Timeform highlights its best bets on Saturday in the form of a rating pick, a big improver and a notable flag.
The rating selection
Caius Choristers – 16:45 Pontefract
Caius choristers made rapid progress last season, scoring a five-timer that culminated in an 11-track long handicap at the Glorious Goodwood last July.
Caius Chorister has been beaten in her five consecutive starts but has shown even better form in losses, including finishing second in both handicaps games at Epsom this season.
The form of her Epsom effort is setting the standard in this listed event – she sits 4 pounds clear on Timeform’s weight-adjusted ratings – and she’s able to pick up a deserved first win of the season.
The Great Improver
Concorde – 18:15 Pontefract
concorde made little impression in three beginner group starts last season but has proved a different performance since his gelding and handicap show this year.
Concorde mocked his starting mark on his return to Redcar in April and should have followed up with plenty of supplies at Chelmsford three days later, only to take the lead down the stretch after his driver distracted him prematurely.
However, he was soon back on winning ways, taking a ten-length lead just four days later at that distance and distance, and winning by far more hands than the half-length margin suggested at Redcar last month.
Concorde, understandably taking a short break after this busy period, still has plenty of untapped potential to continue climbing the leaderboard.
The timeform flag
Shimmering Sands – 16:15 Pontefract
Flags: Featured Horse, Hot Trainer Flag, Top Rated
Shimmering sand As a three-year-old he was largely progressive, winning handicaps at Beverley and Leicester. He showed promise here on his return last month, finishing third in a mile handicap.
That race went well and Shimmering Sands did their bit for form when they won the mile and a quarter at Doncaster a couple of weeks ago. Shimmering Sands, who was fitted with a tongue tie for the first time, progressed well over two furlongs, led over one furlong and was in command shortly after, scoring by a length and three-quarters lead and plenty in hand.
At Doncaster he seemed way ahead of his expectations and a 6lb rise in weights shouldn’t be enough to prevent him from following the in-form stable of Mick and David Easterby.
Safer Gambling
We are committed to safer gambling. Recommended bets are recommended for those over the age of 18 and we strongly encourage readers to only wager as much as they can afford to lose.
If you are concerned about your gambling please call the National Gambling Helpline. GamCare on 0808 8020 133.
For more support and information, see begambleaware.org And Gamblingtherapy.org.
