Yesterday’s Review

1pt e/way Marlay Park – Urban Sprawl didn’t get involved in the battle for the lead, leaving Lord Rapscallion alone on the front end. The selection was a little bit keen and landed a bit too prominent when the positions were set. Ideally more pace was needed, but he was beaten fair and square on the day. Result 3rd 11/2, 5/1 adv…SP 8/1.

Today’s Advice

1pt e/way Artistic Star (Epsom Derby) Ralph Beckett’s doubts about showing up for The (1.30) Epsom Derby, eighteen days ago, have disappeared now. The son of Galileo holds my best speed figure in the race (112) recorded at Sandown over 9f 209y lto when beating John Gosden’s Torito by 1.25L. With plenty of stamina in the pedigree, this step up in distance to 12f 6y should pose no problem. The main questions are the short recovery time from the seasonal debut and his lack of experience. At a double figure price, I am happy to have a sporting investment that he may just build on that strong performance at Sandown.

1pt e/way Nivelle’s Magic (10f Hcap) The handicapper has left Simon Earle’s filly unchanged in the handicap ratings on (46) for today’s (5.35) Lingfield. With the dam Nihal having won over 12f, tonight’s step up in distance looks within her compass. Badly hampered when making her effort in the home straight at Chelmsford lto (when selected by this column at 14/1), we will be hoping for better luck tonight. The George Boughey trained favourite Gallimimus will be difficult to stop in search of his hat-trick. Only the handicapper can explain how his horses are even allowed a handicap mark after three efforts that obviously did not reflect the horse’s ability.

1pt e/way Artistic Star (18/1 4 places only Unibet/Betvictor/Betfred 16/1 others) Epsom 1.30

1.5pt e/way Nivelle’s Magic (20/1 4 places only Generally) Lingfield 5.35