Almerzem looks to have got in lightly under a penalty in the 3.10 at Newmarket today and at 13/2 rates the standout bet on the card.
Saeed Bin Suroor’s three-year-old is a lightly raced sort who hinted at ability in maiden’s before showing much improved form after being gelded to land a 1m 3f handicap at Kempton seven days ago with tons to spare.
Almerzem was held-up after being slowly away before making stealthy headway two from home on the outside to take up the running approaching the final furlong to beat Castle Coombe by 3 lengths.
He scored with far more in hand than the winning margin suggests, and it was a performance which suggested that he needed keeping firmly onside.
Although the son of Medaglia d’Oro has to shoulder a 6lb penalty for that success in what is a better contest, he has officially been put up 9lb so is effectively 3lb “well-in” at the weights.
It’s therefore no suprise to see connections turn him out quickly under a penalty, and the gelding operation has clearly had a positive effect.
With the prospect of further improvement on the cards, and Paul Hanagan in the saddle, he looks the one they all have to beat.
Daily Sport recommended bet: 3pts win Almerzem (13/2 Coral – BOG)