18/1 Ballista an each-way cracker
Ballista has been given a massive chance by the handicapper and looks terrific each-way value at 18/1 in the 2.45 Haydock.
Tom Dascombe’s gelding only has one win to his name when scoring on his juvenile debut at this track over 5f, but has run some really good races and definitely has the ability to score of his current mark of 86.
He rounded off his two-year-old career when a cracking third to Ladies Are Forever off a mark of 90 in the listed Two-year-old Trophy at Redcar, and showed back at Newmarket in June that he retains plenty of ability when a 3/4 length runner-up to Steps off 88.
The son of Majestic Missile has Coues, who went on to land a valuable sprint handicap at Newmarket, a length behind him that day and the form looks solid in the context of today’s contest.
It was slightly disappointing the he failed to build on that effort in his next three starts, but he bounced back to form last time out when a promising fifth of 13 to the progressive Zero Money over 5f at this track.
He stayed on well to go third a furlong from home, but then weakened in the closing stages and lost two places late on to be beaten 3 1/2 lengths.
However the form looks good as he finished just a head behind subsequent Ayr Gold Cup winner Cheveton and 1 1/2 lengths ahead of Secret Millionaire who has since bolted up at Yarmouth.
The handicapper has certainly been kind in dropping Ballista 2lb for that effort to a career-low mark of 86, and he also has a good draw in stall 16 to exploit as high numbers tend to have an advantage when there is a bit of cut in the ground.
At 18/1 with Boylesports he looks way overpriced.
Daily Sport recommended bet: 2pts each-way Ballista (18/1 Boylesports – BOG)
8/1 Addictive Dream can give bookies nightmares
Addictive Dream has plenty going for him in the 3.20 at Haydock, and looks solid each-way value at 8/1.
The gelding absolutely sluiced up in 6f Ripon handicap in June and ran a blinder last time out when a 1/2 length third of 21 to Nocturnal Affair in the Portland at Doncaster over 6f.
He led inside the last and looked the likely winner until being unable to find any extra and headed close home, and the drop back to 5f today should suit.
The handicapper has not surprisingly put him up 2lb for that effort to a mark of 99, but he has run some solid races of 98 this season and I don’t think it is beyond him.
He also teams up with the in-form Kieren Fallon for the first time, and he looks the perfect partner for Walter Swinburn’s charge.
Another plus is that he has a good high draw in stall 17, and everything looks in place for a huge run.
I had him priced up at around the 6/1 mark on my tissue, so at the 8s available he looks an each-way steal with bookmakers paying 1/4 odds 1,2,3,4.
Daily Sport recommended bet: 2pts each-way Addictive Dream (8/1 Boylesports – BOG)