/ The Brigadier / 09 November 2007 /

Will the Champion Jockey challenge of Seb Sanders be scuppered at Musselburgh by Alma Mater? The Brig thinks it will.

15:30 Musselburgh - LAY - Alma Mater (Forecast 2.5)

Today's race is the 15:30 at Musselburgh, it's a class 5 maiden over 1 1/2 mile. Alma Mater is forecast favourite, trained by Sir Mark Prescott and ridden by Seb Sanders.

Alma Mater has a very classy pedigree, however she has looked anything but classy on her two runs so far. Twice a beaten favourite, including at 1.5 last time, she is living proof that a quality pedigree does not guarantee a quality racehorse.

Most horses form will progress from their first run to their second run, but this cretin's form regressed when stepped up to today's trip of 12 furlongs and I have no interest in regressive horses, regardless of breeding or connections.

She is a filly carrying top weight in a maiden due to her being the only 4yo in the line up so she's vulnerable giving weight to the 3yo's. She has looked one-paced and races freely. She's also been off-track for 126 days and, although fitness is rarely an issue for this stable, she may just need this run and do better in handicaps.

Jamie Spencer could well put Seb Sanders champion jockey bid to the sword in this race as he rides Mythical Story for Fanshawe who is likely to be hard to beat, receiving 6 lbs from the Prescott horse. Luca Cumani's Propaganda is also respected ,as is Compton Falcon and Lochiel but I will be laying the horrendously one-paced rogue Alma Mater.

'.$sign_up['title'].'

'; } } ?>

:

:

:

?

: