3.00 Ripon: Handicap Class 2, 6f

Bottom weight Art Obsession could be massively underestimated if the drop in trip does the trick for him. Still lightly raced, one can excuse his latest performance which the first below par one in his career. He proved to be consistent in six starts before.

He’s unproven over 6f and it could well be all happing a bit too quick here for him, but he usually shows good early speed over 7f, so it may well work. He has form on soft ground as well, so on balance might find conditions just about right. With an excellent 5lb claimer on board today he comes into this race as an absolute feather weight, and I find that hugely attractive.

Art Obsession @ 16/1 Paddy Power – 5pts Win

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4.15 Newbury: Class 4 Handicap, 1m 2f

Super well bred Illusive has never lived up to his pedigree (full-brother to Rip Van Winkle) and has left Aiden O’Brien’s camp over the winter. Leaving his seasonal comeback run aside, he has performed with loads of credit in his last couple of starts. Stepped up to 9f at Goodwood the last time, he was probably a shade unlucky as he didn’t get a clear run ofer 2f out but finished like a train.

He is 3lb up for this effort, however goes up another furlong in trip which could work well for him. More importantly he gets soft ground for the first time since winning on this type of ground a competitive maiden at Leopardstown almost exactly one year ago. That may enable him to pull out a bit more today.

Illusive @ 8/1 Beftred – 5pts Win

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8.05 Lingfield: Class 6 Handicap, 1m 2f

Fine Tune hasn’t anything in three maidens for John Gosden last year. Subsequently sold, he starts for a new yard today in his first handicap. He has been gelded in the meantime, which is why I’m mostly interested in him. This often works wonders for his father Medicean’s offspring.

He hasn’t shown anything to warrant an opening mark of 55 and the yard is in poor form. So he well finish last. But the trip should work in his favour and he is related to some decent individuals, which means potentially he could be better than his current rating. It’s worth a try.

Fine Tune @ 25/1 Betfred – 5pts Win