Sunday 30th March 2014

One race of interest this afternoon.

3.20 Doncaster

Another Wise Kid 2pts win @ 11/1 (Stan James, Betpack.com, guaranteed, 10/1 generally guaranteed)

Lastchancelucas 1pt each-way @ 25/1 (Bet Victor, Paddy Power, Ladbrokes, Betfair Sportsbook, guaranteed)

Bedloe's Island 1pt each-way @ 25/1 (Bet Victor, Coral, guaranteed, 20/1 generally guaranteed)

Unusually I've decided to take a three pronged attack on this sprint handicap, mainly because I'm happy to oppose those at the head of the market - 7/1 the field suggests nobody is too confident about who should be favourite and I'm not keen on Sir Reginald or Flyman, much and all as they are likely to be tuned up.

Of the shorter prices, Another Wise Kid appeals best. His yard have been going well and their runners seem more forward this year than they were in 2013. The selection ran really well in this race last year, but this year has had a prep and has the notable booking of Graham Lee where Mickey Fenton was in the plate last year. Lee will suit this horse, track, trip and ground will too and although he can't be described as chucked in he should certainly run his race.

Lastchancelucas represents a trainer who is a dab hand with sprinters. The selection can go well fresh, and kept some hot company as a three year old last season behind the likes of Lancelot Du Lac and Secondo at York. I think a straight six furlongs on soft ground is his optimum, and he is well handicapped off OR80. He is a four year old now and taking on all aged company will be easier than being pitted against classy three year olds. The question mark is his fitness level, but were he to turn up ready here he would go close off this kind of mark.

Bedloe's Island isn't getting any younger, but seemed to improve for the switch to Alan McCabe when winning a 5f Southwell handicap at a big price last December. That showed he can go well after a break, and McCabe seems to have resisted the temptation to take in another Southwell handicap in favour of keeping the horse fresh for the turf. This is a horse who has given trouble at the stalls and I know McCabe's team have done plenty of work with him to help him settle and relax at the races. If he is well behaved today, the strong pace and soft ground will suit. It is anyone's guess whether he can get home over six furlongs, but a relaxed horse can achieve things previously unattainable under mental duress, and with Tom Queally (who rode the winner of this race last year) in the plate he has a very able partner to guide him home.

Profit & loss: day: -6.00 / month: -77.15 / year: -62.95