Saturday's Lucky 15 was nearly a solid bet. We hit the crossbar with two of the runners, one in second and one in third.
Eutropia 7/2 – Salisbury 4.57
It won't be easy for Eutropia to win, as Ashley Lewis is no longer in the saddle, which means that the 5lb that he claimed last time out is no longer around. Billy Loughnane is in the saddle, and given that I think he is one of the better flat jockeys, it has to be deemed worth it.
My selection has been in great form this season, especially at Bath, where he has found two wins and an unlucky fifth last time out. He didn't get a clear passage at this venue in May, so there's no reason why he can't continue his progression with a nice run through.
Johnny Boom 17/2 – Salisbury 5.32
The ground isn't going to get softer than what it is, unless the weather forecast is wrong, but it should stay good to soft. So with that said, Johnny Boom is being overlooked, which doesn't add up, as he seems one of the most comfortable on slow-ish ground.
Johnny Boom has started this season off well, with two encouraging efforts. He was second at Pontefract and third at Leicester. Both of his runs were deemed better than his handicap mark, so I don't understand why his odds are as big as they are in a race without a clear winner.
Holly Mist 9/4 – Doncaster 2.00
In what appears to be a weak race, with only the front two having a chance in my opinion, I'll take a risk that the step up in trip will see Holly Mist get her first win.
I don't like having a bet in apprentice races, as they can throw up weird and wacky results due to the inexperienced jockeys, but with it being weak, I think it's worth a try. Jack Nicholls isn't a bad apprentice, and Roger Varian sending this horse to Doncaster is a positive sign. The yard is in great form at the moment.
Based on how this filly has run over shorter distances, it looks like she lacks the speed and needs more of a stamina test, which is why I think this longer trip will suit.
Raneem 9/4 – Doncaster 2.30
Hopefully, Roger Varian will have a good day at Doncaster, as this is the second horse from his stable that I am tipping up.
Ray Dawson is on board for the ride on Raneem, making the trip up to Doncaster for the one ride. This is Raneem's debut, and it looks like a race that a horse with this pedigree can win. He is by Frankel, and out of a Listed placed mare, who is related to many black type horses. The money has arrived for this horse on debut. I doubt she'll get shorter, but if she does, that's a huge sign that they think she is well above average.
GambleAware