The handicapper may regret leaving READYSTEADYBEAU on the same mark after his maiden hurdle win at Haydock. The second has since come out and won easy off 105 which immediately makes the selection's mark of 107 look lenient. If you scratch the surface though you will see his novice hurdle form is also pretty strong which makes the 107 look even better. I will be surprised if he isn't in the mix up come the finish at Wetherby this afternoon.
Wetherby 1.25 – Readysteadybeau
Saturday
At first glance of the weekend's racing I didn't think I would find much to get excited about but I have managed to find 4 selections.
First up is FARINET in the 1.15 at Sandown and although I would like a bigger price I think he has outstanding claims. Venetia Williams has her string in fine form as you would expect her to in the middle of winter and I suspect this lad is a lot better than his most recent effort at Cheltenham.
A late comer to these shores he confirmed himself as a smart horse when winning here in March on just his second start for the stable. He looked to find things happening too fast for him last time out in an ultra competitive handicap and he will be much better suited to these calmer waters on this softer ground. It isn't the strongest of races and could be a nice confident booster for him.
One horse who doesn't lack confidence is NUMITOR whose bold running style is becoming more and more admirable every race. He ran a mighty race last time at Newbury when just bumping into one but the form reads well either way. He seems to run well fresh so Heather Main has given him plenty of time to get over that and he should be ready to roll in the 1.50.
It looked like HERMES BOY won a decent Exeter handicap last time and the way the form has worked out since confirms those initial findings. Being by Diamond Boy he should love the heavy ground on offer today and with Jane Williams boasting such a fine record in these Sandown handicaps with similar types I expect him to take all the beating off a lowly weight.
Across at Wincanton I think STOLEN SILVER can bounce back to winning ways. His form with Editeur Du Gite is very strong and I liked the way he plodded on admirably in a Grade 1 last time. The step up in trip around a tight track like Wincanton should suit and he looks a solid option in a weak looking race.
Sandown 1.15 Farinet
Sandown 1.50 Numitor
Sandown 3.35 Hermes Boy
Wincanton 3.15 Stolen Silver
