Southwell stages a seven-race programme which includes an intriguing six-runner 3-y-o handicap over five furlongs. Monsieur Jamie is selected to defeat a trio trained by Dandy Nicholls. They include obvious favourite, Even Stephen, a dual course winner which 'broke the gate' earlier this week. That gifted second-favourite, Shostakovitch a penalty-kick and he converted but was flat to the boards. Shostakovitch reappears with a 6lbs penalty and that rules him out. My time-handicap has Monsieur Jamie, a dual course and distance winner, clear best-in and with two places on offer, bet him each-way. A real cracker, don't miss it, not the bargain in the mile Selling Stakes.
Nowadays, I'm not into ownership but Double Duchess could prove worth purchasing, if she's able to act on fibresand and defeat five inferior rivals. Her debut effort last month was encouraging and so, why is she on the market? Presumably, ownership is becoming too expensive but that aside, Double Duchess is the proverbial 'good thing' and should be backed accordingly. Luck Of The Draw should be in evidence for the Maiden Stakes over 11 furlongs. Following a clear-out, Sir Mark Prescott has decided to soldier on with this Key Of Luck gelding which has raced five times during three yearsof training. Once again, why? Off a mark of 60, Luck Of The Draw is doubtless exploitable by the extremely shrewd Prescott. Victory this afternoon wont jeopardise his handicap mark!
SELECTIONS
RACE 2 (#3) LUCK OF THE DRAW
RACE 9 (#2) WAVEBAND (e.w.)
RACE 21 (#2) MONSIEUR JAMIE (e.w.)
RACE 27 (#4) DOUBLE DUCHESS (nap)
