Prescription Drugs

A 9 runner group 3 race that revolves around the re-appearance of Derby and Arc winner Workforce. While I have no doubt his trainer will improve him again as a 4 year old and is clearly the best horse in the race on previous form, the combination of a 7lb penalty and the prospect of richer pickings in the months ahead make him a massive lay in my eyes, especially at the odds on quotes currently available. The last 18 horses dropping back in distance have all failed to win this race, though admittedly there were no Arc winners who tried, while the last 5 winners had all already raced that season.

Ladbroke5 have taken a differing view to their competitors, going initially 5/4 and I suspect his SP will be nearer that price come the off, as there are 2 lightly raced horses in particular that can improve for their much-needed opening races of the season and are currently very backable prices, ironically also with the Mag1c Sign.

Afsare 2 pts win @ 12/1 Ladbroke5 trounced Wigmore Hall twice last summer, including at Royal Ascot when he showed his improving maturity and guts to win the Hampton Court. He wasn't seen after that until the Gordon Richards last month, when given an easy time. I can't believe his trainer won't win at least 1 group race this season with him and as the track is favoured to horses ridden close to the pace, I can see him tracking the pace horses (Poet and Distant Memories, both of whom would prefer softer ground) and getting first run on his other rivals.

Elusive Pimpernel 2 pts win @ 8/1 Ladbroke5 was similarly coming off a long absence on his seasonal reappearance in the Earl of Sefton (after his 3rd in last years Guineas) and will improve for the step up in trip presented now. Allied to this his stable was out of form then but is flying now.