Betfair Official Blog

Third time lucky for Charlie

Belle Vue 20:10

Clontrubid Lass (T1) returns to the fray following a two-month spell on the sidelines. She is at the veteran stage of her career (May 2002 whelp) but still has the necessary skills to give A6 rivals a run for their money. She turns up the volume along the far side, but fitness has to be a slight concern.

Horseleap Mick (T2) is hardly setting the track alight at the moment. His latest form figures tell the story (6th, 6th, 4th, 4th & 6th). It has to be said though that he is capable of scoring in a fast time when everything goes according to schedule. He will be looking for a forward position early in the game.

Tabley Charlie (T3) has been valiant in defeat in both excursions to date. It's time to start paying the bills and tonight could be the night! He has a golden opportunity to be on the bunny from the outset and connections will be hoping he can poach a race-winning advantage.

Tewmax Minnie (T4) has gone very close but she has yet to crack the A6 combination although it shouldn't be long before she puts that to rights. She travels with menace approaching the second last corner although there is one small negative, her track craft isn't the greatest which means hold-ups en-route are a possibility.

Kety Star (T5) much to like about her initial appearance and she is sure to come on leaps and bounds for the experience. It's prudent to budget for a hefty time-clip and her maiden success won't be long in coming. More than likely this well bred puppy, by Premier Fantasy, will employ a stalking style of attack.

Bellair Bypass (T6) allows others to do the donkey-work before bringing her big engine into operation. Having the outside passage all to herself, a trouble-free route is virtually assured.

'Smudgers' to defy the upgrade

Belle Vue 20:40

Cefneithen Bear (T1) scored at this level of combat three runs ago. His trapping technique isn't always spot-on, but there is certainly no quibble regarding his overall speed. The location against the inside rails is as good as it gets.

Smudgers Pride (T2) broke his maiden tag last Friday in front-running fashion. He incurs the inevitable penalty but the manner of his success implies there is more in the tank. 'Smudgers' is strongly fancied to quickly have the opposition strung out and he can keep enough in reserve to stave off boarders.

Boggy Creek (T3) scored on his debut venture but he has struggled to get in a telling blow since he was promoted to A4 category. He seems happiest of all when front-shooting, therefore it is imperative he comes out on top during the initial conflict.

Corbally Rogue (T4) returns to competitive action following a well-earned vacation. His 28:80 'blow-out' under trial conditions is par for the course and he warrants maximum respect. He will build up a head of steam on the final swing for home.

Breeze Hill Pat (T5) has enjoyed a fair amount of success this year over both standard and staying distances. At this evening's 470 metres, he will be looming large as the contest draws to a conclusion.

Laburnum Amber (T6) has been off-duty since February 23rd owing to an injury setback. Class-wise he is well catered for but her re-qualifying times were nothing to write home about and it may be advisable to wait for some positive signals.

'Hatshepsut' can dominate from start-to-finish

Belle Vue 21:10

Impact (T1) is as game as they come and will refuse to throw in the towel whatever the circumstances may be. He should seize command on the inside passage and he is not lacking in the staying department.

Salford City (T2) incurs a belated penalty for his A4 victory on May 18th. He is better known for his six-bend excursions these days which obviously means, over this 470 metres trip, his best work will be in the closing quarter of proceedings.

Queen Hatshepsut (T3) wasn't disgraced in the second tier but she still benefits from a drop in status. It could be just the spur she needs to return to winning ways. With one of her slicker departures, she can have the situation under wraps by the halfway stage.

Grangepark Tiger (T4) has a single credit against his name which was accomplished in A6 class. He was pushed up three grades for that success and hasn't really been able to properly impose himself. On this evidence, it's difficult to make a serious case for him.

Judes Brandy (T5) bolted from the boxes last Saturday and she came home more than five lengths clear of her nearest rival, clocking a career best 28:45 in the process. To double up, once again, she will have to really ping those lids and force the issue.

Right Rambler (T6) found only one too good on his Belle Vue bow. He is very fast along the straights, but opting for the scenic route negotiating the corners costs valuable ground. Any midfield mix-ups however, will be severely punished.