The heavy ground has made picking bets a little more difficult, not least because of the non-runners it has resulted in. The 15:55 is one example, but to have two out and still see Mister Impatience at a longer price than our initial tissue means he's still a bet. He's got a win on heavy ground to his name, too, while the original reasons for recommending him still stand: his second-placed finish to Gospel Choir at Goodwood last week is as good a piece of form as any on offer in this contest. The expected prominent ride will do no harm either on the projected ground.
The following minor event at 16:30 looks to be at the mercy of Mill Reef fourth Figure of Speech. He's been aimed high since his winning debut, making the frame in the July Stakes, Richmond Stakes and Sirena Stakes prior to Newbury. He handled slightly softer conditions in the Mill Reef well enough to think he'll be okay today, though the way he reacted to being put under pressure was less than convincing, which explains the application of a visor today. Figure of Speed is so far ahead of his rivals on form, though, that we're willing to treat that as an isolated incident for now.
A daunting field of 18 for the 17:00 has been reduced to a more manageable 11 by conditions. Projected favourite Desert Command is one of the casualties, which is a shame as we were going to oppose him anyway with Accession, who has taken over at the head of the betting. The selection has been building up to a return to form of late and by happy coincidence is meeting ground softer than good, which has yielded many of his best efforts, just as things seem to be coming to a head. His third (behind two subsequent winners) at Glorious Goodwood looks about the most eye-catching recent effort on offer in this contest and it wouldn't take much more than another baby step towards his best to secure a first win since last April.
Timeform UK SmartPlays
All at Salisbury
Back Mister Impatience @ 5.24/1 in the 15:55
Back Figure of Speech @ 2.427/5 in the 16:30
Back Accession @ 4.47/2 in the 17:00
