Thoughts on today’s runners

Nyala runs in the 1.45 at Chepstow. William Carson is in the saddle aboard for the one mile handicap. Nyala has been pretty close on all her starts in handicap company and deserves to get her head in front. She has by no means been a runaway but has been a bit free in her recent races, a hood really settles her at home and should remove that tendency on the racecourse. The slight ease in grade makes life easier for her too.

Bond Angel has been placed on her two starts in handicaps, both over course and distance and looks the one to beat in this contest.

Passing Star runs in the 5.10 at Wolverhampton.  Harry Burns has the ride in the seven furlong apprentice handicap. Harry is having his first ride for the yard and is one of the more experienced riders in the race, which is restricted to jockeys who have ridden less than 25 winners. Harry is apprenticed to Roger Charlton, Dan’s old boss. Roger has a good eye for young jockeys, and brought some excellent jockeys through the ranks, of current note Richard Kingscote served his entire apprenticeship there, whislt James Doyle was able to establish himself as the world class jockey he is with Roger’s backing. Kieran Shoemark is another protege making his way at Beckhampton. Passing Star holds few secrets, he has good days and bad days as one would expect for a chap with plenty of miles on the clock. He didn’t quite have the pace to win over the six furlongs we tried last time unless they over do things in front, so this is probably his best trip. If he’s on a going day he should win races like this, his biggest obstacle today however is a horrible draw out in 12 so he needs some luck to deliver the results.

These races are always tricky as the riders lack of experience which can impact the results, Popsicle looks the most obvious one on paper, she is well drawn and her rider has ridden her before. Navarra Princess is fairly recent winner and another who should be able to get involved.