First Principle TH – 2.33
is difficult to oppose as he puts his unbeaten record on the line in division one of the Racing TV Club EBF Novice Stakes at Thirsk.
The Kingman colt did not make his juvenile debut until early December, but it was worth the wait as he quickened smartly once the gap came and ultimately won with a bit up his sleeve.
That form looks pretty strong, with the runner-up Spectacular View a previous winner who is now rated 91, while third-placed Spanish Voice was successful at Newmarket on his only subsequent appearance.
First Principle has to concede weight to the majority of his rivals on his return to action, but should take some stopping nevertheless if fit enough do himself justice.
Topteam TH – 4.38
looks well placed to complete his hat-trick in the Join The Racing TV Club Today Handicap.
The Andrew Balding-trained three-year-old looked fairly ordinary in three novice starts, but that did allow him to enter the handicap sphere off a mark of 72 and he has taken full advantage with back-to-back wins at Chester.
He fairly bolted up on the Roodee in May and while it was harder work last time, with the winning margin only a head, the second home Marhaba Ghaiyyath has gone one better since.
Up another 6lb, Topteam can add to his tally for a yard that continues to fire on all cylinders.
Easy Peeler has done little wrong in her career thus far and is open to more improvement than most of her rivals in the Weatherbys Global Stallions App Handicap.
John Quinn’s filly has won twice from five starts, most recently striking gold at York, and has yet to finish outside the first three.
Her Knavesmire verdict proved six furlongs on quick ground is right up her street and a 4lb rise for that success looks more than fair.
Chepstow punters are advised to put their faith in
Flying Comet CP – 6.00
who looks to confirm debut promise in the NetBet Loves Ray Parlour/EBF Novice Stakes.
Plenty was expected of Simon and Ed Crisford’s youngster on his Nottingham introduction three weeks ago and while odds-on backers were left counting their losses, a slow start did not help and he was only beaten a couple of lengths.
He should be sharper and wiser for the experience and can reward those who keep the faith.
It will be interesting to see whether a gelding operation has the desired effect with
Huscal EP – 7.23
in the Betfred Nifty 50 Handicap at Epsom.
The three-year-old looked quite a smart prospect for Charlie Hills last season, with a debut sixth at Goodwood followed by successive wins, but he has been a little disappointing so far this term.
He application of blinkers failed to do the trick at Leicester last time but he is capable of better than that and is worth one more chance to prove his worth.
Woodland Adventure WR – 3.15
can make it three wins from three starts in the Blackmores Building Contractors Mares’ Open National Hunt Flat Race at Worcester.
Gordon Elliott’s Irish raider has impressed at Cork and Worcester and with Josh Halford taking 7lb off her back for her latest assignment, she can continue to make hay while the sun shines.
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