Karnaval Point ensured we walked away with at least one winner on Tuesday.
At a few stages, I thought he wasn't going to be able to keep up the pace. He came under pressure on a couple of occasions, but managed to wear down the leader. Eventually, he won quite easily.
Arisaig struggled to bridge the gap from the wide stall and from the rear. I did mention that was my main concern, and on a slightly more conventional track, I think she would have been a much shorter price and definitely the winner. She finished third and was staying on strongly, but it was going to be a struggle from where she started.
Nunc Est Bibendum 5/2 (1pt) – Kempton 7.13
We've missed the early price on him, and I wouldn't be backing him if he were shorter than the 5/2 that he is currently priced at.
Gary & Josh Moore's yard is finding their feet again, so it's easy to understand why the price is shortening on this runner. Their horse was progressing nicely at the start of this year on the artificial surfaces, winning a couple of times after winning in December. I think his run at Southwell with a 7lb claimer in the saddle has to be overlooked. That was his third run in a short period of time, which evidently took its toll.
He returned on the turf at Epsom with a very solid effort. Based on his record, he is a better horse on the AW, so to see him run an encouraging race at Epsom was pleasing. He has taken another miniature break, so fitness will have to be proven. However, the yard have been getting a fair share of winners in the last week or so, which makes me believe they'll have him cherry ripe.
I believe that he is still on a good handicap mark of 75. The form of his Epsom run has been boosted a fair few times by a number of horses. The winner has since finished in the places of two highly competitive class 2 races. The third-placed horse was second in a class 2 at York, and then fifth at Royal Ascot.
GambleAware