SHAPESHIFTER

Yesterday, I flagged up Pharoh Jake as a 'weak fave' in the 4:40 at Lingfield.  This was the second time in six days after doing so at Brighton.

The result that day was a 2nd and the Racing Post notes read:
   
Chased leaders, ridden to challenge 2f out, led over 1f out, driven and headed inside final furlong, outpaced by winner and one pace final 100yds (op 4-1)

My decision that Pharoh Jake was a "weak fave" today was not based on the Brighton run but on the same reasons that I thought it wouldn't win on the 19th. 

Why not factor in the Brighton race?

Despite Pharoh Jake coming in second that day and form notes reading that it did lead until half a furlong out, I put a line through the race.

This is because the "2nd" and race notes don't say is that with 2 furlongs left, the co-fave Tenancy squeezed Perfect Honour and White Shift into the rail taking all three out of contention.

But my race notes for the 19th and specifically for Pharoh Jake read:

"Ignore 19-July/Brighton: False second. 3 contenders hampered 2 furlongs out"

So when I found Pharoh Jake one of the morning fave's at Lingfield, I felt the reasons it was a 'weak fave' on the 19th still carried weight less than a week later.

Yesterday, Pharoh Jake drifted by the off and finished 6th after showing nothing in the straight.

The form on offer doesn't always tell the whole story.  Taking a moment to make a note can pay for itself when a horse runs next time out.


WEAK FAVES for 26-July
Selections based on the quality of the fields in their previous races


BATH
2:10 Play Street
4:25 Authoritarian
5:00 Taroum
5:30 Bermondsey Bob
5:55 Sarangoo

SANDOWN
4:50 Flavius Victor

EVENING RACING ADDED AT 6:09PM

DONCASTER
8:25 Sky Khan
8:55 The High Man

EPSOM
6:35 Flash City
7:40 Moodhill
8:15 Arashi

FOLKESTONE
7:25 Rum Punch
8:00 Silver Six

RESULTS: will update by Monday

comments are always welcomed