Fennell Bay is right at the top of his game at present and looks overpriced at 100/30 in the 3.35 at Haydock today.
Mark Johnston’s gelding was a progressive sort last year, winning four times including the class 2 King George V at Royal Ascot where he ran on strongly to beat Handsome Man by a neck off a mark of 85.
He has once again proved a consistent sort this season, winning twice and finishing placed in some very competitive handicaps including over course and distance when an excellent third of 17 to stable companion Star Lahib off a mark of 90.
The son of Dubawi also had little difficulty in making all the running to land a 1m 4f contest at Pontefract on his penultimate start before posting a cracking effort five days ago when chasing home Vasily in a 1m 2f class 2 contest at Sandown.
He couldn’t match the pace of the winner close home that day but stuck to the task gamely to be beaten just a neck in what was a very competitive contest.
The four-year-old now gets into this off the same mark of 90, and altough he has to give weight to a couple of improvers in the shape of Mankini and Venue I don’t think that pair are particularly well-treated on what they have achieved so far.
The one worry is that Fennell Bay is likely to face competition for the lead with Guessing in the line-up, but he doesn’t have to force the pace and I think Joe Fanning will be content to drop him in and track that opponent if necessary.
One thing for sure is that he is not going to go down without a fight, and he looks too big at 100/30 for a horse that has a rock solid profile and the best form on offer.
Daily Sport recommended bet: 3pts win Fennell Bay (100/30 BetVictor, Hills, Stan James – BOG)