Medicean Man (13:35) can get us off to a good start on Friday in what admittedly looks a competitive sprint handicap at Newbury having shaped very promisingly on his seasonal reappearance at Lingfield last month. Medicean Man developed into a smart performer last season, finishing the year with a Timeform master rating of 115, and the feeling is that he could surpass that level this term. The main danger in this afternoon's contest looks to be Blue Jack, who finished ahead of Medicean Man last time, but our selection was denied a clear run and finished the race with plenty left.
Divers has shown himself a useful handicapper on several occasions now and his most memorable performance came when landing the Centenary Novices' Handicap Chase at last year's Cheltenham Festival. Since then, Divers has yet to register a win, but he has put in some very solid displays in top handicap company and still retains plenty of ability. His last run came at Cheltenham, where he finished fourth in a very hot renewal of the Festival Plate, and he may have finished closer had his jumping not been an issue on that occasion. He is Timeform top-rated for the 16:00 at Ayr this afternoon and, with the smaller field likely to put less pressure on his jumping, he is definitely one to side with.
Several runners going to post in the 16:45 at Fontwell have something to prove in terms of attitude, form or in some cases both, but that cannot be said of Watergate, who generally boasts an admirable and consistent profile. Watergate has produced form close to his best on the majority of starts this season and quickly put a blip at Huntingdon behind him when finishing third at Plumpton last time. That was over two miles and a furlong but, with the step up in trip this afternoon likely to see him in a better light, Watergate looks one to keep onside. First-time blinkers could also bring about improvement and Watergate is bet of the day material.
Timeform SmartPlays
Back Medicean Man @ 5.79/2 in the 13:35 at Newbury
Back Divers @ 3.8514/5 in the 16:00 at Ayr
Back Watergate @ 4.94/1 in the 16:45 at Fontwell
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