Yesterday’s Review

0.5pt e/way Raasil (105) – It was right to oppose the favourite who hadn’t been seen in public for 126 days. The selection made another step forward on the clock as we know the Seemar stable runners usually do. He raced in midfield and once switched outside in the home straight he was able to close down the leaders for a 1.75 length victory. Result 1st 13/2, 11/2 adv…10/3 SP.

 

0.75pt e/way san Sebastain (105) – A fine performance from the selection who met all sorts of trouble down the inside before eventually finding the gaps to snatch the bronze medal at the line. Jockey Charlie Bennett (who had won the Purebred Arabian Group 3 contest on the card earlier) did well to find daylight from a difficult position and the selection should relish another furlong as he ran on well in the finish. Result 2nd 12/1 adv…20/1 SP.

 

1pt e/way Desert Horizon (100) – The selection was a long way off his recent victory on the clock and I have to say I wasn’t happy with the ride from Sam Hichcott. The six-year-old showed great early pace to pull over a length clear of the winner Lahresh (105) and there was room to slot in behind the leading duo. Unfortunately, the pilot made no attempt to take the rail and sat three wide the whole way round. The first and second sat on the rail the whole way round. Small details early on in races can have a greater affect on finishing positions.

 

1pt win Diamond Dealer (110) – There is a reason Tadhg O’Shea has won so many championships in the Middle East and this ride demonstrated that in full glory. The selection was poorly away from the gates but the pilot never stopped pushing until he had passed most of his rivals and sat right beside the front runner and claimed the 2 path. From there the race was all over providing the horse was in the same mood as the last day which he was. He went clear in the home straight to record a 2.75 length victory and should be able to take a step uo in grade soon. Result 1st 4/1 adv…11/4J SP.

 

Today’s Advice

NO KNEE NEVER (7f 14y Hcap) – The (6.00) Southwell has the Iain Jardine trained Qazaq installed as the short price favourite and he has dropped a long way in the weights since making all in a handicap from a 20lb higher mark back in November 2024 for Roger Varian. He showed a bit more than usual the last day when keeping on over course and distance behind Goldmoyne while sporting a tongue tie (which is removed today). There are enough question marks there for me to look elsewhere and the selection has enough course and distance form to warrant a small interest.

He was very busy when we last seen him at the beginning of the month having raced three times in 12 days and had bumped into recent improver Packetofbiscuits a couple of times. Decent efforts on the clock from last month would give him a chance notably when behind Fools Rush In and the aforementioned John Mackie runner. The handicapper has dropped him two pounds since his last effort and up and coming apprentice Ashley Lewis (who has ridden 8 winners in February) takes another handy 5lbs off his back. As a prominent racer it is hoped that he can find a nice position from his wide draw and from there send the son of No Nay Never home for his third career victory.

 

SPORTS COACH (4f 214y Hcap) – The (8.30) Southwell sees a rematch between the selection and Master Of My Fate from their race at the end of last month. The runner-up looked a shade unlucky in the run and he was closing down the eventual winner nicely at the line having raced in touch of the leaders. The winner likes to race prominently and with a bit more contested pace in tonight’s contest with Ay Gee Ell and The Bell Conductor in opposition the form might just be turned around on 3lb better terms.

The Anthony Brittain trained runner has shown plenty of class in the past having raced off an 11lb higher mark and if he can step forward from that seasonal debut should have a decent chance of returning to the winners’ enclosure providing he can avoid the dreaded bounce factor.

 

0.5pt e/way No Knee Never (8/1 Paddy Power, 15/2 Ladbrokes, Coral) 6.00 Southwell

1pt win Sports Coach (11/4 William Hill, 888sport, 5/2 general) 8.30 Southwell