Thorpe Bay went close to scoring on his debut for Mick Appleby when runner-up four days ago and rates a solid bet at 7/2 to go one better in the 2.35 at Southwell today.
The gelding showed good early pace to race at the head of affairs over 5f here and threw down a determined challenge inside the last to the eventually winner Divertimenti before being unable to quicken close home.
In the end he went down by just a neck and he now gets into this of the same mark of 52.
He also now has the services of Shirley Teasdale in the saddle who takes another 5lb off his back and that makes him look very well treated.
Indeed he is now running off a 10lb lower rating than when last successful in a claimer over course and distance last February where he ran on strongly to easily beat One More Roman by 3 1/2 lengths.
That makes him of obvious interest in this, especially as he is likely to come on significantly for his first run for the Appleby yard whose runners always command the utmost respect at this venue.
Daily Sport recommended bet: 3pts win Thorpe Bay (7/2 generally available – use BOG firms)