Courtland Avenue races of a career-low mark in the 5.35 at Ffos Las today and looks worth an interest at 14/1 to take advantage and bounce back to form in a weak looking contest.
Jonathan Portman’s charge only has one win to his name, with that success coming as a juvenile back in 2011 over 5f at Bath.
However he did post a couple of solid efforts on his first two runs last year which would give him solid claims in this.
The first of those came on soft ground in a 5f class 5 handicap at Windsor where he raced close up until being outpaced two from home before staying on again to be beaten 5 lengths off a mark of 69.
He then showed plenty of pace next time up in a classified contest at Bath on good-to-soft ground, where he led until being headed inside the last to be beaten 2 1/2 lengths by Millibar who has since gone on to score off 73 and is now rated 82.
That looks pretty solid form in this class 6 context of this contest and makes the selection look potentially well treated off just 59.
The problem is that after those two efforts the gelding’s form tailed off badly, and he was also well beaten on his sole start this season back in May.
However the yard were quite then and are now going better, and this race severely lacks any strength in depth.
His ability to handle cut in the ground also has to be a plus, and he also has a good draw in stall 14 to exploit if the break has freshened him up.
Backing him obviously comes with risks attached, but at the odds on offer I think it’s a risk worth taking in a race which won’t take much winning.
Daily Sport recommended bet: 2pts each-way Courtland Avenue (14/1 generally available – use BOG firms)
