William Haggas has in team in good shape and i believe he has a handle on which of the yards runners are ready to fire and those that need the outing.
This would explain his decision to send many more horses out to contest the handicaps at the Craven meeting this season. He is due to run seven this year compared to seven in the previous 25 years at the April opening fixture on the Rowley mile.
From a punting point of view the skill will be assessing which are ready to run to their best and which will need the run. From then its a matter of assessing which are well handicapped to win what are ultra competitive races.
Power Fizz in the first division of the divided Debenhams.Com handicap over 7f due off at 4.45, looks to be likely to be ready to go close, although given the way the races were run on Wednesday his draw in 4 could be better.
Power Fizz is fit from 3 all weather runs which concluded in an impressive win over this trip at Newcastle in his first run following wind surgery. The winning margin of just 1/2L greatly underestimated his superiority and his opening mark of 79 is pretty good. The form of the Newcastle race is good without being strong but i do expect there to be considerable improvement from the 3yo. He was entered in several AW handicaps but has been kept for this race which suggests the yard is more than happy with the opening mark.
Given the high number of dark horses in the race I am hoping for an ew price at around about 5/1 or 6/1
3.00 Newmarket Bullet Point – Was a Lincoln entry but was pulled out early but on the impression of his C/D win on Soft ground last Autumn he must be respected. The ground could well be good to firm by race time and the draw in 2 could also be a disadvantage.
I think it is significant that he comes back to the course and distance for this handicap on his seasonal debut and wouldn’t want to back against him- , but the win of Double Rush and Candyman Stan have put me nicely in front for the month and I am keen not to take unnecessary risks at this stage of the season.
The two big handicap winners Godwinson and More Thunder won because everything possible went right them and with still doubts about the race winning ready fitness of some of the yards runners – I don’t want to take risks.
A summary of the other runners from Somerville Lodge on the day.
1.50 Newmarket Raafedd – Better for race experience
2.25 Newmarket Yabheer – Debutant winner – poor next time out handicap mark possibly too high but keep an eye on market.
5.20 Newmarket Art Market Disappointing on All Weather needs to improve back on Turf
5.10 Ripon Cairdeas William Haggas has a great record at Ripon and over the past 25 years at the two April meetings at the track he has a 50% strike (8 from 16) runners in maiden and novice events. However in handicaps in April over the same period his record is 1 from 9. Cairdeas looks too high in the weights and I anticipate will need the run.
Thursday Recommended Bets
0.5 pt ew Power Fizz 4.45 Newmarket 5/1
Chrysalis Consortium 
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