First Post shaped as if coming back to form last time out and looks decent value at 8/1 to cash-in on his falling mark in the 4.30 at Windsor today.
Derek Haydn Jones’ charge hadn’t been at his best in his first three starts this season, but put in a much improved effort 13 days ago when fourth of 11 to Cruiser over course and distance.
He raced with far more zest that day and after holding every chance a furlong from home coudn’t find any extra inside the last before weakening to be beaten 4 lengths.
It was an effort which suggested it would not be long before he is back in the winners’ enclosure, and he has since been dropped another 1lb by the handicapper to a mark of just 74.
That is his lowest rating in three years and 5lb lower than when he registered his last success in a mil contest at Goodwood last October where he stayed on well from off the pace to beat Estebaal by 1/2 a length.
Prior to that he had run some really solid races to finish runner-up to Postscript and Educate in decent handicaps at Sandown off 78 and 79 and in 2011 he won at that venue off a mark of 82.
There is little doubt that he is now weighted to go in again if he can build on his latest effort this looks a nice opening for him to do so.
Daily Sport recommended bet: 2pts win First Post (8/1 generally available – use BOG firms)
