I narrowed this race down to a short list of 5, that's 33% of the field and the ability to see out the trip is key at this course.

 

It's looks like an easy flat 10 furlongs but it's a very long straight and although imperceptible on the TV there are some significant ridges and hollows that have formed over the decades that can unbalance a horse. I'd liken it to driving down a long straight road where the traffic lights are sequenced, meet the first one right and sail down the straight, meet the first one wrong and you can be meeting every one just wrong. Course experience is an asset but not may be as much as at some tracks.

 

The Going is drying and likely to be Good to Firm and a few would prefer more cut and similarly some could get caught out by the trip. I'm looking for a horse proven at 10 furlongs who can run to and through the line at that trip.

 

My initial thoughts were very much for FIRST IMPRESSION who has Course and Distance form and ran well last time, the more it's dried though and the more I've looked at the sum parts of that form, the more the handicap mark looks a niggle and I've changed my mind. That's always a risk but I'm happy to take it if it wins.

 

MAKRAM is a worth favourite and may be progressive and turn out a cut above these in time but on Course debut and only second run at the trip at the Odds I'm keen to take it on as punting to me is about seeking value against the likely outcome.

 

NICHOLAS T would be my "shrapnel" horse if you want a few bob on something at a price , 4th in this in 2019 off 84 on Good to Firm, the type to "pop up" from a Yard that specialises in this type of horse in this type of race, as with First Impression though a mark over 90 just enough to put me off a Tracker or Tip.

 

I think BARYSHNIKOV and HIGHWAYGRAY are closely linked on form. Both are progressing and win well last time of the pair I just favour HIGHWAYGREY for a Tracker bet today.

 

The one I'm keenest on though and increasingly confident as the analysis went on and reversed out of a few cul de sac's is ANYTHINGTODAY . Looks like a horse running in to some nice form, runs to the line over 10 furlongs and a bit further than that. The ground drying out is ideal and it seems to be a very competitive Handicap mark too. The only small concern is Stall 14 but i think they'll seek a position as they do tend to run 2 by 2 round the turn in to the Straight here and I'd predict they'll love the cover knowing they have the stamina and will look for a run from the mile pole coming hard and late over the top...

 

Lets see and try to end the month with a nice winner.

 

TIP - ANYTHINGTODAY / TRACKER - Highwaygray (shrapnel / Tricast - Nicholas T)