Beverley - 4:15 (12 July 2005)

5f - Freefone 0800 1-38-48-38 Handicap (Class 6) 3yo+

Course Description
Right-handed oval course with a stiff uphill finish of 2½ furlongs. Due to the nature of the course, this track is not really suitable for the adoption of waiting tactics. Form Students should give the claims of course and distance winner’s particular consideration.

Draw Bias at 5f
High numbers dominate (top 6 six stalls) results over this distance and one of the strongest biases in the entire country.

Analysis
Selection: Betty Pride, Indian Bazaar (1 pt win)

A trappy low class affair, but given the draw bias a race that is just about workable. There are quite few horses that like to race prominently drawn high and I suspect that the winner will be one that likes to come from off the pace. The contenders are

Draw 20 - Larkey’s Lob. Our bookmaking friends have him down as the favourite based on drawn position. Not rated too highly on speed ratings and all winning form has been in low grade All Weather affairs. Has placed second at Beverley from a high draw position but that was on good/soft ground a long time ago and his form on firm going is poor. Too many doubts for my liking

Draw 19 – Abelard. Second string based on jockey assignments. Has conditions to suit today (5 furlongs/firm going/draw) but longstanding maiden. Place prospects?

Draw 18 – Betty Pride. We handicapped and decent on speed ratings. Missed break on a number of occasions which is a concern but dropped in class today. A definite contender if the leaders go off too fast.

Draw 17 - Selkirk Storm. First of the horses that like to race prominently. No recent form. On breeding requires further?

Draw 16 - Indian Bazaar. Positive is that he will be chasing the leaders so no trouble in running, but 4lb higher than last win. Fully exposed which is a concern but well handicapped on old form, has the right profile (pace, draw) to be contesting at the finish.

Draw 15 - Saintly Place. Likes to race prominently. Outclassed based on handicap ratings.

Draw 14 – Fox Covert. Likes to race prominently. Poor recent form. Only win has been over 6 furlongs so stiff finish at the end of 5 furlongs might suit if the leaders go off to fast. Downside is the “magic sign” are laying at big prices.