Paul Ferguson two selections for us on Saturday; Petitioner in the Newbury 5:20 and Intrepidly in the 5:35 at Newmarket.
Newbury’s concluding 1m4f handicap looks a decent event, in which several unexposed three-year-olds lock horns, but I liked the way Petitioner (5:20) got the job done at Kempton recently and a mark of 78 doesn’t appear excessive.
Roger Charlton’s Dansili colt is a half-brother to the same owners’ Biographer and he always looked like holding the runner-up, despite only just hanging on in the end. The second came out and won a Hamilton handicap (off 75) earlier this month and, with further progression almost assured after just two all-weather starts, he looks capable of a bold show. The fourth home from Kempton has also advertised that piece form, by winning a Pontefract maiden and a Ripon handicap.
This is his first start on the turf, but the forecast good-to-soft going should be to his liking judged on his pedigree.
Newmarket’s concluding handicap is another interesting three-year-old contest, again several unexposed types coming together.
Valcartier looked potentially smart when winning his maiden at Nottingham, while any overnight rain would enhance the claims of Contango who stayed on strongly to score on easy ground at Chepstow on his handicap debut.
However, Intrepidly (5:35) shaped with promise on his reappearance before winning with a bit in hand at Windsor earlier in the month. He moved well into contention and picked up in tenacious fashion, with the front pair a few lengths clear. He needs to step forward again today, but he looks progressive.
Saturday’s selections:
5:20 Newbury: Petitioner; 7/2 Coral
5:35 Newmarket: Intrepidly; 11/4 Ladbrokes
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