7.45 Leicester: Class 6 Handicap, 5f

Plenty of things change for Malham Tarn Cove today: a slight drop in class, drop in trip and certainly better ground than the first two times he was seen this year.

Last time at this track over 6 furlongs he caught the eye in deep ground as he travelled quite well for a long time, made solid progress from 2f out to put a good challenge to the long-term leader.

The effort on the soft ground took his toll as he got pretty tired in the final furlong and had to settle for third place in the end.

This looks strong form and he meets lesser rivals today, while the handicapper has been kind to leave him on the same mark.

The change in underfoot conditions is intriguing. While the dam did all her best work on soft ground, the sire was top-class on a faster surface. He doesn’t seem to have that high a knee action to think he needs soft juice in the ground to be seen to best effect.

I also think he showed solid enough early speed in his two Handicap runs this year to suggest the drop in trip won’t be an issue, especially in this field.

A solid pace looks likely, which will suit. The only negative is the fact he’s drawn away from the pace. I hope that won’t be a big problem and he can get out of the gate well, to move right across and track the likely pace setters Big Impact and Buddy’s Beauty.

Off a lowly handicap mark, if the ground and drop in trip can bring out improvement he’ll be well-handicapped here.

Saying that, the market seems to have caught on this, I’m late to the party and the juice is squeezed out of the price rapidly. Wouldn’t go much shorter than 4s.

10pt win –  Malham Tarn Cove @ 9/2