Phantom Flipper ticks enough boxes to justify serious support in the Maiden Stakes over six furlongs of Chelmsford polytrack tonight and it will be a massive disappointment if Richard Hannon's charge doesn't make it tenth time lucky under stable jockey Kieren O'Neill.
On this occasion Phantom Flipper will be blinkered for the first time, which is somewhat surprising given this Bahamian Bounty colt achieved a 'career-best' twelve days ago when a close fourth, beaten less than two lengths by The Commendatore, over a similar distance of Lingfield "poly."
O'Neill has ridden Phantom Flipper the last twice and is enjoying a successful spell which wont be lost on the 2014 champion trainer during the coming months.
Our old "pal" Burmese Whisper has also proved vexing, no wins from nine outings to date; he'll be "on the premises" but my time-handicap suggests this Approve colt will be hard-pressed to cope with our confident nap selection, Phantom Flipper.
Ertidaad comes out clear "best-in" for the five-runner 3-y-o handicap over six furlongs of Southwell fibresand; just a question of whether this Kodiac colt, trained by Emma Owen, will cope with the notorious 'deep stuff!'
This has to be mentioned because several trainers/jockeys stated it was "riding deep" earlier this week due to being rolled as against harrowed; realistically this unique surface is a law unto itself but, hopefully, we can guess right and watch Ertidaad gain an elusive victory at the eleventh attempt.
One to follow whatever transpires under Tom Queally.
Kelvin Hall is one of ten "decs" for the 3-y-o Maiden Stakes over a mile; should win, by default but, again, "if" is at issue!
SELECTIONS
8.40 Ertidaad
10.20 Kelvin Hall
2.40 Phantom Flipper