It was a couple of duds for Monday, and I expected a lot more from Nad Alshiba Green.
Norman Invasion gave it a good crack from the front at Redcar. He set a solid gallop, but was no match for the Haggas winner. The winner looks like he could cut it at a much higher level. He showed a lovely cruising speed, and despite showing greenness, he powered clear.
Nad Alshiba Green found herself behind the crowd, and Rossa didn't manage to find the gap. I don't think it would have made much of a difference as she didn't pose a threat when the door was closed, and I don't think she was checked badly.
Classic Encounter 15/8 (1.5pt) – Redcar 3.50
I've always been a fan of Classic Encounter, but he hasn't gone on to win as many races as I thought he was going to.
I watched him win at this track at the start of last year, and I liked what I saw, but he gets going too late in his races. Billy Loughnane hasn't made the trip up to Redcar, which is a slight concern, but this is a drop in grade for Classic Encounter, and he should find this a much easier assignment.
Giles Glory 11/2 (1pt) – Leicester 3.40
I didn't expect to see a Tom Ellis runner at Leicester, as he is a jumps trainer by trade. I've not kept up to date with the flat racing whilst the jumps were still in the driving seat, and it looks like he has two horses run on the flat and he's managed to get one to win.
Based on how good a trainer he is with his jump horses, I'd be very confident that he can get flat horses to improve for a transition to his yard as well. The jockey booking of Oisin Murphy instantly gives me plenty of confidence that today could be the day to get on Giles Glory, who is only making his second start for this stable.
My selection has won before, albeit on the all-weather, so we know he can get his head in front. I didn't think he ran too badly last time out on his stable debut, and with the main man in the saddle, he's got to have a fighting chance.
Frantic 9/4 (2pt) – Leicester 4.40
Even though the Kieran Shoemark and Ed Walker combination didn't produce a winner for us yesterday, I think they have a solid chance with Frantic.
If this horse has an ounce of speed like her mother, then her opening handicap mark of 70 has to be within reach. She hasn't won on her first three starts, but she has hinted at enough ability to suggest she can be better now that she is entering handicaps.
This doesn't look like a strong race to start her campaign in handicaps, so 9/4 seems a fair price.
GambleAware