Makin A Statement for the Maiden three year old Stakes over five furlongs of Wolverhampton Tapeta today, this will win!
David O'Meara has found an excellent opportunity for thrice-raced Makin A Statement, a progressive 72-rated Bahamian Bounty gelding which ticks enough boxes for a decent punt; handicaps are out, for the time being.
Although Makin A Statement is going the right way so to speak O'Meara knows this rating is too high and the obvious route is chosen because it's imperative 'winning brackets' are achieved for subsequent evaluation. Let me explain.
Hong Kong agents buy geldings in the Northern hemisphere but qualification is 80-plus; David needs to achieve an objective with Makin A Statement but that far-east colony doesn't purchase maidens with anything like the same relish as winners. convincing owners over there that a non-winner is useful represents a nigh impossible task.
For years we sent horses to HK but after several ran really well, were placed in high-profile races but didn't win JR was considered unlucky!
Talk about superstition but, alas, they are unshakable. Zuzinia is a time-handicap danger to Makin A Statement and gets a 5lbs fillies' allowance; over this distance that's a matter of some indifference and I'd never be frightened of taking on a runner trained by Mick Channon.
Also Zuzinia is drawn widest along with Richard Hannon-trained newcomer, Lajjah, one to monitor, closely.
Our play will be an each-way double with Entertainment in the Maiden Stakes over a mile of Chelmsford polytrack which was criticised for being too deep but has improved for remedial work. India's Song is a 'winner without a penalty' in the 'aged' fillies' handicap over a mile with Jamie Spencer replacing an inexperienced apprentice on David Simcock's charge; get on, big-time! Any obvious jumping selections will be on www.dailyearner.co.uk and winners are really flowing now; three in succession Monday/Tuesday!
Selections
2.20 Makin A Statement (e.w)
6.15 Entertainment
6.45 India's Song