Ballerina the best bet
Marina Ballerina has been in good form of late and looks a solid bet at 4/1 to gain an overdue first success in the 3.30 at Southwell today.
Roy Bowring’s filly left her form in three maiden runs on the turf behind when making her handicap debut here last month and finishing a staying on third to Minortransgression.
She then caught the eye again when occupying the same spot behind Sky High Diver on her next start, keeping on well once headed to be beaten just 1 3/4 lengths.
The daughter of Ballet Master may well have been in front sooner than she wanted to be that day and I fancy her to turn the table on that rival on 4lb better terms.
Although she then ran below par when just 5th of 12 to Cadger’s Brig at Wolverhampton she didn’t appear to handle the quicker polytrack surface and bounced back to form here last time out when once again chasing home the progress Sky High Diver.
She did absolutely nothing wrong that day, and the pair pulled three lengths clear of the third horse to give the form a solid look.
To me she has shown more than enough ability to score from her current mark of 49 and from the foot of the weights she must take all the beating on a surface she clearly loves.
Daily Sport recommended bet: 4pts win Marina Ballerina (4/1 generally available – use BOG firms)
Get Carter at 13/2
Horatio Carter was a real eye-catcher last time out and is of serious interest at 13/2 in the 2.30 Southwell now stepped back up in trip.
David O’Meara’s gelding was doing all his best work at the finish when coming sixth of 13 to Global Village over 6f here 16 days ago, and today’s 7f trip will suit him far better.
The six-year-old has certainly been given a chance by the handicapper if building on that effort, as he is now 4lb lower than when last scoring at Thirsk back in September.
Given that he has won off a rating as high as 90 in the past that gives him a huge chance from a handicapping perspective, and although clearly not the force of old I am convinced he still has enough ability to take advantage and win a race of this nature.
Daily Sport recommended bet: 2pts each-way Horatio carter (13/2 Hills – BOG)
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