Our race preview takes a look at a tricky Handicap at Nottingham. Check out our betting tips below to find out our selection who should continue his good run.
IN SUMMARY: Atalan won over C&D in May and Fix Up Look Sharp has lots of scope to improve, however it may well be worth siding with BERTIE MOON. Although running off top weight, he ran well in a similar handicap in Class 4 company last time out and with Clifford Lee taking off 7lb’s he could be the answer to a tricky handicap.
1 BERTIE MOON – Has won over hurdles and the flat this year and ran respectably latest when 3rd at Doncaster over a slightly longer trip (14.5f, Good to Firm). He drops from Class 4 company and has Clifford Lee taking off 7lb’s. With all factors considered he could well be the answer to this race.
2 ATALAN – Won over C&D in May (14f, Good) but has been well held in subsequent efforts since, latest when last at Sandown (14f, Good to Firm). Connections reach for the blinkers which could eek out some improvement which he desperately needs, only a 4yo though so lots of potential.
3 LONGSIDE – Got off the mark at Yarmouth on penultimate start (11.5f, Good to Firm) and then flopped at Brighton latest (12f, Good). Needs to find something from somewhere and is passed over for today.
4 IVANHOE – A 1-31 record on Turf really doesn’t look great but he’s hit the frame on each of his last 4 starts, latest when 3rd at Yarmouth (14f, Good), only beaten by 4l. Has it in him to run a big race but needs to prove the handicapper hasn’t got his measure.
5 FIX UP LOOK SHARP – Lightly raced 5yo who has only run 4 times, latest when 4th at Newbury (13.5f, Good to Firm). That was his handicap debut and has room for lots of improvement, so considered if building upon that run.
6 DENHAM SOUND – Upped to 1m6f latest at Salisbury on handicap debut and that was a very laboured effort. Hasn’t yet proved she can see out a middle distance trip well, so too much to prove for now.
7 LINEMAN – Last win came way back in February 2014. Was an okay 3rd at Nottingham over C&D latest but he was some way off the winner. De Sousa gets the ride which is an eyecatcher but needs to make use of this reduced mark to figure which he couldn’t do last time.