Hi all,
After some moderate racing on Monday. It’s better today. At Nottingham it’s Grassroots Series Final Day. There are five finals over a variety of distances and all five races have field sizes with ten or more runners. For a Tuesday what’s not to like.
Below are my thoughts on the five finals.
Nottingham
3:15 – Grassroots Series Final Nursery Handicap (Class 2) – 6f
Knicks was back to form when a ½-length 3rd of 10 at Carlisle 13 days ago and would have gone close to winning with clearer run inside the final furlong. Best form has come with soft in th going description so underfoot condition should be ideal for a big run with Buick booked.
3:50 – Grassroots Series Final Sprint Handicap (Class 2) – 6f
Likely favourite Pinafore has solid claims but is unproven on ground softer than good. She’s a previous C&D winner though and should go close. Fantasy Master gained a third course success when winning last year’s corresponding race. He’s 6lb higher this time around but did win at Doncaster in July. Has a high enough mark to contend with but shouldn’t be far away. Havana Rum gained a second career success and a first on grass when winning a Catterick handicap (soft) 14 days ago. He’s 3lb out of the weights here but the 3-year-old will handle the ground and is seemingly going the right way.
4:25 – Grassroots Series Middle Distance Final Handicap (Class 2) – 1m 2f
Top-weight Golden Maverick, a five time winner this year already,looked to be coming with a winning run on the home turn before eventually finishing a 3 length 4th of 10 at Chester 10 days ago. His stamina for an extended 1m 6f might have run out that day so the drop back in trip should suit. Stablemate Gordon Grey found his stamina stretched when a 2 ¾ length 4th of 10 at Newbury (1m 4f) last month. He’s better judged on his ¾ length 2nd of 9 at Newmarket on handicap debut three starts back and the fitting of the first time cheekpieces make him of interest.
5:00 – Grassroots Series Stayers’ Final Handicap (Class 2) – 1m 6f
Alhambra Palace looked a big improver when winning handicaps at Ascot and Sandown. Found the ground too quick when 5th of 13 in the Melrose Handicap at York last month. Travelled last time like he remains on a winnable mark and will appreciate the return to softer ground. He’s the one they all must beat. His biggest rival could be fellow 3-year-old Roost who posted a career best on RPR’s when winning at Ffos Las last month. He looks held by Alhambra Palace on their Sandown form but improved plenty last time and seems to be going the right way.
5:35 – Grassroots Series Mile Final Handicap (Class 2) – 1m ½ f
Equion, a winner on the all-weather, got off the mark at the fifth attempt on turf when winning over C&D 54 days ago. It was heavy when he won here last time so soft ground isn’t a concern. Now 2lb higher and in a deeper race but should go well. Strongbowe is another who’s effective on easier ground. The 7-year-old wasn’t well positioned when a running on 1 ½ length 6th of 13 at a Racing League Fixture at Southwell 13 days ago. He’s just 1lb above his last winning mark and shouldn’t be far away.
Betting Advice:
Nottingham
3:50 – Havana Rum – 1pt win – 10/1 @ Bet365
4:25 – Gordon Grey – 1pt win – 9/1 @ Bet365 & Coral
Cheers
John