DAILY RACING PREVIEW BY ANDY HOLDING
WEDNESDAY MAY 14
2.50 NEWTON ABBOT
MR ZEE (best price 13-2) raced a bit too exuberantly for his own good at Hereford last time out and a chance is taken on Michael Blake’s inmate being more effective at the business end if a little more amenable to restraint this time around.
Being second in the betting to short-priced favourite always puts a certain onus on the underdog to try and make a brave fight but in doing so, the eight-year-old was too aggressively ridden at the Midland venue and, as a result, he rather faded out of the picture like a damp squib.
Prior to that slightly disappointing performance, the son of Zebedee was seen to much better effect when held up for a late run at Taunton and with the form of that victory advertised by the runner-up, third and sixth since, there’s a decent chance he can follow suit if reverting to his usual patient tactics.
MR ZEE – ½ point each-way@13-2
3.13 YORK
A bit of a lob-sided look to the first traditional big six-furlong Group race of the season, with the front three in the market all having never set foot on the Knavesmire and with that in mind, a chance is taken on FLORA OF BERMUDA (best price 15-2) and RAGE OF BAMBY (best price 25-1) who, in contrast, both boast solid form over the C&D.
The former ended last season with a couple of sterling efforts in Group 1’s and if good enough first time out to run to a similar level, Andrew Balding’s inmate is going to be more than a bit-part player here.
Moreover, she has the background of a solid C&D victory to her name and hailing from a stable who have produced many first-time out winners this season, it would come as little surprise if she were to add her name to the list.
The latter probably has the most to find but she too has shown an affinity to today’s unique track doesn’t suit all and for that reason, she must be of some consideration at the morning odds.
Although she only won a handicap here last August, her time figure suggested she ran to pattern level and that view was backed up when she captured a listed prize on her final start of the campaign despite soft ground being heavily against her chances.
Back on a quick surface with the knowledge that she often goes well off a break, Eve Johnston Houghton’s mare isn’t here just to make up the numbers.
FLORA OF BERMUDA – ½ point each-way@15-2
RAGE OF BAMBY – ½ point each-way@25-1
4.18 YORK
The race won by Red Sand at Wolverhampton was a very strong one of its kind and although beaten on the day, JOLLY ROGER (best price 7-1) can exact revenge on his old rival reverting back to turf.
Caught a bit flat footed when Red Sand kicked off steady fractions turning for home, Simon & Ed Crisford’s colt stayed on in pleasing fashion inside the final furlong to get the losing margin down to a head at the line and of the pair, he looks the one to have the most scope going forward.
Additionally, he seems likely to be better suited by a more strongly run environment and with Ryan Moore booked the icing on the cake, a good early position from his favourable draw can see him a big player at the business end.
JOLLY ROGER – 1-point each-way@7-1
4.30 NEWTON ABBOT
TIME TO BITE (best price 5-2) appears to be thriving at this moment in time and, although he faces a much sterner test than the race he encountered at Warwick last week, Chris Down’s inmate can go a long way in his bid to score for the fourth time since March.
Often a front runner, the 10-year-old didn’t get his own way nine days ago but as things panned out, it mattered not one jot. Picking up the baton after the eighth, he soon established a lovely rhythm at the head of affairs and the way he hit the line strongly suggested he had loads more to offer if pressed.
Winner of this race last season under similar conditions, a strong defence of his crown looks on the cards based on his latest instalment.
TIME TO BITE – 1-point win@5-2