We kick off proceedings slightly later than usual with a five-furlong handicap from Catterick (16:20) and although Cruise Tothelimit will be popular after going so close at Haydock last week, the one to keep on side is Red Baron. He chased home an upwardly mobile sprinter in the shape of Robot Boy off his current mark at Musselburgh last month which gives significant cause for optimism, and although he has disappointed in the Gosforth Park Cup since, this company looks far more palatable. It may be significant that cheekpieces have been re-fitted this afternoon too, and if they have the desired effect then he should be bang there come the finish.
We head south to Sandown for the next contest under consideration, an apprentice handicap over ten furlongs (18:05) and it looks a competitive event. The vote goes to Vodka Wells, who has caught the eye in two of his three starts in maidens in recent weeks with significant improvement expected now handicapping for Brian Ellison. He's won a juvenile hurdle in France but there have been signs that he could well develop into the type of dual purpose performer that his handler has such a fine record with. Cappielow Park will come good at some stage and if that's this evening he looks a danger, but it's better to keep the progressive four-year-old on side in the hope that talented claimer Megan Carberry delivers.
Our final bet of the day comes from Leicester in a seven-furlong handicap (19:20) and given that Pearl Nation had more in hand than the neck verdict suggested at Yarmouth in June, he looks to have an excellent chance to capitalise on his revised mark. That was his first start for shrewd new handler Mick Appleby and it would be no surprise to see him prove a good deal better than the assessor has him rated at present. Kingswinford rates as a danger if he's improved from a belated pipe-opener at Doncaster, but if the selection is firing on all cylinders he may have too much in the locker for these.
Timeform UK SmartPlays
Back Red Baron @ 9.617/2 in the 16:20 at Catterick
Back Vodka Wells @ 6.611/2 in the 18:05 at Sandown
Back Pearl Nation @ 3.55/2 in the 19:20 at Leicester
