Came From Nowhere put in a brilliant performance at Ascot and showcased why I thought he was going to run a big race in the Lanzarote last weekend.
The level of improvement from Came From Nowhere this season has been very taking. Even last time out, he didn't win that easily, but off a higher mark and in a better race, he has won like he is 15-20lbs ahead of the handicapper.
Throatlash put in a superb round of jumping from the front. My old pal (not really), Brian Hughes, gave a great ride and was very strong in the saddle.
Below The Radar nearly topped off a fantastic day, but he made too many errors and put in a sloppy jump every now and again. He plugged on at the one pace and lacked the gears to erode the deficit to the winner.
Highlands Legacy 2/1 (1pt) – Windsor 1.50
After watching Highlands Legacy beat my selection three runs ago, I decided to be a supporter of his, and he has since been tipped up twice.
On both occasions, he has gone close, and I think on both occasions he could have won, especially last time out. Jonjo messed about at Newbury, and the race was his for the taking, but that's over and done with now.
The handicapper keeps nudging him up a couple of pounds for every close finish, making life a little harder than it could be. Despite that, I think he has a very solid chance in this race, and I still believe he is ahead of the handicapper.
Mirabad rates as the main threat to Highlands Legacy after some good runs, but my selection has some good form and is still only rated 127.
Apples Moon 3/1 (1pt) – Fakenham 2.05
This isn't an easy race to work out, but I think every horse bar the bottom two are on marks they should be, and they can be surpassed.
It's always a gamble going for a lower-rated horse who is stepping up in grade. Usually, the grade catches them out, and they don't run to how they have previously. However, Apples Moon has progressed nicely this season for a yard going very well, and I think we've not seen the best of her.
Nicky Martin has been training for around 8 years, but has only ever had one runner at Fakenham. His sole runner didn't win, but it's a confidence booster that they are bringing his in-form mare to the track that he doesn't visit.
The form looks solid for her wins this year. The runner-up is a consistent horse who will pop up in a handicap at some point in the season.
She is a horse who doesn't win well on the eye, but she gets the job done, and that leaves the handicapper putting her up a few pounds. 3/1 is a fair price, and I think she deserves to be the favourite.
GambleAware