14:00 Wincanton
This is a good looking three miles and one furlong handicap chase with quite an open feel to it.
Spending Time for David Pipe is the likely favourite after winning very easily last time out at Huntingdon. That was in a lower class and he has been raised eight pounds for that win, however he appears to be going in the right direction and another bold showing is expected.
Velator is at the top of the handicap and has run pretty well in his races so far this year apart from last time out at Newton Abbot. He does like the ground to be good but that was on the firm side and he was never in the race. Today's conditions are far too soft though in my opinion and it will take a massive effort for him to be involved.
Nigel Twiston-Davies runs Fond Memory who is another that was victorious last time, winning a class four race at Kempton. He has got an extra six pounds to carry for that win but he does act on the soft surface. However, I think a rating of 121 is definitely on the high side from what we've seen so far and I'd be surprised if he was good enough to win from that mark today.
Kings Apollo is the bottom weight and fell last time at Newbury when still in with a decent chance. He runs from the same mark today with his usual pilot on board claiming seven pounds and if making a better jumping effort today, I think he definitely has place claims.
Aachen for Venetia Williams is the horse that I like. He has been running consistently in a higher class of race and has won in heavy conditions three times in the past. He won a class two, three mile chase at Doncaster earlier on in the year from a mark of 121 and is just two pounds higher today. At the prices I think he represents excellent value with his drop down in class and will take all the beating here today. Liam Treadwell rode him when winning at Doncaster and is back on board today, I expect him to either try and make the running or be extremely handy and will hopefully prove too strong at the business end of proceedings.
Today's Selection
Wincanton 14:00 - Aachen - 1 point @ 9/2 Boylesport