Two Sams disappointed last time out on handicap debut but having quickly been eased in the weights looks worth another chance at 12/1 in the 2.00 at Hereford today.
This six-year-old won an Irish point before joining Michael Blake but was beaten out of sight twice and pulled-up in his first three starts for his new handler.
He was also eventually beaten 32 lengths at Taunton last month when fifth of nine to Third Wind but ran a lot better than that suggests.
Two Sams led under Paddy Brennan who kept him out wide. He only get headed two from home before weakening out of contention. Ostuni, who finished seven lengths in front of him in fourth, landed a gamble next time up on handicap debut at Fontwell when scoring easily by eight lengths of 100 and then ran well off 107 when runner-up at Wincanton.
Save The Pennies, who finished 27 lengths behind the selection in eighth, also won next time up off 88. That suggested an opening mark of 90 for Two Sams was workable and he looked the type that could have more to offer now going down the handicap route.
However, he failed to shine on debut in that sphere when never really travelling and pulled-up at Wincanton 19 days ago.
I put him up at 16/1 that day and the fact that he was punted into 7/1 suggests that connections clearly expected much better and it’s no surprise to see the hood now go on for the first time.
Two Sams has also been quickly dropped 5lb and his revised rating of 85 makes him look weighted to run a big race on his aforementioned run behind Third Wind.
Daily Sport recommended bet: 2pts each-way Two Sams (12/1 generally available – use BOG firms)
