12/1 Veiled Applause looks terrific value
Veiled Applause has had dropped back down to a winning mark and looks solid each-way value at 12/1 in the 3.45 at Ripon.
John Quinn’s eight-year-old has been a good servant over the years, and showed that he still retains plenty of ability when runner-up twice in August at Doncaster and Epsom.
His latest start at Ayr when a staying on never nearer firth to Silvery Moon over a mile was also full of promise and suggested to me that he was ready to go in again.
He is now 2lb lower than when last successful at York last October, and having run well off marks in the 80s since then has to command plenty of respect of just 74 this afternoon.
Shane B.Kelly also takes off another 3lb, and although Veiled Applause is a tricky ride as he tends to hang and needs to be delivered late there is little doubt in my mind that he will take all the beating in this if the cards drop right.
Given that he is fully effective under today’s a massive run looks assured, and I can see him going off in single figures come flagfall.
Daily Sport recommended bet: 2pts each-way Veiled Applause (12/1 generally available – BOG firms)
Cocktail Charlie looks tasty at 22/1
Although Cocktail Charlie has been disappointing in his last two starts, he would have a big chance in the 4.15 at Ripon if bouncing back to his best and looks worth chancing at 22/1.
Tim Easterby’s three-year-old is a strong travelling type who should get the blistering gallop he needs to be seen at his best in this line up.
He run with great in the early part of the season, and was an excellent second of 20 to Lexi’s Hero over 6f at York in June off today’s mark of 92.
Beaten just a length that day, he had some really decent yardsticks behind, and followed up that effort with a solid sixth of 18 to Coeus in a valuable handicap at Newmarket.
He was only beaten 2 3/4 lengths and the form of the contest looks solid in the context of this race.
The gelding has clearly not been right and has failed to fire since in two races at York, but he was heavily backed on the first occasion and I think that connections feel he is capable of landing a decent pot this season.
He is clearly not the easiest to win with, but he has a good draw in stall 3 today as the three at the head of the market are all drawn around him – including the very pacey pepper Lane.
She looks guaranteed to blaze the trail and should hopefully give Cocktail Charlie a nice tow into the contest.
If David Allan can get the selection settled and produce him late, then I think he will go very close indeed if back to his best.
Daily Sport recommended bet: 1pt each-way Cocktail Charlie (22/1 Boylesports – BOG)