Thoughts on today’s runners

Two runners today, Aira Force runs on the all-weather at Lingfield at 2pm. Helm Princess lines up at 8.35pm at Carlisle.

Aira Force

Aira Force has her second start on the track today in a Novice Fillies race, Nicola Currie rides. The filly showed good early speed on her debut at Nottingham over six furlongs but got tired late on. She is a burly sort and needs quite a bit of work, she will continue to improve with racing. The drop back to five should be a plus. With the bonuses on offer this is a good prize and was worth a shot. Win or lose she will improve for the experience and it made more sense to have a crack at this than do another gallop at home. The wide draw isn’t helpful!

Lady Jane Grey won on debut in May, the absence since does raise a bit of a question mark. Apache Spark caught the eye in a race that has worked out well on her second start over six furlongs at Kempton. There is just a bit of a question to answer in regards to the drop back in trip. Hoof It Hoof It looks as if she will appreciate the drop back and is another who could be involved in a race that may be more open than the betting suggests.

Aira Force runs in the colours of owner breeders Gary and Lesley Middlebrook. She will be led up by Natalie Jankiewicz.

Helm Princess

Helm Princess has travelled up to Carlisle and lines up in a Maiden Handicap under PJ McDonald. The filly showed ability on her first couple of starts. She was a bit disappointing last time out at Chelmsford. However, she had excuses as she ended far back in a race where it paid to be forwardly placed. She didn’t face the kick back either. The extra furlong should be in her favour as everything will happen a bit slower.

An open looking race. Yeeeaah second in a similar event over course and distance probably sets the standard. Martin’s Brig is returned to what looks a more suitable trip. Regal Word has finished in the runner’s up spot three times and the addition of cheek pieces would not need to add a great deal of improvement to make her dangerous here.

Helm Princess runs for owners Alan Bell, Marjorie Thompson and Gary Middlebrook and will be led up by Sammy Barnett.