It’s just not happening right now… strong run from Showboated who was a clear passage denied at a crucial stage and as a result had to delay his fully effort. DH for 3rd, eventually.

Another solid run and placed selection at double figure prices…. thankfully, at the very least, selections outrun expectations…. but that W remains elusive. A nightmare.

………

3.20 Brighton: Class 6 Handicap, 7f

Dion Baker is in smashing form and a repeat his last three highly eyecatching runs will see him win this.

He bumped into a couple last time at Wolverhampton, where he was hard at work early on to grab the lead in what should prove a hot contest – the winner was certainly well-handicapped on the day.

The two times before, at Yarmouth over a mile and prior to that over 6 furlongs, the gelding travelled pretty well and showed a lovely attitude to fight gamely, although was possibly outclassed somewhat and beaten by the race dynamics too.

Brighton, 7 furlongs, and the chance for having it easy enough to get the lead, down in class where he’s got a 3-1-2 record on turf, including his sole turf win, as well as achieved in each run good speed ratings, should afford him a cracking chance to add a third career victory to his CV.

He was only a shoulder beaten in higher grade last summer over this course and distance off 6lb higher than today. Since then he ran 64+ speed ratings on three occasions on sand or turf.

Currently down to a seriously dangerous mark of 63 the 5-year-old must be the prime contender in this race, as long as the rain doesn’t turn the ground too soft. It should subside, and not be enough to get much worse than good, though.

10pts win – Dion Baker @ 4/1