Valko ticks enough boxes for the 12-runner 2-y-o Maiden Stakes over six furlongs at Kempton, bar the fact Charles Appleby’s charge will be racing on polytrack for the first time and is drawn widest!
Following two run-of-the-mill efforts over seven furlongs Valko raced, for the first time under William Buick, around Catterick last month and improved considerably; obvious the sharp, helter-skelter, circuit was no problem and in the closing stages this Godolphin-owned, Oasis Dream gelding ran on well to finish second.
On that form Valko has an outstanding chance of making it fourth time lucky but that draw, and likelihood of improvement from once-raced Charles Hills-trained Joules, tempers expectations and you’re advised to play each-way with three places available.
Valko is worth following, just the type now the ‘penny has dropped!’
Hills runs in Sir Roger Moore in the fourteen-runner 2-y-o Maiden Stakes over six furlongs of ‘good’ ground Windsor tonight, drawn 14!
Steve Drowne will be fourth jockey to ride him in as many outings and it really is like ‘musical jockeys’ where Hills is concerned.
Given ‘the field’ will probably be ‘all over the track’ in search decent stretches the draw might not be a factor; if Sir Roger Moore hits anything like hitherto consistent marks what beats him will win!
James Bethell-trained Lady Canford shaped well on debut at York five weeks ago on fast ground.
If able to improve on a ‘soft’ Thirsk surface this Canford Cliffs filly should go close in division one of the 2-y-o Maiden Stakes over six furlongs.
GROUND CHANGE must never be underestimated, stick with this column and www.dailyearner.co.uk if you are at all serious about punting; DON’T GUESS!