Onwards and Upwards

The win of Madrisa at Lingfield on debut this afternoon at 10/1 proved beyond doubt that all is now back in full swing at Somerville Lodge and with confirmation that Needle Match will contest Saturdays 2000 Guineas we can look forward in great anticipation to the rest of the season.

Three runners head to post on Tuesday and Wednesday – Cieren Fallon goes to Yarmouth to ride Creative Queen and Keep it Classic on Tuesday.

Creative Queen was very green at Kempton and will need to improve to beat the highly regarded Nevasca Cinza who will be at short odds on her first start for James Fanshawe in the Maiden at 2.47.

Keep it Classic has been put in at 4/1 for the 10f 3yo handicap at 3.22. He has shown nothing in 3 runs over 7f and is fitted with cheekpieces for the first time on handicap debut.

The yard pulled off a surprise earlier in the year with a similar type in Henrietta Ronner who won in first time headgear. They changed tactics on that filly that day riding her prominently after trying to restrain her previously.

I anticipate that will be the case with Keep It Classic especially having been allocated the outside drawn in 10. That 4/1 opening price is just too short, but for the upturn in form over the last few days I think it may have opened up at around 8/1. If it is strongly fancied, which could be the case if it has worked well in the headgear, the bookies will cut it significantly even from the 4/1. I have no information to that effect and it will be a case of letting the market close to the off time being the best guide. With so many opportunities in the month ahead I am happy to watch and wait for better opportunities.

On Wednesday Infraad looks to back up a highly promising debut run at Nottingham in the hands of Tom Marquand. The class 3 Novice Stakes at 2.13 features maidens from the yards of Gosden, Johnston and Burke but Infraad is already rated 4lb superior to his rivals, and has a lot of improvement to come – he will be at short odds to win this and progress to contest good quality handicaps.

No Betting Opportunities – Tuesday and Wednesday back with news for Thursday.