Easter Mate is forecast favourite for a three-year-old Maiden Stakes over seven furlongs of Lingfield polytrack today; both serious punters and trainer, Ralph Beckett, will be in shock mode if this 80-rated Acclamation gelding fails to make it seventh time lucky but it isn't guaranteed.
Just over four months ago Easter Mate was a flop on 'soft' Doncaster ground folllowing a succession of useful efforts, which earned him a tidy official BHA rating; had the previous efforts soured or was the surface completely against his chances?
Given Mark Johnston-trained Abareeq and Major Assault from Clive Cox's yard wont be unfancied for debuts it's interesting to note that a subsequently newcomer, Ventriloquist, won this race last season. Pre-race betting activity will be interesting and doubtless enlightening.
Probability is that Easter Mate was somewhat stale for that ignominious fourteen lengths defeat and persistent rain(s) contributed to tough underfoot conditions; if 2/1 is available I'll back him because one has respect for the Beckett operation.
Interesting to note Ralph has moved to secure the services of 'crack' Irish jockey Fran Berry this year; a large training complex needs a stable jockey for continuity and feedback. Expect them to prove a powerful duo in the months ahead.
Mick Channon has 'Good Friday' pencilled in for Volunteer Point, in the meantime he'll be hoping she can supplement recent gains in a �27000 Conditions Stakes over a mile; what beats her will win!
At Leopardstown, Sunday, several Cheltenham Festival fancies were out and about including Don Cossack, currently favourite for the Gold Cup a fortnight Friday; trainer Gordon Elliott was talking him up and mentioned his unfortunate experience, at Kempton on Boxing Day.
Elliott suggested Don Cossack would have beaten Cue Card and Vautour in the 'King George' but for falling at the second last when in contention; we must have been viewing from different perspectives!
'Don' was my strong fancy and selection; at no stage was he going to beat the principals and, there is a reason for falling. tiredness or lack of stamina. Both were applicable
Don Cossack has no chance of reversing placings in the 'Cup' and we'll be betting on it with 'ard earned; a bet on Cue Card and a saver on Vautour is plan A.Don Cossack should be declared for the Ryanair Chase, over an extended two and a half miles, undoubtedly his optimum distance.
SELECTIONS
9.10 Easter Mate
12.10 Volunteer Point
12.40 Blue Bounty