WALKINTHESAND 25/1 generally – 0.375 POINTS E/W (5 places, 1/5 odds)
WARGRAVE 66/1 generally – 0.375 POINTS E/W (5 places, 1/5 odds)
WALKINTHESTAND is a huge price at 25/1. He has to carry top weight but is a horse who likes to be up with the pace. With his draw in 2, he can get a lovely position from the off and that alone, is worth a few pounds when it comes to weight. He is a horse who has carried big weights to victory last season when winning a competitive handicap at Newmarket. He was then up to group company and got outclassed and his two starts this season were at Listed level. This is actually his first handicap race for over a year and although already mentioned, top weight is a concern, I am happy to take the chance at a big price. E/W.
WARGRAVE is a massive price, absolutely huge. James Doyle is a very interesting booking and you won’t see many James Doyle horses at 66/1. Something interesting that stood out was, James Doyle rode today’s favourite, Cape Cavalli to victory last time out and in two rides on that horse, he won both times. I am not entirely sure if he had the pick but why would they overlook James Doyle after winning on him last time. Has he agreed to ride WARGRAVE for a long time and this race has always been the plan? It is a chance worth taking at the price in my opinion. He is a horse who likes to get on with things which I have already said is what you need for this race. He has a nice draw in 9 to get that handy early position and comes here after being gelded, wearing first time cheekpieces. He came to George Baker from Ireland in February and was a good winner on his first start for his new trainer. His form last season was also very good, placing in a few listed races, coming home 2nd to Lancaster House and running a nice race in a Group 2 last season behind Fox Champion. I feel like they are up with something with this horse as they have had him gelded, which often brings out improvement, they have fitted first time cheekpieces and they have booked James Doyle. He is now on a mark of 99 which on last seasons form, looks very workable. He is also by Galileo and out of a group 3 winning Dam. When you look closely at all the little details, the 66/1 is absolutely huge. E/W.
