Who’s Shirl shaped quite nicely last time out and makes plenty of appeal at 10/1 to score an overdue success in the 5.30 at Redcar.
Chris Fairhurst’s mare stayed on from the rear to finish a never nearer 4 length sixth of 10 to Discression over 7f at Newcastle, and has since been dropped another 2lb by the handicapper.
That was only her second start of the campaign having previously run a similar race when finishing 7th 0f 13 to L’Ami Louis over 6f at Haydock.
She should now be spot on to do herself justice if building on those efforts, and she is certainly well handicapped if she can do so.
Although she drew a blank last season, the six-year-old had been very progressive in 6f furlong sprint handicaps in 2010 when winning three times.
Her last success came off a mark of 78 when beating Pepper Lane by a short-head over 6f at Pontefract in September of that year, and the winner has developed into a very decent sprinter.
She is is now down to a rating of 70, and although she has not yet won over today’s trip of 7f she has been shaping as if it may now be what she requires.
Luke McNiff also takes another invaluable 3lb off her back, and in a race which should be run to suit her come-from-behind style she looks worth an each-way punt at the odds on offer.
Recommended bet: 2pts each-way Who’s Shirl (10/1 bet365, Betfred – BOG)