Yesterday
it was a remarkably close run thing but the selection Fendale managed to hold off the favourite Pearl Of Qatar to score at 7/2.
Today's Race
Division II of an apprentice handicap at Dundalk over 7 furlongs with 12 runners.
Today's Contenders
Caesar's Comet is definitely of interest. I backed him last time when six furlongs seemed just too sharp. Back at seven furlongs he has a good chance.
Togoville wasn't far away there. Togoville is historically the best of these, an 11yo and his mark has dropped a long way now (21lbs) since his last win in March 2019. Both horses seem like big players. Jockey's record looks fine. The horse has won 12 of 53 all weather starts which is quite compelling in the context of this race.
I can see the appeal of Sideshow Bob. He's a solid yardstick at a mile who has struggled with slow starts recently. Dropping back from 1 mile doesn't look necessarily the way to go. Apprentice has a good strike rate of 12% and the stable is respected but at 3/1 or thereabouts, he's not a betting option for me.
Porterinthejungle has run third on her last two runs, finishing just ahead of Sideshow Bob last time. Good apprentice jockey again (12%). The mare is a maiden after 17 races, though, and looks to be priced far too short at 3/1.
Motbeq is trained by Denis Hogan (a familiar name). Needs to improve. Apprentice is 0 from 16 which is a big worry. The return to 7 furlongs is a positive. Having had only six starts, Motbeq looks an unlikely winner but can't be ruled out. I wonder if the Hogan yard is hoping for a big run here.
The four horses at the top of this handicap have run to figures clear of the remainder. Togoville and Caesar's Comet look far better value than the two currently vying for favouritism. It's a difficult choice between these two but Caesar's Comet (topweight here) has run well on both his last two starts. He is a little better drawn than last time and seems better suited to seven furlongs than six. Some of the trainer's moves seem a bit odd to me but Paddy Harnett claims 4lbs here. The apprentice's record isn't great but he looks relatively capable. Caesar's Comet is a decent sort and his recent form is strong.
Today's Tip
(To Win) CAESAR'S COMET (11/1 Betfair, 8/1 Paddy Power)
Recent Results
11 Feb: 6.30 Newcastle (AW) Fendale 1st/8 @ 7/2
10 Feb: 5.45 Wolverhampton (AW) Almost An Angel 8th/9 @ 4/1
9 Feb: 3.50 Kempton (AW) Commanche Red (E/W) 2nd/10 @ 11/1
8 Feb: 4.30 Wolverhampton (AW) London 4th/12 @ 11/2
7 Feb: 4.10 Leopardstown Livelovelaugh (E/W) 3rd/22 @ 28/1
6 Feb: 2.45 Leopardstown Or Jaune De Somoza (E/W) 6th/20 @ 40/1
5 Feb: 4.15 Newcastle (AW) Bobba Tee 3rd/11 @ 17/2
Account (Level Stakes Profit)
Feb 2021 LSP: +18.3
All 2021 LSP: +18.3
