Balinka shaped as if coming back to her best last time out and looks worth a wager at 5/1 in the 5.20 at Newcastle today from what looks a handy mark.
Mel Brittain’s filly has just one win to her name with that success coming in a 5f maiden at Ripon on soft ground last August where she made all to easily beat Pastureyes by 2 lengths.
She then finished a fine 1 3/4 length third of 12 to March on her handicap debut at Nottingham on good-to-soft ground off a mark of 68, and the winner has developed into a useful sort this season who finished runner-up in a listed contest and Sandown and third in a Group 3 at York and is now officially rated 100.
That is strong form in the context of this contest and makes Balinka look potentially well-treated in this off 59.
The daughter of Bahamian Bounty has also shaped well in two of her last three starts, with both thosee runs coming at this track over today’s 5f trip.
She came third of 6 to Exotic Guest of soft ground off 60, and after disappointing next time up et Beverley, bounced back to finish an excellent third of 12 to Planetex 12 days ago off today’s mark when showing penty of early dash to lead until being unable to find any extra inside the last and weakening late on to be beaten just over a length.
That run suggested that it wouldn’t be long before she was in the winners’ enclosure, and her ability to handle cut in the ground could be a major plus as there has been rain in Newcastle this morning and the distinct possibility of more to come.
Daily Sport recommended bet: 3pts win Balinka (5/1 generally available – use BOG firms)