Almaqam and Oisin to solve Brigadier conundum

I had earmarked this meeting for a potential 4 point bet on Bowmark in the Heron Stakes I think we would have got odds of around 9/4 for what would have been a Group 1 horse running in a listed race.

However he has been re-routed to the French Derby on Sunday and i may well back him for that at odds of around 10/1 depending on the draw and the ground conditions. More on that as the week progresses…

Back to Sandown and Goldophin have given punters a conundrum running three horses in the Brigadier Gerard stakes with William Buick on what looks the second string and Ryan Moore on the favourite Ombudsman.

My interpretation, supported by the early market moves is that Ombudsman will need the run and Military Order is here on a discovery mission to find out how good he maybe.

That leaves the door open for Oisin Murphy and Almaqam, who at the start of the season was a horse that was touted as being ready to contest leading Group 1 races over 10f.

Our confidence in the horse extended to having a small investment on his seasonal debut also at Sandown. He ran well in a muddling race but the Ed Walker team were badly needing their first race and his lack of fitness found him out – up the Sandown hill.

The Walker horses are now in A1 form and significantly in the lead up to the race this evening Walker was quoted stating they had considered going for the Group 1 Tattersalls Gold Cup but decided to go for this easier contest as a stepping stone for the rest of the season.

Whatever wins this evening will go to Royal Ascot with a leading chance and i am firmly on the side of Almaqam who has the makings of a real contender for those Group 1 contests as the season progresses.

The conditions suit him perfectly on Thursday and he is exactly the type of horse that Murphy excels on.

There is of course a chance that Ombudsman and Military Order could also be top Group 1 horses, but at this stage of the season the scales tip in favour of Almaqam and the 4yo is worth a 2pt bet to give him a first win on what could be a memorable season

Diary of a Season 2pt Bet Win Almaqam 9/4 7.35 Sandown.