We kick off proceedings with a handicap from Musselburgh over an extended twelve furlongs (14:40) and a number turn up with live claims. Operateur is in fine form of late and is tough to ignore and the return to faster ground will suit Rocky Two, but preference is given to Ronald Gee. He did nothing wrong when runner-up over C&D on his handicap debut last time and he pulled 11 lengths clear of the eventual third. If he can improve on that he could make an impact in this sort of company given his unexposed profile and this looks a good opportunity to record his first career win.
It's a six-furlong handicap from Doncaster under consideration next (15:00) and Katawi looks the one to keep on side. She improved a huge amount when switched to handicap company when a very narrow second at Yarmouth recently, and should run well again. That was over today's trip and she was fitted with a hood which remains on today with the hope it brings out a similarly gutsy performance. She does have to shoulder a 5 lb rise for her latest effort but still rates as unexposed in this sort of company and looks to have sound prospects of going one better here.
The final bet of the day comes in a staying handicap over two miles from Yarmouth (15:55) and given how well Roger Varian's string are performing lately it's hard to ignore Wannabe Your Man. He won well on his handicap bow at Nottingham in April and ran a very creditable race in defeat at Newbury last time, losing out by half a length to Afro. This will be his first crack at this extended trip and all the evidence suggests it will suit him down to the ground; Grayswood looks the main danger from the opposing field but in truth the selection should have more than enough in his locker to win and is a confident selection to do so.
Timeform UK SmartPlays
Back Ronald Gee @ 5.49/2 in the 14:40 at Musselburgh
Back Katawi @ 4.57/2 in the 15:00 at Doncaster
Back Wannabe Your Man @ 2.226/5 in the 15:55 at Yarmouth
