Pintura will relish the going in the opener at Chester (1.35) and looks worth a punt at 13/2 to score an overdue success.
David Simcock’s gelding has not been at his best in three starts this season, but shaped better than his finishing position suggest when 13th of 22 to Captain Bertie in the Spring Cup at Newbury last time out.
Although eventually beaten a long way he travelled well for much of the contest and when he did try and make a move two from home it was on the worst part of the track.
In the end the effort was very short lived, but he was then allowed to come home in his own time and not knocked about.
The handicapper has reacted by dropping him 3lb to a mark of 92, and that means that he is now 1lb lower than when just touched off in this contest last year by Kyllachy Star.
That gives him every chance of going one better, particlaularly on his run in the valuable Totesport Mile at Goodwood last year when narrowly beaten into third off a mark of 97.
Although he has not won since 2010, he is now definitely on a winning mark and given that he won two races that year on ground described as “soft” and “heavy” today’s conditions will certainly hold no fears.
With Jamie Spencer in the saddle and good draw in stall 3 he looks sure to take all the beating.
Daily Sport recommended bet: 3pts win Pintura (13/2 Hills – BOG)
