8/1 Stars set to shine
Above The Stars has been shaping as if coming back to her best and looks value at 8/1 to score and overdue success in the 2.50 at Southwell.
Richard Fahey’s filly has not scored since making a winning debut as a juvenile but having started life in handicaps off a mark of 84 is now down to just 70 as a result.
That give’s her a terrific chance from a handicapping perspective and she has run really well on all four of her last starts without troubling the judge.
The daughter of Piccolo particularly caught my eye last time out when putting in good late work in a 5f contest at Nottingham where she was beaten just 1 3/4 lengths into fifth behind Style And Panache.
The first four home were all drawn low that day, and from stall 14 she did well to finish so close after dwelling at the start.
To my mind she would have gone very close to winning if she had been given a more positive ride by Lee Topliss, and with Barry McHugh taking over in the saddle this afternoon she looks sure to get maximum assistance from the saddle.
Her ability to handle the fibresand has to be taken on trust, but I can’t see any reason why she won’t take to it and her run style suggests it will actually play to her strengths.
At 8/1 she looks cracking each-way value.
Daily Sport recommended bet: 2pts each-way Above The Stars (8/1 generally available – use BOg firms)
Nadeen looks nice at 12s
Nadeen has been given a chance by the handicapper and makes plenty of each-way appeal at 12/1 in the 3.20 at Southwell.
Michael Smith’s gelding put in an improved effort when landing 5f Musselburgh handicap on reappearance in April off a mark of 78, and although he has been out of form since his handicap mark has plummeted as a result.
He is now down to a rating of just 69, and given that he has run two solid races at this venue before there is every reason to believe he could bounce back and take advantage.
The four-year-old has finished runner-up on each occasion – to Victorian Bounty off a mark of 73 and Bonnie Prince Blue off 75 in 6f contests
He was not beaten far on either occasion, and the drop back in trip to 5f this afternoon will suit.
Granted luck in running from stall 11 he must go close, and at 12/1 looks overpriced.
Daily Sport recommended bet: 2pts each-way Nadeen (12/1 Ladbrokes – BOG)
