Shobiz – 5-year-old gelding; Charlie Hills – Charles Hills’ gelding was weak in the betting for his seasonal debut at Goodwood last week, but ran a very solid race to finish third. He had won on his return last year, form that was well franked, but didn’t really kick on in two starts at Windsor, although I don’t really think he enjoyed the track there. This was much more like it and he remains on a competitive mark when conditions are right.
Follow when running over 6f on soft ground.
Going Underground – 6-year-old gelding; Wilf Storey – Going Underground nearly made this column following his penultimate start where he closed well of a slow pace, and he again caught the eye last time out. This hold up performer is rarely going to get the kind of setup he needs at Musselburgh, and he again made a big move off on the worst part of the track which he was never going to be able to sustain. Desperately unlucky not to win twice at Newcastle over the winter, he remains extremely well treated when things drop right.
Follow over a mile at a galloping track – ideally on a straight track – on the all-weather or on good or good-to-soft ground.
Greek Giant – 3-year-old gelding; Ed Dunlop – this strong son of Teofilo is well named and a messy race around Chelmsford would not have suited him at all. Trapped wide off the slow gallop, he eventually ended up weaving around on the inside, and was never able to fully use his stride, finishing a very creditable 4th in the circumstances.
Follow over a mile or 10f on the all-weather or on going softer than good.
Bay Dream Believer – 4-year-old filly; Mark Walford – Bay Dream Believer caught the eye a couple of times last season, notably when throwing in some good late splits in a Novice race at Epsom where she closed off a steadyish pace to finish close up to some good horses. She subsequently ran well in a handicap at Windsor where she split two subsequent winners, but has lost her way for the Mark Halford yard. However, there were signs of revival last time out at Redcar, where she made a good move down the centre of the track and plugged on well. That hasn’t been the place to be for a long time at Redcar, and she can be upgraded for that run. While that run was only in a seller, it was a spark of life after some dull runs and it wouldn’t surprise me if she starts to find her form now.
Follow over 8-10f on good ground or worse in class 6 races.
Don’t Look Back – 5-year-old gelding; Lucinda Russell – Don’t Look Back is another horse that nearly made the column following a run at Musselburgh against the flow. He again ran extremely well last time out at Hamilton where he had to make a big move on the outside off a moderate pace on ground that was probably also a bit quick. He remains very well treated when getting his conditions.
Follow over a testing mile or over 10f on good ground or softer.
