Pick out Mead to finish first for Marcus
Leg 1: Back Meadram @ 10/3 in the 14:10 at Bath
A Different Kind bolted up by 10L for us yesterday and goals were bountiful in the north east, but our two-out-of-four wasn't good enough, and we needed a those binoculars in the picture to see the rest of the field behind Hewick - who looked a handy horse in the Durham National. One for the Shark. As a good ground performer, it wouldn't be beyond the realms of possibilities he could turn into an Aintree horse.
On to Monday and one track I rarely have a bet at is Bath. The last was probably the mighty Vhujon, who was one of my favourite horses for David Evans. In fact, I met Evans at Goodwood and told him, the response was priceless and we were both left somewhat bemused.
Meadram lines up in a big field 3yo handicap but he looks well ahead of his mark with a good draw and he can justify his price from an inside position.
Back-to-back victories recently at Wolverhampton make him a pretty obvious candidate, but he was eased down last time with so much in hand, I am not sure the rise to 65 will stop him. Both races produced positive sectional data in terms of his finishing speeds - 38.10 and 37.44 respectively in the two victories, and he displayed his versatility overcoming a steadier pace last time rather than his previous win off a truer gallop.
He has also improved for the step up in trip, and while he will be tackling fast ground for the first time, his sire Mukhadram was best on good to firm.
Plan for Lou win who looks overpriced in finale
Leg 2: Back Miss Louise @ 14/1 in the 17:25 at Gowran Park
The second selection is far more ambitious in terms of price with Miss Louise at 14/1, but she is consistent in this sort of grade, stays beyond today's trip and acts in soft conditions. In fact the ground will play to her strengths as her stamina is assured.
She also has won this term at Fairyhouse, giving 10lb apprentice Julie McDonald her first ever win.
McDonald made a daring move on her before the straight and she ended up winning with a fair bit in hand, even if the jockey still looked a bit inexperienced in the closing stages. She went into my notebook following that victory as a horse to look out for in soft conditions over a shorter trip as she has enough pace to drop down, so whether it's a long-term plan for connections I don't know, but this has certainly been mine.
The grade of 0-65 presents no problems and while it is a wide-open race, Miss Louise has won in the grade and ticks a few boxes considering she is double figures.
Cross Sport Double
Back Brothers Pat in the 16:50 Plumpton
Nathan Joyes says: "It's hard to get away from Brothers Pat who is 2-4 over fences and looks the type to relish this step up in trip. His rivals don't look the strongest and Donal McCain is flying at present, notching up 10 winners from his last 27 runners in the last 14 days (37%)."
Leg 2: Back over 2.5 goals between Arsenal & Crystal Palace
Mike Norman says: "I don't believe the Gunners defence is up to scratch, and without the injured Granit Xhaka in midfield I definitely fancy the Eagles to score one or two in this game; I think we're set for an entertaining contest with at least three goals being scored."