Yesterday’s Review

0.75pt e/way Staring Monday – A solid enough performance from the selection on a track that favours prominent racers. It was always going to be difficult to make up 5 lengths on the winner, who had a nice uncontested lead out in front. Hopefully connections can find a race that suits his style a bit more soon. Result 2nd 15/2, 7/1 advised R4 10c.

Today’s Advice

Popmaster (6f Handicap) A very competitive sprint at Newmarket (2.50) where a case could be made for quite a few. Ed Walker’s gelding is racing off a handicap mark of (95) which is his lowest since September 2021. He has some very nice efforts in handicaps off (100) in the past, most notably at Ascot in September when carrying 9st 12lbs and was just beaten a length by Lethal Nymph. I am willing to forgive his seasonal debut on ground that was very soft and feel he is one to be on the right side of for a nice handicap this year.

Equilateral (5f Group 3) Charles Hills veteran gelding has been disappointing since finishing third in a Group 2 at The Curragh last summer. Even at his beloved Meydan he ran two below par races in January and February. There were better signs on his final run in March, from a bad draw in stall (3) that he might be back to himself, when finishing fourth in a Group 3 over 6 furlongs. It may well be that he is past his best now and may even need the extra furlong. I am willing to have a small interest in him today to see if he can benefit from so many of the field having their seasonal debut.

Deputy (7f 6y Handicap) A straightforward enough task for Michael Dods gelding who may still be well treated off a mark of (75) tonight at Doncaster (8.25). The hood is back on that he wore for his two wins last Autumn and with the ground on the Soft side everything looks in place for a solid run. His speed figure of (106) carrying 9st 9lbs when winning over C/D last October would indicate that there is more to come from the son of Lawman. A nice seasonal debut behind the Cookstown Cafu (who has won again since) should set him up for tonight.

0.5pt e/way Popmaster (22/1 6 places Paddy Power/William Hill/Unibet/Bet365) Newmarket 2.50

0.5pt e/way Equilateral (18/1 4 places William Hill/888sport/Betvictor/Betfred/Boyles/Ladbrokes) Newmarket 4.00

1pt win Deputy (3/1 William Hill/888sport/Betvictor/CoralUnibet/Betfred/Boyles/Ladbrokes) Doncaster 8.25