Epsom 15:15 5f "Dash" Handicap 4th June 2011

CAPTAIN DUNNE
In decent form at present after just being touched off in Grp3 in France on latest start. Has run well here in the past and, while he is high in the weights, his class in a weak renewal of this should help. Leading player.       

MASAMAH
Won a really good York sprint on latest start and blew rivals away in the same fashion at Chester last term. His raw speed will stand him in good stead here and the stable remains in tremendous form. Shortlist material.       

MASTA PLASTA
No forlorn hope here based on last seasons fifth from the same stall off 5lbs higher. However, he was in much better form coming into that race and it's tough to see him rolling back the years to land this from some talented youngsters.       

ARCTIC FEELING
Struggled with early pace last time at Haydock; so worry here on the fastest 5f in the world. Has landed a decent draw but race of this nature might come a bit too early in his career.       

FALASTEEN
Hard not to enthuse about his chances based on excellent record at the track (two from two) and has held his form well this term. Due to go up 4lbs after this, landed a decent draw and can go well. Only concern is how he leaves the stalls.       

FATHOM FIVE
Another with a very good record at the track and has the best stall with which to attack from today for his new trainer. Bit disappointing on reappearance run though and slight concerns about his class to land race like this.       

PERFECT BLOSSOM
Racked up five wins on the bounce last Summer and shot up the ratings as a result. Handicapper may have her for time being based on final start of last term. But one year older now and potential for more to come. Can't ignore for trainer in form.       

CONFESSIONAL
Best win so far when landing sprint at Haydock last term but this different kettle of fish all together. Miles behind Masamah at York latest and hard to see him reversing the placings in test such as this.       

BEAT THE BELL
Has chased home both Falasteen and Masamah so far this term. While he remains one of interest he could be found wanting for pace in likely fast and furious gallop here. Other days beckon for him.       

SOHRAAB
Once very classy but somewhat gone off the boil in recent times. Incredibly tough draw to win from in this and doesn't come into this in the greatest of form. Dropping mark encouraging but plenty to do here.       

STRIKE UP THE BAND
Hard to predict but certainly has the pace for this race. First time blinkers an interesting move and not impossible to see him get home infront based on 2nd at Thirsk on seasonal debut and mark collapsing.       

OLDJOESAID
Has been fairly luckless in this race over the years with the draw and the same curse has struck once more. Handicapped very attractively now; he is likely to win again but reservations about whether that will be today.       

BERTOLIVER
Claimed this last season off today’s mark so no reason why he can't make a bold bid to follow up in what looks a weaker renewal. Draw hasn't been as kind this time around though and unlikely to get things his own way with three speed merchants drawn better   

INDIAN TRAIL
On the same mark now as when landing this two years ago and reunited with Paul Quinn who has an excellent record on him. Conditions ideal with a great draw, fast ground and four speedballs to ensure a frantic pace. Each way appeal.       

JAMESWAY
Has started the season brightly but hard to envisage him stepping up to take this from some tough and speedy handicappers. A good learning curve for times ahead.       

LA FORTUNATA
Two seconds here confirms liking for the track and was in decent form for most of last term. Bit of a flop on first start this season though and will need to be on his A+ game to trouble some of these.       



SUMMARY

A weaker than usual renewal of the Dash and it’s the front three in the market that make most appeal. Both Captain Dunne and Masamah have excellent chances but it’s the one the bookies rate as third best of the trio that gets the nod. With FALASTEEN everything depends on how he pings from the gates. His record at the track is perfect and his win here earlier in the season was completed in very quick time. He has a slightly better draw than his main market rivals mentioned above and can make a bold bid to land another Dash crown for sprint king Dandy Nicholls. Of the rest it’s Indian Trail who is one to keep an eye on from those in the double figure price range. While it may be asking a bit too much for an 11yo to win this it’d be a great way to sign off what has been a tremendous career. If connections could have hand picked conditions for him today these would be it. Reunited with the jockey that gets the most out of him, on his same winning mark from two years back, ground quickening all the time and four confirmed speed merchants to ensure a hectic pace. He has to be the each way value in the race.


SELECTIONS

Falasteen 1pt win @ 8/1
Indian Trail 0.5pt ew @ 14/1