John Gosden usually has a very productive and profitable first three months of the turf season and this season is no exception with a very good start so far and promise of much more to come. John ended April with promising three year olds Sevenna Star and Crossed Baton winning their Classic Trials at Sandown and Epsom respectively. That was followed by Without Parole, a Frankel, producing an excellent time at Yarmouth plus of course Cracksman making a winning seasonal debut at Longchamp in France. John looks set to continue his good form and has a number of very interesting entries in the coming days. He has entries for Rococo who could get off the mark after two good attempts. Loujain looks to have very strong claims on Tuesday at Brighton providing you can forgive a lacklustre run at Nottingham but not all horses run Nottingham perhaps Loujain is one of those. Hinde Street, Margie’s Choice and Perfection are all entered at Thirsk with probably the first mentioned having the better opportunity. Do not leave John Gosden out of your calculations because you may regret it in his current form.
Dan Skelton is also normally a fast starter to the new National Hunt season which got underway at Uttoxeter and Hexham last Saturday. Dan normally is very strong at the start and at the end of the season but slips a little in the middle… don’t ask I don’t know why! Dan actually was delighted by the run of Optimus Prime who was second to Footpad in the Ryanair Novice Chase at Punchestown. In the coming days Amore Alato could be interesting after looking as if he needed the run on his first start for the yard at Newbury in March. Work In Progress should be closely scrutinised on his next outing. Applesandpierres who was second at Hexham last Saturday could run at Fakenham where another good opportunity seems to have been found. Set List and Mrsrobin look to have chances this coming week based on entries.
Mark Usher, if you check results, is going through a ‘purple patch’ at the moment. Mark is based in Lambourn. Black Truffle a lower grade horse for the yard has been running well and his turn could come this week, possibly at Bath, he has hit the frame in his last four starts. Shufoog is one to note from this yard now sent handicapping and has three entries this week one being at Newton Abbot on Wednesday. He could step forwards now moving into races with not so gifted opponents. Mark has not got a yard full of classic winners but he has a yard of horses who can win in turn and that’s what to look for. I try and look for horses back down to their previous winning handicap figure and I know a lot of trainers who also do that, watch for Mark Ushers entries and runners in the coming days.
My service High Roller is running into form with Monsieur Gibraltar on Friday winning very easily at Cheltenham at 7/4 and Fujaira Prince on Saturday winning at Wetherby easily by six lengths 11/10 recommended but won 4/6.
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