Three runners became two on Wednesday due to a non-runner, and it was probably for the best as the two who did run didn't exactly cover themselves in glory…
I thought the Lucinda Russell outsider didn't run too badly in the grand scheme of things. He was never put into the race, being anchored in last spot for 99% of the race, but stayed on quite well, eventually finishing in sixth. His jumping wasn't great, and the pace they set wasn't exactly a strong one, so for him to go past horses towards the end was an encouraging sign, but it didn't do me any favours with money on him.
Hyperchromatic 5/2 – Beverley 3.15
It probably is best to leave the three-year-old races alone for a few weeks, as it's hard to determine which horses have trained on etc, and there will likely be a few upsets, but I did think Hyperchromatic made a good impression on his returning effort last time out and with that run under his belt, he can get a third career win.
Not many in this race stand out to me as a threat to my selection, other than Bowen Island, who also returned to racing with a decent effort last time out around a month ago. The rest do not concern me at all, even if they improve, as other than Bowen Island, no horse has (except Hyperchromatic) has had a run this season, so they'll likely need the run.
Hyperchromatic has some decent form from last season, especially the two races he won, one being on the AW and the other on soft ground. The soft ground win at Newmarket stands out the most as those in behind have franked the form, including the third-place horse, who was a runner-up to Glittering Legend, who has since won the Listed mile race at Newcastle on AW Champions Day the other weekend, recording an RPR of 107.
Obviously, he is yet to win on ground this quick, but his pedigree suggests it will be fine, and Marco Botti's 26% SR at this track is always a confidence booster that connections think they are in with a fighting chance.
Two B Tanned 13/8 (Skybet/WilliamHill) – Beverley 3.47
In the very next race I think the favourite could be too good for this weak field, and could be too far ahead the handicapper.
Two B Tanned showed something we had previously not seen from her as she won under Joe Fanning in fantastic fashion from the front over today's C&D. She was not fancied for the race, as she won at odds of 25/1, but it was her first run in the cheekpieces which definitely worked.
First time headgear works first time around a lot of the time, but whether they can have the same outcome two times in a row is always the big question, and I will be hoping that they have the desired effect for the second run in a row. If they do, I think she should be very tough to peg back.
Last time out, she was drawn wide, but managed to get to the front, which is so often the best place to be at Beverley because it can be very tough to come from behind. She is drawn in Stall 2 this time around, so if she breaks well, she won't have to use anywhere near the level of petrol to get to the front. This race is technically a drop in class as well, as this is a Class 6 whereas last time out it was a Class 5, and she is not carrying the full 5lb penalty, as for some reason she only has to carry 3lbs more than last time out, and given how easily she won, I think she is a solid bet, even at a short price.
GambleAware