With Valentine’s Day still fresh in the memory, Only Hearts is expected to get punters’ pulse rate peaking come Wednesday 23 February.
This Querari filly was all the rage after a promising debut but had everything go wrong second time out, and yet still almost managed to get there. Her turn of foot was impressive given that she had hurt herself earlier and raced with a saddle slip. On pedigree and running style she should thoroughly appreciate the step up in trip so barring any more issues, should open her account in Race 1, a Maiden Juvenile Plate for fillies over 1200m.
One has to wait a while for the second leg of a double with Sir Michael, who runs in Race 7, the best race on the day, a MR90 Handicap over 1600m. Sir Michael has been a bit costly to follow but confirmed his preference for the longer straight at Scottsville when beaten just under a length by rejuvenated Gentleman’s Wager in the listed Michael Roberts Stakes race.
His prior form (all runs at Greyville), while consistent but a tad disappointing, is not a true reflection of his ability and he should be supported with confidence.
Next best on form could be improving youngsters Sashay Away (Race 8) and Passage Of Power (Race 9). Both, however, run in races with plenty of hard knockers and while Sashay Away can boast a bit of class, Passage Of Power faces a field a lot stronger than last time out when all he had to do was beat Specially Selected.
It is advised to take eachway bets on these.
Speaking of Specially Selected, while he has let followers down time and again, he gets another chance to open his account in Race 2 where he takes on Ndaka, who is also knocking furiously. We’ll give the win bet a miss here and instead go for the swingers and exactas on the pair.
Noble Storm (Race 3) and Living Waters (Race 6) rate the best value options on the day.
Clive Robinson
