Nottingham Racing Tips: Michael Appleby a trainer to follow

Michael Appleby's 5yo is tumbling in the weights...

18:45 - Back Tigray 25/1 1pt each-way

Tristan Davidson's De Mazzaro is likely to be a warm favourite off the back of a victory over the shorter trip last time out at Musselburgh. It took a while for the penny to drop that day. The handicapper has also had his say with a De Mazzaro carrying a 3lb penalty for a neck victory, and I am not convinced the step up in trip is a positive. For these reasons, I will be looking elsewhere for win purposes.

The outsider of the field Tigray has been in my tracker since his 2nd at Southwell on the 26th of April. Michael Appleby's 5yo is tumbling in the weights and should have no issues with the ground and trip this evening. Also, the booking of promising apprentice Frederick Larson is a huge positive. I have been very impressed with Frederick Larson and him claiming 7lb is daylight robbery.

Also, Michael Appleby's yard is starting to hit a bit of form and is currently operating at a 17% strike rate (5-30). I believe Tigray can be competitive this evening at Nottingham off a mark of 60.

Question marks around the favourite Contrast...

20:20 - Back Mahanakhon Power to win 1pt

The odds-on favourite Contrast faces a much faster surface than when winning easily at Beverley last time out. Michael Easterby's 7yo had been bitterly disappointing before bouncing back to form last time out.

Contrast will handle the ground and has been competitive off higher marks in the past, but will he be in the same form? I am not convinced and willing to look elsewhere.

The discrepancy in the quality of jockey in apprentice races can often be telling and give you a vital edge. That is why I will be I will be siding with the promising Frederick Larson and Mahanakhon Power.

Michael Appleby's Mahanakhon Power faded last time out and is stepping back in trip. The conditions and trip this evening at Nottingham will suit the selection, and I expect top apprentice Fredrick Larson to have Mahanakhon Power handy early.

Michael Appleby's Mahanakhon Power looks the one to beat in the finale at Nottingham.