16/1 Excel fancied to Bolt home

0
659
© 2012 Daily Sport Limited

The lightly raced Excel Bolt caught the eye last time out and looks overpriced at 16/1 in the 7.35 at Ripon.

Brian Smart’s gelding was a smart two-year-old, winning his first two starts and then finishing a fine third of 12 to approve in the Group 2 Norfolk Stakes at Royal Ascot.

He then suffered injury problems, and only made one appearance last year when heavily backed but trailing in a distant last of four to Shoshoni Wind at Hamilton.

The four-year-old was then off the track for 165 days before making his reappearance at Musselburgh in April, where he showed much more of his old dash to finish a solid third to Hamish McGonagall and Bear behind off a rating of 95.

He then failed to build on that effort in his next two outings, but shaped as if he could be on his way back at Ascot last month when an excellent close up 9th of 18 to Barnet Fair in an ultra competitive class 2 event.

The son of Exceed And Excel showed good early speed to race prominently throughout and led at a two pole before weakening close home to be beaten just 2 1/2 lengths.

That run came off a mark of 90, and the handicapper has since dropped him a pound.

He now looks on a nice mark in this class 3 contest if he can build on that effort, and he looks a big price considering that he now meets Fitz Flyer – who finished one place and 1 length in front of him at Ascot- on 1lb better terms yet can be backed at double the price of that rival.

Daily Sport recommended bet: 2pts each-way Excel Bolt (16/1 Boylesports – BOG)

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here