Andrew Balding: My thoughts on our 9 weekend runners
The Betway ambassador gives the lowdown on all of his entries at Sundown, Chester and Salisbury.
Saturday Sundown runners
Bonnyrigg won nicely at Brighton last time. He’s very genuine and is tough and consistent, so I’m sure he will give his best (13:05). Henry Candy’s horse could be very well-handicapped on his form of beating Highland Avenue, who is now rated 110.
Dejame Paso didn’t love the softer conditions at Newbury last time, although he did run well for a long way in what was a very good handicap. Back on his preferred surface, he’s not without a chance (15:25).
Spring Glow has run two good races this year and we’re now keen to try her over further. It’s competitive enough for the grade, but it looks a nice opportunity. She could have valid place claims if things went her way (16:35).
Saturday Chester runners
Classic Lord is another whose best form is with cut in the ground, but I’m keen to try him on better ground. He ran well at Chester on his first start this season and won well at Haydock last time. He could go nicely (15:20).
Arctic Vega has a very tricky draw but, without that, I would think he’d go very close. We’ll know our fate in the first two furlongs, but if he can get out well and get some cover, then we might be alright (16:30).
One runner at York
Even with a Listed penalty, Ranch Hand has got to have every chance. The big question is whether he’ll really act on the faster ground, but he ran OK on it in the Bahrain Trophy as a three-year-old and has improved massively since then.
Although his best form is on either the all-weather or on softer ground, I think he’s worth another go on a faster surface (15:05).
Sunday Salisbury runners
Frankella is a beautifully bred filly, who will no doubt want further in time. She’s a small, racy filly who has been shaping up nicely at home. It’s a nice place to start her and, whatever she does, she’ll improve on (15:08).
Shine So Bright has got some very smart form in the book. We backed him up too quickly at Leicester last time – he was just very flat. He’s been in good form at home since and he’s been training well, so he has a good chance (15:38).
Spirit Mixer has run well in what might end up being inadequate trips for him. We’re stepping him up and that could a big help to him. He could go very well (17:10).