Six meetings on a Thursday and plenty to get stuck into. The bulk of the confidence sits in the north, with Hamilton giving us a full card to follow and Thirsk offering a couple we rate highly. Chepstow and Leopardstown are where the bigger prices live if you fancy a swing.
Hamilton is the one to build the day around. We are on right through the card, from the opener to the finale, and the ground has come up fast which suits. Call Nicki heads the list in the 1:40. She is the pick of a small field and arrives in top nick, four placed from her last five and a winner three weeks back. Easterby and Allan both do well at this track, and the quick surface plays to her strengths. Later on we side with I’ll Be Back, Inspired and Alnayef, all at prices that say we mean it.
Thirsk is short but sharp. Coconut Bay in the 4:10 is thriving, her times sharpening to a recent peak just as she lands a plum draw for a tow into the race. She has already run over the trip and bounces back quickly, only eight days since her last run, so there is no worry about freshness. Straight Ahead earlier and Military Leader in the 4:45 round out a meeting we are keen on.
Down at Chepstow, Autumn Angel is the one that jumps out. She has found a groove, chased home twice and drops in on a falling weight. She has won over this course and distance, her speed is trending the right way and stall four is a help rather than a hindrance. We are happy to take her on her own in the 4:25. Kodi Fire and So Smart are the each-way pokes for those who like a bit more in the return.
Ireland is worth a look too. Daler in the 7:45 at Leopardstown is going the right way, a winner two runs back who backed it up with a close second last time. The weights nudge his way, the trip plays to him and his fastest effort is a recent one. Hard to keep out. Isaac Newton carries our biggest stake of the day in the 7:10.
Yesterday gave us plenty to smile about. Our Absent Friends obliged at 5.0 and Probation followed up at 2.25, with three more filling places, so the momentum is with us heading into today.
Get your selections in early, the northern cards come thick and fast from the off.