Bandstand looks worth a wager at 7/1 to win the 3.40 at Southwell today for the second year running.
Bryan Smart’s gelding has an excellent record in four on the fibresand surface, finishing runner-up twice and winning on the last two occasions.
The first of those successes came off a mark of 75, where he ran on strongly to get up in the dying strides and beat Dancing Freddy by a neck.
He then failed to follow up on the polytrack at Kempton, but quickly bounced back when returned to this venue and landing this contest 12 months ago off a mark of 76 when overcoming a slow start and staying on strongly to beat Upper Lambourn by 1/2 a length.
The seven-year-old has generally been disappointing since apart from when chasing home Dickie Le Davoir at Newcastle last September, but all his runs since his last win have been away from this track.
He clearly reserves his best for this unique surface and there is little doubt that he is weighted to play a leading role in this if the return to it sparks him back to life.
Daily Sport recommended bet: 3pts win Bandstand (7/1 Betfred, Hills – BOG)