The novice handicap at 14:40 provides our first bet of the day. This particular contest is relatively short on lurking threats, so we can be fairly confident in saying that Cody Wyoming represents a good bet at current odds. He's always promised to be a better chaser and following a couple of solid displays to begin with he all but proved the point in a stronger race at Newbury last time. Granted he fell two out, but he had moved up smoothly and still hadn't been asked for his all when departing. Off the same mark here, Cody Wyoming in the same form would take plenty of beating. The caveat is the quick turnaround, which doesn't appeal as ideal for one like him who's clearly had problems- he's run just three times in almost three years. Still, 4.94/1 win only is just too tempting in this field.
There are a couple of Class 3 handicaps later on the card. The 15:40 is a handicap chase over just shy of three miles, but races at Stratford are seldom won by stamina alone and Caulfields Venture looks to have the right combination of speed and staying ability to make an impression. He can also claim to be in the form of his life, seeking a hat-trick now after wins at Fontwell and Kempton ("jumpers' bumper") on his last two starts. Caulfields Venture had proved himself over three miles prior to his recent spurt of improvement and there's no reason to think he won't do himself justice returned to that sort of trip. There's also the small matter of him being just 4 lb higher than for his Fontwell win, despite the form of his Kempton success appearing strong.
The following handicap hurdle (16:10) contains a couple of near-useful sorts, one of which is fancied to snap a losing run that's almost a year long. Canadian Diamond is just 1 lb higher than when winning at Ludlow last March and put up a career-best effort when finishing second to none other than Baltimore Rock there last time. In company quite far removed from the Imperial Cup you can count Canadian Diamond as a last-time-out winner to just about all intents and purposes, yet here he is off the same mark and not even a clear favourite. As a speedy sort he'll have no problem with Stratford and, aside from his tendency to throw in a poor run, there is no real downside.
Timeform UK SmartPlays
All at Stratford
Back Cody Wyoming @ 4.94/1 in the 14:40
Back Caulfields Venture @ 2.767/4 in the 15:40
Back Canadian Diamond @ 5.04/1 in the 16:10
