Yesterday’s Review

1.5pts win Kal Barg (99) – The original intention was to have a small each way on this horse when the market opened up at 9/2. Unfortunately, by the time enough books had priced up the general 9/4 was very unsavoury. I should have abandoned ship on this one. This was a long way off the (106) figure I had in mind for the horse going on his last effort over course and distance. A case could be made for the 49 day absence, but looking at how he carries his head to the left in his run, I would be happy avoiding this one going forward.

2pts win Turjman (100) – A seven lengths per mile inferior effort from his win on the bridle over six furlongs at this venue in January. They say if you get 5/4 about 8/15 shots going forward you will be in profit. This type of bet is not my usual style, and on this occasion I was caught with my hand in the cookie jar. There was enough evidence there not to get involved following his disappointing effort at Meydan. I will file this one in the bad pick box.

0.75pt e/way Makfoul (109) – A similar effort on the clock to his latest effort over course and distance. He does look difficult to get to go forward under maximium pressure after travelling well during his races. The winner Alhzeem (110) ran a remarkable race dropped in from stall sixteen, and looks worth keeping an eye on going forward. Result 3rd 10/1 adv…10/1 SP.

Today’s Advice

Franz Strauss (9F 98Y Group 2) – This five-year-old endured a very wide trip over course and distance when finishing second behind easy winner Kabirkhan in a Group 1 last time out. On that occasion he wore first time blinkers, and he finished ahead of plenty of today’s rivals. He looks a little overpriced in the market for today’s (2.25) Meydan providing he can find a similar performance with the blinkers on again. His last four efforts over extended nine furlong trips at this venue read 1122, and with a slighly better draw in stall nine hopefully he can get into a better position today. Nevershow Weakness was wildly impressive last time out, but he has been well found in the market, and a wide draw in stall twelve could make things tricky.

Astrophysics (6F 20Y Hcap) – This twelve-year-old has been catching the eye lately over five and six furlong trips. As a hold-up performer he does need luck in his races, and a decent pace to aim at. He takes a drop in class today to a (0-55), and his last effort over this course and distance at the end of January (in a higher grade when not getting a clear run) reads well in the context of tonight’s (6.00) Wolverhampton. That race has yielded three next time out winners in Ignac Lamar, El Hibri and Starsong, plus a second time out winner in Alafdhal. He is currently six pounds below his last winning handicap mark of 60, and looks ready for a win. With plenty of pace looking likely on paper from Dodgy Bob, Nordic Glory and Coast the race should be run to suit.

0.75pt e/way Franz Strauss (8/1 William Hill/Coral/Ladbrokes 4 places) 2.25 Meydan

1pt e/way Astrophysics (6/1 General 4 places) 6.00 Wolverhampton