Hamilton specialist Ivestar ready to shine
Hamilton specialist Ivestar bounced back to form when runner-up last time out and makes plenty of each-way appeal at 9/1 to go one better in the 2.40 at the Scottish track.
The six-year-old seems to reserve his best for today’s track, and ran a stormer when chasing home Rydane in an amateur riders event’ over course and distance back in August.
That run came off a mark of 58, and he is able to race off exactly the same rating this afternoon.
He is now 2lb lower than when scoring over course and distance in June 2010, and with the very talented Julie Burke taking off another 5lb is undoubtedly handicapped to go in again.
The one worry is that Ben Haslam’s charge has a habit of starting slowly which often costs him dearly, and has only registered one win in 19 starts on the level.
However he started on terms with his rivals last time out, and if doing so gain today his claims are there for all to see.
With the favourite Mission Impossible having been subjected to three hard quick races, and the second fav I Got You Babe clearly having attitude problems this contest looks set up for Ivestar.
I can’t envisage him being out of the frame, and at the 9/1 on offer he looks terrific each-way value.
Daily Sport recommended bet: 2pts each-way Ivestar (9/1 Betfred – BOG, Sky Bet, totesport)
Wade into 9/1 Walvis Bay
Walvis Bay is now dangerously well handicapped and is of major interest at 9/1 in the 4.40 at Hamilton.
The gelding has been shaping well all season without troubling the judge and is now down to a mark of 75 having started the campaign on 82.
That means that Tom Tate’s charge is now 3lb lower than when registering his last win over 5f at Ripon last August where he made all and scored easily by two lengths from Secret Millionaire.
He has shown plenty of pace in his four starts this season, and his best run arguably came last time out when he was beaten just two lengths into sixth behind Mayoman at Haydock off 76.
Up with the pace throughout, he was ridden to throw down a challenge a furlong from home before being unable to find any extra close home.
That fact that he was heavily punted that day into 11/2 (from 10s) suggests that connections believe he is ready to go in again, and from a handicapping perspective that is certainly the case.
He also has a good draw in stall 12, his optimum conditions, and Franny Norton in the saddle who has a 20% strike rate for the yard in the past 12 months.
The 9/1 on offer with Paddy Power looks huge, and I can see him going off far shorter come the off.
Daily Sport recommended bet: 2pts each-way Walvis Bay (9/1 Paddy Power – BOG)