5.00 Beverley: Class 4 Handicap, 8.5f

There should be a good deal of pace in this race and that may bring Tuscan into play if he can find a early cover from the #9 draw, which is a concern. On the other hand there are plenty of positives for his chances and he’s got an entry next week as well, which may be worth following, depending on the result here.

Obviously the gelding has been on the slide for a while. Down to a new career-lowest mark, after what I thought was in fact a promising run at Musselburgh and subsequently at Leicester when last seen

At Musselburgh he settled well off the pace, restrained, despite a good draw. Then had a lot to do from over 3f out and didn’t seem to have the change of gear in this class required over 7 furlongs to make serious progress.

He wasn’t helped being right in the middle of a big bunch of horses and a shifting rivals over gave him a bump as well. In the grand scheme of things he ran okay, though.

Tuscan followed up at Leicester with a highly promising effort when doing a lot in the middle part and looked threatening for a brief moment, however he was behind a wall of horses and ultimately had too much to do from off the pace.

He could find himself in the same scenario, but with a good jockey booking, a clear run toward the outside may be the answer.

I’m really intrigued by his chances over this trip, especially off his current mark and in this grade. He didn’t have too many chances over a mile, certainly not in lower grades. T

The draw, as mentioned before is a concern. If he’s caught wide or too far behind it could be game over early, especially at this track. He was at his best when racing in a prominent position in the past, in fact.

10pts win – Tuscan @ 17/2