Daily Placepots / Sam Randall / 28 February 2011 /

I've not backed a winner for some time, nor have I got past the first leg in one of these placepots in a couple of attempts, but if turgid Birmingham can beat Arsenal then it just shows that anything is possible...

14:30 - A wide-open handicap in which most can have a case made for them. However, David Nicholls trains the pair of runners who make the most appeal and at least one of Six Wives or Incomparable can see us through the first leg. The former has improved since joining this yard, winning once and placed both others starts, so she can be expected to make a bold bid once again. Incomparable hasn't always looked the most willing of late, but he's been placed on his last three starts here and is an able back-up.

15:00 - The fact We'll Deal Again has already had twenty chances to get off the mark but is a clear favourite here shows just how weak this maiden is, and Stand Beside Me, who is the one in the field open to the most improvement, should be capable of seeing us through to the third.

15:30 - Dubai Hills is one of the most improved horses in training this winter, but his rapid progression has coincided with the switch to fibresand, so it's impossible to bank on him here with the polytrack question mark hanging over him. As such, this four-runner contest all becomes rather tricky and it's probably wise to include all bar Sioux Rising, who has plenty to find at the weights.

16:00 - There is every chance that this gets tactical, so we need to hedge our bets and take Stargazing, who is clearly thriving, and What's Up Doc, who is the most likely beneficiary in a steadily-run race.

16:30 - Join Up's consistency makes him a good one for placepots and, although a 2 lb rise for his latest success makes him vulnerable for win purposes, he shouldn't be far away in the finish. Also included is Provost, who's arguably the most interesting runner in the field given that his recent return from a couple of months off should have put him spot on for this.

17:00 - Mark Johnston's Black Pond looks the most obvious selection given he's open to plenty of improvement, but it's perhaps wise to play this final leg with an element of caution given the bare form he achieved when second on debut is nothing special and Arizona High, who's entitled to have learnt plenty from his first outing back in October, can also be included.

Selections: 48 lines
14:30 - 3, 5
15:00 - 1
15:30 - 1, 2, 3
16:00 - 4, 5
16:30 - 1, 4
17:00 - 2, 3

'.$sign_up['title'].'

'; } } ?>

:

:

:

?

: