2.30 Redcar: Class 5 Handicap, 6 furlongs

Can a 9-year-old be viable betting option? In the context of this contest it sure can: Ninjago, despite his age, has shown enough last year to suggest he can win off his current handicap mark.

He’s on a long losing run, yes, but finished at least in the top four eight out of 12 turf starts last season. Despite that Ninjago has dropped to a handy mark, having last won off 78, but also having been placed of 71 to 76 last season; currently allowed to race off 65, I feel he could be well handicapped.

That is because Ninjago also ran four times to TS ratings of 65+ last season – so if anywhere near that same form, he’ll be a big runner today. He finished last of five in a messy seller in February at Wolverhampton; I don’t pay too much attention to that run.

More so to the fact Ninjago usually runs pretty well off a break, judged by the past. So, if on a going day, with conditions sure to suit here, he’s a viable betting option indeed.

Selection:
10pts win – Ninjago @ 8/1 PP

…….

5.25 Redcar: Class 6 Handicap, 2 miles

A brutal race that screams for an upset. Highway Robber is the one I’m looking at to do this job. Obviously not one to trust, but one who’s proven in the past to have the ability to be better than a current mark off 45.

he#s ran three times in his career to TS ratings of 45+, has won off 49 and is currently a pound below his last winning mark.

Hard to know what to get today coming back from a break, as Highway Robber’s performances on the Al-Weather during the winter were poor. after a rather productive summer/autumn, where he was twice a runner-up plus a victory at Newcastle.

The 2m trip stretches him, though he’s placed three from six efforts. I don’t expect them to go too hard in this small field, so if Highway Robber is in the mood today, he’s got to be a danger to everyone.

Selection:
10pts win – Highway Robber @ 20/1 PP

……..

6.00 Redcar: Class 6 Handicap, 6 furlongs

Lightly raced Joey Boy appeals on his turf handicap debut today in a wide open contest. The gelding has caught the eye on the last two occasions on the All-Weather, picking up strongly in the closing stages over 5f at Newcastle and subsequently at Kempton over 6f where things didn’t quite pan out for him.

At Newcastle a TS 59 rating matched his current handicap mark; given Joey Boy is an April foal, you would hope he can improve with age and experience. An eight career start today, with conditions likely to suit, he looks good value for money here.

Selection:
10pts win – Joey Boy @ 12/1 MB