Yesterday’s Review

1pt e/way Laoisman – As can be with horses having the second run of their career there is a likely possibility that they won’t be able to repeat their debut performance. In this case, the selection got very upset in the stalls, and as is the norm with UK Racing it rarely starts on time. Harry Davies’ mount was left in the stalls for 5-6 minutes, as the stalls handlers were very casual about loading the horses. I was a little surprised he was allowed to run. Laoisman ran 11L slower than his performance at Pontefract. Interestingly, Quddwah recorded a speed figure of (104), the same as the selection did last time out.

1pt e/way Hiromichi – Initially I had put this horse’s poor performance down to the ground, however the track was riding 6L slower than standard. This was the fastest race on the card with the winner Repertoire recording a decent (108). The selection could only manage a lowly (98). While this may have been a deeper (0-85) than the one which he won at Bath, I also feel something was amiss with Jack Channon’s grey today.

0.5pt e/way Sword Beach – The hope for better ground for the selection was seen by the first race on the card riding 6L faster than standard. Unfortunately for the selection, by the time the last race came around, the track was riding Good to Soft following 3.5mm of rain and it being well opened up. He did hit a low of 6.6 in-running when coming there with a chance over 2f out, but a combination of the draw and the ground meant he came up just short of the places. I feel it would have been a different story if this race was the first of the day. He’s one to bear in mind back on Good to Firm going at Windsor.

0.5pt e/way Morning Approach – Willie McCreery’s mare ran a nice race on better ground at a track she usually performs well at. I felt she was a little too far back when they settled, but she wouldn’t have troubled the winner. Also it appears the low draws at Leopardstown seem to be at a disadvantage if they stay near the inside rail in the home straight. Happy enough with the place considering it was her first run back in 55 days. Result 4th 12/1 adv…SP 8/1

Today’s Advice

Carnival Zain (7f Handicap) Micky Hammond’s gelding returns to Thirsk (4.17) over a distance that he has won at in the past. The son of Youmzain is known as a prominent racer that goes best on a sound surface. So the fact that he recorded a career best speed figure (113) last time out, at this track over the extended 7f on Soft (Good to Soft) going, is a big positive. He is 5lbs better off with Billyb on last August’s C/D win and everything looks in place for a decent performance today. Aiden Brookes is on board again and it is his 5lb claim that could make all the difference. It could be argued that Billyb has been given too much to do on past efforts, but it looks to me that the selection finds more at the finish. It will be an interesting rematch today and I’m just hoping that the selection doesn’t get involved too early in the contest with other prominent racers.

1pt e/way Carnival Zain (13/2 General 4 places Paddy Power/Betfred/Boylesports) Thirsk 4.17