Al Shababiya too big to ignore at 10s
Al Shababiya is well weighted on her first try on Southwell’s fibresand (2.40) and looks worth chancing at the 10/1 on offer.
The filly won a Brighton handicap of 57 over today’s distance when trained last season by David Simcock and followed that up with a good second on the all-weather at Wolverhampton off a 9lb higher mark.
Now in the care of Alison Thorpe, she disappointed on her first start for the Welsh trainer at Catterick nine days ago but was entitled to need the run after a lengthy lay-off and looks sure to strip fitter this afternoon.
Given that she was an excellent second to Snowberry Hill at Wolverhampton off a mark of 66 she has certainly been given every chance by the handicapper off a mark of 65 today if taking to the surface.
This is also not the strongest of line-ups by any means and that form looks strong in the context of this race.
I had her priced up at no bigger than 7s for this, so the 10/1 on offer with Paddy Power looks too big and terrific each-way value.
Daily Sport recommended bet: 2pts each-way Al Shababiya (10/1 Paddy Power – BOG)
12/1 Scruffy Skip handicapped to strike
Scruffy Skip is very well handicapped at present and makes plenty of each-way appeal at 12/1 in the 4.40 at Southwell.
Christine Dunnett’s six-year-old was successful three times over course and distance last spring, and is now a massive 17lb lower than his last victory.
He easily defied a 6lb penalty that day to beat Sparky Vixen be 1 1/2 lengths off a mark of 65 and has now plummeted back down to 48.
It’s true to say that he has been badly out of form all season, but he did show far more sparkle last time out when finishing 6th of 12 to Princess Dayna over 6f here to suggest that he was not a lost cause.
Unlike many of his races this season where he has been slowly away and appeared to sulk, he showed plenty of early zip to lead and only faded out of contention a furlong from home over a trip which is short of his best.
He tackles a mile today, and although all his best form has come over 7f I think he will stay in what is a very weak looking contest on paper.
If he can build on his last run there is little doubt in my mind that he can win this, and at 17/2 he has to be worth an each-way interest.
Daily Sport recommended bet: 2pts each-way Scruffy Skip (12/1 Hills – BOG)
