There are plenty of interesting runners in Salisbury's opener, due off at 13:50, with the likes of Ovatory, Secretly and Talqaa all likely to go well, but the one that makes most appeal is the Roger Charlton-trained Secondo. The three-year-old, who is bred to be useful, very much caught the eye on debut at Newbury over six furlongs in September, travelling as well as any before staying on without being knocked about to finish fourth, doing particularly well as he was the only one to make any sort of impact from off the pace in that race. He was disappointing on his subsequent start at Windsor, sent off at a short price but only managing to finish third, but it is possible to excuse that based upon the soft ground and he is well worth another chance here.
A number of horses in Salisbury's 14:20 remain open to progression as they kick off their 2013 campaigns, particularly so Sun Central and Mawaqeet, but the one that arguably boasts the most room for improvement is Castilo Del Diablo, trained by David Simcock. The four-year-old has taken a step forward with each visit to the track, barring a blip at Ascot in September, and put up his best effort yet when scoring at Kempton on his most recent outing in October, ultimately winning that affair with a good deal of authority. Castilo Del Diablo has been gelded over the winter and looks to be on a very workable mark, so he ought to go very close this afternoon.
Our sole selection on Newmarket's 1000 Guineas card comes in the six furlong handicap at 15:10, with the Charles Hills-trained Shropshire fancied to go one better than when finishing second at Doncaster last month. The five-year-old showed much improved form last season having been gelded, landing handicaps at both Ascot and Kempton, and he has shaped with ddistinct promise on each of his two starts this term. Shropshire has been put up 3 lb by the handicapper for his Doncaster run but he really caught the eye with how smoothly he made ground from last place that day and he simply has to be on the shortlist here.
Timeform UK SmartPlays:
Back Secondo @ 5.14/1 in the 13:50 at Salisbury
Back Castilo Del Diablo @ 7.87/1 in the 14:20 at Salisbury
Back Shropshire @ 8.27/1 in the 15:10 at Newmarket
Get open access to Timeform data for just £2.50 a day with Timeform Race Passes. It's like a Form Book, Black Book & Race Card all in one! Find Out More!
