Carters Rest is potentially well treated in the finale at Sedgefield (3.30) and looks the best value bet on the card at 9/1 after signalling as if he was returning to form on his latest start.
The gelding looked sure to win races when landing a bumper at Ayr in good style back in April 2009, and although he has subsequently failed to get his head in front he has run a number of solid races which would give him a big shout in this.
He started life off in handicaps on a very high mark of 110 but is now down to a more realistic rating of 92 and shaped fare better than his finishing position suggest when fifth over course and distance two weeks ago.
The eight-year-old travelled well at the head of affairs that day before taking up the running two from home, but was then soon headed and could only stay on at the one pace to be beaten 9 1/2 lengths by Claude carter.
To me that run suggested that his handler Ian Jardine would be able to find him an opening for him to belatedly get his head in front, and the handicapper has certainly given him a chance by dropping him another pound since that run.
It’s also interesting that connections have secured the services of the talented henry Brooke to take an extra 5lb of the gelding’s back this afternoon, and if he can build on his latest effort there is little doubt in my mind that he has the ability to win a race of this nature
Daily Sport recommended bet: 2pts each-way Carters Rest (9/1 generally available – use BOG firms)
*Fancy a flutter on the go? Join the Daily Sport’s Mobile Casino and get a £5 Free sign-up bonus to enjoy sexy poker, slots, roulette, blackjack and virtual greyhounds.