taken literally, it did show he is on good terms with himself. He is generally thought of as a seven furlong horse, but went close here over a mile when racing on the unfavourable (at the time) inside rail and he probably deserves another chance at the trip.

Emerald Wilderness has been in good form and ran close to his best last week behind Robin Hoods Bay. He is generally thought of as a ten furlong specialist, but he has taken a keen hold on more than one occasion and with the likelihood of a manic pace on the cards, his strong finishing ability and stamina might come into play in the final furlong. This could be set up for him and at the prices he is well worth supporting too.

Profit & loss: day: +22.50 / month: +13.50 / year: +68.81