It's a busy weekend of action ahead and I've surprised myself with how many I've put up today and tomorrow. We kick off at Haydock and I think ZAIN NIGHTS is overpriced in what could be a weaker race than it looks at first glance. There are a few unexposed types in there and also a few exposed types who represent top yards but the bare form doesn't amount to much. The selection has ran in some good races throughout the season and has performed well. His master trainer had him entered in a good race at Haydock a few weeks back with William Buick booked to ride and that told me a lot as to what Roger Charltom thinks of him. I hope he still has some mileage in his mark.
If there is a future star on show at Newmarket tomorrow then I think it's COMMISSIONING who made quite an impression on me as well as many others last time out on debut. I've watched many Newmarket maiden races and I haven't seen too many clear away like that on debut with very little cover, racing away from the main action. It was a top class performance and although the bare form may not amount to much, she was miles ahead of them. The current 5/2 looks a good price and I'll chance my arm that my initial impression was correct.
POGO is a real consistent type and looks massively overpriced at 5/1 in a race which he nearly won last year. Only the classy Benbatl got the better of him last year which is strong form. His recent form is probably the strongest on offer here and I can't see any reason why he won't go close in a poor Group 2.
Haydock 2.40 – Zain Nights
Newmarket 3.00 – Commissioning
Newmarket 3.35 – Pogo
Saturday
The racing Gods haven't been too kind to PAWS FOR THOUGHT when it comes to the draw at his beloved Chester but he keeps on running well. He has been handed a slightly better draw tomorrow although still not ideal. Given he has run so well from really bad draws I hope he can go close tomorrow albeit in a strong race. Paul Mulrennan definitely owes this column a good ride so hopefully it arrives tomorrow.
I have been very impressed by TRILLIUM in her most recent starts and she certainly looks a top notch 2 year old. The way she ground down a high class rival last time out at Doncaster over 5f was most impressive and to me she is crying out for the step up to 6f. At 5/2 she looks good value for a shorty.
In the big race itself I'll fire two darts at the board as I do with most of these big handicaps. It looks like you need a high draw based on recent renewals and most of those drawn high are a decent price if you wanted to take a punt. I'm quite keen on BELL ROCK who is tailor made for the race but hasn't quite been able to get his head in front in previous renewals. His run last time out suggests he is back to somewhere near his best so a switch back to a track he gets on so well at will hopefully spark further improvement.
If there is something lurking down the bottom I think it might be ELECTRICAL STORM who has returned from two seasons out in good form this term. He shaped as if this trip would be ideal in his last two runs and with Cieren Fallon jocked up, I'd be hopeful of a positive showing.
Chester 2.15 – Paws For Thought
Newmarket 2.25 – Trillium
Newmarket 3.40 – Bell Rock / Electrical Storm
