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Jacobs on Wednesday
By Paul Jacobs
Last updated: 00:00 Monday, January 1, 0001
WEDNESDAY PREVIEW..............
It's at this time of the year that I like to get a real hang on the all-weather scene simply because it is such a large percentage of the action throughout the winter months so today I shall concentrate on the sand meetings up and down the country.
Let's start off at Lingfield where the seven furlong handicap split into two divisions looks an interesting port of call.
The opening div at 12.30 has some decent horses entered notably Bahiano and Spectait. Both don't win that often, but on the very best of their turf form would certainly be innvolved to some degree.
The Racing Post put in a strong word for Johannes and although five furlongs has been too short for him recently , the only way he is going to be effective over this seven is if they go a real dawdle and he can use his finishing speed to good effect.
This is one instance where betting in-running is of massive convenience to us punters. If they go slow early on and he doesn't pull he could be worth a punt at long odds, but a true run race would almost certainly see him not staying this seven furlongs; has never won at the trip.
So after much thought and debate I shall lay my hat on the head of MY GACHO. Mark Johnston is once again becoming a regular visitor to the winner's enclosure and the top weight remains in cracking form. A versatile sort through the 'cold' months, he acts on all the sand tracks, he would have won over C&D last time out with a clear and is the solid each-way option.
In the second division at 2.30, I fancy Carmenaro to go well at a price and he is near the top of my ratings aganst the shorter priced horses. I would advise an each-way saver on him whatever you punt on which in my case will also be BUXTON. He was behind My Gacho last time out over C&D, but saw little daylight down the home stretch and although finishing 10th was beaten little more than four lengths.
His mark remains a feasible one and he ofers better value thna bottom wieght and likely favourite April Fool.
At Kempton tonight I can tell you that OKBA haa been working well at home for Marcus Tregoning despite a few niggly problems, but as you know maidens are mainly a no no for me so I may bypass the 7.20 and instead go for a major bet in the 7.50.
I have only really reserched this race this morning but after speaking to a few connections of horses in the race the strongets message is undoubtedly for AL MUHEER.
From a yard in good form, this youngter has run some fine races here and this is arguably his optimum trip based on his second behind Atlantic Sport on fast ground at Newbury earlier this year.
He is still nicely weighted on that form and should get the fast run race he needs at this trip to be effective; Bonus is the most obvious danger.