6.30 Down Royal: Handicap, 7f

Shoot To Kill could be well placed to get back to winning ways in this, undoubtedly, competitive Handicap. His mark comes down to a dangerous 75 rating, and he’s got the ideal low draw to ensure a prominent racing position at this track.

He ran quite well since joining the McGuinness yard in Ireland – all five runs, so far, were better than the bare form would suggest, in my view. Certainly his first two runs for the new yard at Dundalk caught my eye.

A poor start at Lingfield buried his chances on AW Champions Day, and his recent 6th in a hot Handicap on softer than ideal ground, behind a well-handicapped winner, was a strong effort as well, suggesting he’s certainly in excellent form.

A slight drop in class will help, as his 75 rating allows him to race in this easier grade now. Usually one who’s up with the pace, the #1 draw is a positive, as he can – unless a bad starts – move forward and track the pace closely.

Seven furlongs, decent ground should suit him really well. A winner from 6 furlongs to a mile, all his turf wins came on decent ground.

The yard has a bad spell right now and had only 2 winners on turf this year. That’s a real concern. But at the given prices, with seemingly a lot in Shoot To Kill’s favour, it’s worth the risk.

10pts win – Shoot To Kill @ 10/1