Sam King is back with two selections on Thursday…
With the flat season beginning to hit top gear, it's a shame there is no racing on the turf to get stuck into on Thursday. That said, there are two interesting cards on the all-weather at Lingfield and Newcastle, with wagers to be had at both venues.
With eight winners from his last eighteen rides and a 44% strike-rate, there is no better rider in form than James Doyle at present. The former Godolphin-based jockey heads to Lingfield this afternoon, with the Simon and Ed Crisford-trained Harpsichord looking like the pick of his rides in the opening twelve-furlong novice event at 2.27.
When you combine the fact that the Crisford team have a very healthy strike rate of 27% with their runners at Lingfield with the debut promise that Harpsichord showed at Southwell, it's easy to see why she's at the top of the market.
Having been slowly away under Josephine Gordon, the daughter of Ribchester looked all at sea in the early stages before gradually finding her feet upon entering the straight. Her winning chance had gone on the approach to the final furlong, but she stuck to the task in eye-catching style, shaping with bundles of promise back in fourth.
A half-sister to Charlie Appleby's slightly quirky multiple group winner Siskany, who was effective between a mile and a quarter and two miles, stepping up to twelve furlongs second time out looks like an obvious move for Harpsichord, who if showing any natural improvement, could prove tough to beat from stall four under James Doyle.
2pt Win – Harpsichord
Odds – 10/11
The same owner and trainer combination could enjoy further success up North on Thursday, with Francis Drake seemingly holding particularly strong claims in the six-furlong handicap at 7.30.
Having been campaigned over a mile and seven furlongs for his first four career starts, dropping back to six furlongs can work the oracle here. He showed bundles of pace when going down by a nose on his handicap debut at Southwell last time, a performance that can be upgraded when you factor in that he was pestered up front for much of the contest.
A stiff six furlongs at Gosforth Park could be exactly what this gelded son of Belardo needs and despite racing off 3lb higher than when second thirteen days ago, he should have enough in the tank to see off handicap newcomer Snow Creek and Bow Street.
1pt Win – Francis Drake
Odds – 5/2
