Cottam Donny returns to a more suitable grade in the 5.20 at Newcastle and looks good value at 7/1 to get back on the winning trail.
Mel Brittain’s charge broke his duck in emphatic style last week in first time cheekpieces when bolting up by 6 lengths in the mud at Beverley off a mark of 57.
He made virtually all and powered clear to beat Maybeme, and was then far from disgraced when upped significantly in grade three days later and finishing 16th of 28 to Henry Allingham in the ultra competitive class 2 silver Cambridgeshire at Newmarket off his new mark of 63.
The gelding was always prominent on the far side and led that group from the 3f pole to the two marker before weakening out of contention.
The company was clearly too hot for him that day, but he is now back down in grade to a class 5 contest and that looks sure to see him in a far better light.
Judged on his win at Beverley he should be more than capable of winning races of this nature off his current rating, and he clearly handles the mud well.
His handler also has a decent strike rate when employing the services of Paul Mulrennan in the saddle and with conditions very much in his favour he looks the one they all have to beat.
Daily Sport recommended bet: 3pts each-way Cottam Donny (7/1 BetVictor, Boylesports, Hills, Stan James – BOG)