NAP OF THE DAY: Melody King, (1450 Catterick), 1pt win, 9/1:
We like 3yos in open handicaps at this time of year and this fella comes from an in form yard. He improved for his comeback run when 5th last time at Windsor. He was never competitive there but was badly drawn. He’s much better berthed here and a 3lb drop in the ratings is welcome. This should be the first real chance to show what he can do, and he’s a tasty price to show that his Thirsk win of last year, which has worked out so well, was no fluke.
Mister Snowdon, (1410 Yarmouth), 7/2: a cracking race in which the unexposed Lady Eleanor, the improving Badri and the well in Recall The Show are all interesting, but they could be chasing shadows if Mister Snowdon is at his best. He really impressed over this course on fast ground when beating the very useful Enemy. He lost his unbeaten tag on soft in the Group 3 Jersey stakes at Royal Ascot, but that was no disgrace. Back here, back on the firm, and off a mark of 89 he could be a class apart.
The Dancing Poet, (1550 Catterick), 9/4: won here over hurdles in January, and looked to improve his flat form last time when stepped up to this trip at Haydock. He was second to a well handicapped horse that day, but most of today’s rivals look less dangerous and this looks an excellent opportunity for a win for the Brian Ellison yard which is starting to hit it’s stride.
Cepheus, (1845 Kempton), 7/2: how good a judge of a horse is trainer Brian Meehan? Well he thought enough of this guy to pitch him into the 2000 Guineas on reappearance, followed by a fair 6th in a top Royal Ascot handicap. He steps up further in trip here whilst making his all weather debut, but the booking of Jim Crowley looks good, and a mark of 86 plus the 3yo weight allowance makes him very interesting if he is anywhere as good as his trainer obviously thinks.
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