Jive Talking will again be partnered by apprentice Louis Steward when this twice-raced, Michael Bell-trained Zoffany filly attempts to recoup losses in a Maiden Stakes over ten furlongs of 'good' ground Bath today; this represents a colossal distance for two-year-olds.
Following an encouraging debut over seven at Newmarket in July, when a close third to Kiruna Park, beaten a length, Jive Talking was out again only seven days later; backed into favouritism for a similar task on tapeta at Newcastle where, not surprisingly, her time-handicap mark was disappointingly lower.
Steward was on a hiding to nothing, especially taking over from Australian champion jockey, James McDonald!In the closing stages Jive Talking ran on well but it was surely too soon.
Significantly more than nine weeks have elapsed, since when Bell's yard has been in good form. Obviously Jim Crowley-ridden Spring Jig will be favourite on the back of a neck defeat over this distance on Kempton polytrack, only seven days ago!
Steward claims 3lbs allowance, which equates to two lengths in a marathon and that should be enough to make a difference; hope springs eternal when backing horses trained by 'Ding Dong!'
Conversely one feels confident about betting runners from the in-form Roger Varian yard and Maazel, drawn one, will be difficult to beat in division one of a nursery over an extended five furlongs.
Last week Maazel improved his TH mark for the fourth successive time when unluckily beaten a short-head at Catterick; one more stride would have been enough.
That was a second venture into handicap company and the experience should prove vital for Maazel, mount of Andrea Atzeni, aboard when they scored two months previously.
Running in tandem is another turf-flat fixture on 'soft' Hamilton, where Perfect Symphony is napped to outclass five others in the opening Maiden Stakes over six furlongs; at least 10lbs in hand!
SELECTIONS
10.20 Perfect Symphony
11.40 Jive Talking
12.10 Maazel (ew)