Saturday 7th September 2013

Three races of interest for Saturday.

2.05 Haydock Normal Equilibrium 1pt each-way AND 2pts win @ 15/2 (Bet 365, Bet Victor, William Hill, independents, get guaranteed)

Gets a rail draw which should be an advantage, and should handle the ground having showed a liking for it when winning at Chester in May. He was never really well placed at York last time out from stall two, but battled on well enough for third. I would hope he gets a tow into this from Judge 'N' Jury, and if Neil Callan can deliver him late after settling him, I think he has the beating of these rivals.

2.55 Kempton Storm King 1pt each-way AND 2pts win @ 12/1 (Generally, get guaranteed)

Pricewise has knocked a couple of points off his price but there is a chance this will drift on course and to be honest I'd made the selection a 17/2 shot on my tissue so anything in double figures is value in my mind. The selection has showed some improved form on turf this summer but he travels like a dream on this surface and I would argue that a mile at this track is his optimum course and distance. He is drawn quite well in stall seven to take a prominent sit, and I don't see anything to be frightened of amongst the shorter priced horses.

5.10 Ascot

Stone Of Folca 1pt each-way AND 1pt win @ 20/1 (Generally, get guaranteed)

Port Alfred 3pts win @ 8/1 (Generally, get guaranteed)

Stone Of Folca drops in class here and I really like the booking of thinking man's jockey Steve Drowne, who has ridden many winners for John Best in the past. This is a horse who will pop up when least expected and I find it interesting Best has sent him here. It looks a decent piece of placement at a track he has performed well at in the past. He would not want much rain but he is drawn well in my view and I have a sneaking feeling they might try holding him up or settling him in midfield rather than tear assing off in front as he has done for most of the last two years.

Port Alfred looks certain to appreciate a bigger field and probably this sand-based track too looking at his action. He has an awful lot of speed and will need a strong pace and holding up to produce his best here. Saying that, I would think there is potential to be unlocked and he might just be a class above these. A win interest at 8/1 is added.

Profit & loss: day: -14.00 / month: +14.00 / year: +258.79