The rides that both horses got were very questionable, but both were apprentices, so I've got no one to blame but myself.
Dashing Dick nearly lasted home after setting a very strong pace, and only found one too good, who came late. That ride by Jack Dace was very nearly the perfect ride, so I don't have any problems with it. It's a game of small margins sometimes, and that race was living proof of it.
As for Ruby Wedding, it was a painful watch. She might not have won if Alfie Redman got her out early enough, but I think it would have been extremely close. She was off the bridle, but continued to keep with the group, and when she started to get on the bridle, she found no room whatsoever.
Reem Rak 7/2 – Nottingham 1.59
This is an interesting race, and I don't think there's a lot between the majority of the runners. It might seem odd going with Reem Rak considering she is shorter in the market and was behind Hello Friend when they previously met, but I think she is the better horse.
The favourite has been well-supported and has more than halved in price since the market opened. With confidence floating, it does make me a little nervous about going against her, but she has it all to prove based on what we know.
Reem Rak was progressing nicely until last time out when she encountered heavy ground. She was slowly away, and around Haydock on heavy ground, it can be extremely difficult to come from off the pace. She didn't run terribly, and she has to be worth another chance. Prior to that, she was a 16L winner and then lost by a neck, with a strong run late into the race, and in hindsight, Ray Dawson got after her too late.
Considering she dropped an RPR of 89 and she is now 1lb lower than when finishing behind Hello Friend, I think she has an outstanding chance.
Northern Viola 3/1 – Nottingham 2.59
On her last start when she won at Beverley, I was debating backing Northern Viola but talked myself out of it, and instead I went for the Sir Mark Prescott horse. In all fairness, the race unfolded how I expected, but when I saw Northern Viola lurking around and staying on, I was very annoyed.
Based on how well she stayed on at Beverley, I don't see it being a negative that they are going up by two more furlongs. She clearly stays well, and the handicapper has only put her up by 2lbs, which gives her every chance to win back-to-back races.
She manages to run off 8st 2lbs again, which is clearly a huge advantage, and James Sullivan is more than happy to make this weight. This is James' lowest riding weight, and it will be a struggle for him, but considering he is willing to do it, it shows that they think she can win once more.
GambleAware