Always Welcome at Southwell and that’s the case today when John Gosden’s charge, second in both races to date, is “expected” in the Maiden Stakes over seven furlongs of fibresand.
“Big John” is favouring a drop back in trip but the “deep stuff” is somewhat stamina-sapping and our champion trainer has doubtless built that factor into his declaration. On the time-handicap Always Welcome has achieved what should be required with two efforts over a mile of Lingfield polytrack; this Elusive Quality colt improved considerably from his “first-up” experience.
Interesting that blinkers were fitted last time but haven't been declared on this occasion! Shrewd punters will have taken note and hopefully Always Welcome will trade at 2/1 or better; if he doesn’t just include in our DAILY PATENT, as ever!
Mine is to reduce liability in the same way Chancellor George Osborne enforces cuts; the fun is profiting, legally and with excitement. Less bets the better with a view to streamlining activity and time spent punting, seriously.
Incidentally this left-handed Nottinghamshire is the best lay-out of our all-weather tracks, currently in use; it suits gallopers and the draw is of little consequence, pity about the surface!
Tom Marquand is a good reason why we select Richard Hannon-trained Herridge each-way for the nursery handicap over a mile; the recently-crowned champion apprentice still claims 3lbs allowance and that could weigh heavily against eleven similarly-moderate rivals.
Eight furlongs represent a tremendous stamina test for juveniles and on the unique surface is probably the equivalent of two lengths, plus 17-year-old Tom is a future champion if we’ve ever spotted one.
Hopefully my second pacemaker is still ticking along when Marquand launches challenges, supported by former champion trainer, Hannon, and others!
Running in tandem are two “soft” ground NH fixtures, Uttoxeter and Fontwell, where Coco Shambala justifies support in the Mares’ Novices’ Hurdle over two and a half miles; what beats Oliver Sherwood’s charge will win!
SELECTIONS
8.00 Herridge
8.30 Always Welcome
8.40 Coco Shambala.
