Rumble of Thunder too big at 16s
Rumble Of Thunder has been in good form over hurdles lately and looks overpriced at 16/1 now returned to the flat on a tempting mark in the 4.10 at Ripon.
The front running gelding only has one win on the level to his name, but ran a number of solid races last season when trained by David Arbuthnot.
He was collared on the line when second to Prince of Johanne in a 1m2f contest at Sandown off a mark of 80, and ran even better off 83 when a solid second to the classy Alainmaar in a three runner contest at headquarters.
Now in the care of Kate Walton, his attentions have been switched to hurdling where he has shown improved form to win two of his 6 starts and achieve a rating of 122.
If he can translate that improvement to the flat then he is undoubtedly well treated off a mark of 77.
The useful Michael O’Connell also takes another 3lb off his back, and from a good draw in stall 4 there is every chance that he can dominate from the off.
With the trip and going fine, he could well take some pegging back and the 16/1 on offer for him this morning looks far too big.
Recommended bet: 2pts each-way Rumble Of Thunder (16/1 bet365, Paddy Power, Victor Chandler – BOG)
12/1 Keys Of Cyprus handicapped to strike
Keys Of Cyprus is now dangerously well handicapped and looks terrific each-way value at 12/1 in the 4.45 at Ripon.
Dandy Nicholls’ gelding is now 2lb below his last winning mark, and has form in the book last season which makes him of major interest of a rating of 75.
After beating Nightjar over 7f on his seasonal reappearance off 77, he was an excellent third of 14 to Ezdeyaad in a mile contest at Haydock off 83 and runner-up to Ginger Jack off the same mark at Musselburgh.
He also put together a string of solid efforts of marks in the 80s without managing to get his head in front, and as a result the handicapper was slow to relent.
However after kicking off this season with a promising 8th of 20 to Snow Bay over today’s course and distance his form has tailed off an the assessor has finally cut him some slack
He seemed to be ready to take advantage of the drop in the weights when showing far more sparkle and keeping on to finish fourth to Daring Dream two starts, but failed to follow that up last time out when running a shocker and finishing last of 17 at Thirsk.
That run was quite simply too bad to be true, and I am inclined to put a line through it completely and give him another chance.
He is a course and distance winner, goes well with cut in the ground, and has been found a decent opening to exploit.
Apart from the favourite Hot Rod Mamma and the uneguine Jupiter Fidius, none of his rivals come into this in any sort of form and it’s just the type of contest where he could pop up at a big price.
At 12/1 he is too well treated to ignore and looks worth chancing.
Recommended bet; 2pts each-way Keys Of Cyprus (12/1 generally available – BOG firms)
