Thoughts on Today’s Runners

Three runners today (Sunday 21st August), first up at 2.40 is Av a Word at Chelmsford. Paddy Pilley is doing the steering. He was very green on debut and coltish at Windsor not sure how much he really got out of that race and just looking for a step forward here today. He will come into his own once gelded and sent handicapping. The race looks likely to go the way of Accento who looked good enough on debut that one of the debutants will have to be a decent and know their job to give him a race. Ningaloo would be the one most likely, he was a gorgeous yearling at the sales and one would expect that his trainer is out to impress his high profile owner following his recent big race win.

Permanent goes for the 3.00 at Brighton with Tom Queally aboard. He has stepped forward with experience and would be capable of winning a nursery from 69 however he qualifies for some very valuable bonuses for winning a maiden so that is the route we will pursue with him for the time being. The favourite Novoman sets a decent standard and the rest would have a few pounds to find with him, however Brighton wouldn’t suit every horse and he is really bred to be a sprinter and faded late on the last twice so may be beatable.

Intrigue heads to the 4.00 where she looks to continue her good record for the yard since joining. Tom Queally is back in the saddle having partnered her to victory on her first start for us. She followed up her win with a solid second at Newcastle where she was forced to make the running which probably didn’t suit. There looks to be a bit more pace on today which should be ideal. Its a tricky race to gauge with most having a bit to prove. Unsuspected Girl won yesterday and if reappearing would be a big danger. If not the old boy of the pack Salient sets a standard of sorts, bidding to follow up his recent all weather win, even he though is possibly more suited to the all weather these days.