Friday 26th July 2013

Each-way returns had to do us from the Fahey horse, but it's always annoying to lose in a photo and Gladiatrix was beaten a nose on the line at Ascot. Not to worry, it has to be expected from time to time!

Looks out for possible price alerts this evening.

One for this evening.

6.30 York Corporal Maddox 1pt each-way @ 25/1 (Ladbrokes, William Hill, guaranteed, 22/1 Bet 365, VC Bet, guaranteed) AND 1pt win @ Betfair SP - E/W 3rd

Ron Harris has made a habit of sorting out old rogues and turning them into game as a pebble winning machines, and there were positives signs from the selection's last run at Newmarket behind today's favourite Picture Dealer. He had to be rousted throughout the race to keep his position, but my feeling is he may not have handled the track and he did run on very strongly once he met rising ground, only to find himself behind a wall of horses. A stiffer finish that he'll get today might be ideal, but a chance is taken given his price because he does look very well handicapped. The hood is retained today, and the trainer's sprinters invariably go well at this venue. I would hope he doesn't get outpaced early on, if he manages to lie up with or just off the pace in a good rhythm, his finishing power could bring him right into this if they go a good gallop early. 20/1+ is too big and he may well go off bigger on the machine so we'll have the win only part of the bet at Betfair SP.

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Afternoon bets:

Two for this afternoon, details at 5.30pm of any evening bets.

2.45 Thirsk Miaplacidus 2pts each-way AND 1pt win @ 9/1 (Generally, get guaranteed) - E/W 3rd

Represents the Fahey team, who won this race in 2010 and 2012, and saddled the runner up last year. The selection made a pleasing debut at Haydock, before progressing again over the same course and distance in the maiden won by Autumn Lily. Haydock's ground can get very quick, though, and I'm not sure she really let herself down on it. Being a Shamardal, genuine good ground would suit her better and I have a feeling Thirsk's underfoot conditions, although advertised as good to firm, might be more forgiving. She looks a physically impressive filly and suggested for all the world as though a step up to seven furlongs would be in her favour last time out. She has had a small break since then, but with the ground rattling fast just lately that doesn't worry me. She is nicely drawn in 5 and looks overpriced. The Godolphin trained favourite looks plenty short enough although she should improve, and I thought Inyordreams flattered to deceive a bit last time out and showed some signs of temperament in flashing her tail under pressure.

4.50 Ascot Gladiatrix 5pts win @ 9/2 (Generally, get guaranteed)

A very fast filly who has gone well at Sandown and should be suited by Ascot's demands. She pulled too hard last time out but her penultimate performance was probably a career best and with a good 5lb claimer booked today, she can confirm herself an improver. She is drawn well to get a tow into the race from Rylee Mooch and Rowe Park, and if the jockey can settle her early, I think she will take the beating. Although she was a bit bigger this morning, there were two non runners and 9/2 guaranteed still appeals as fair.

Profit & loss: day:-0.15 / month: -13.81 / year: +104.40