TimeformBlog

Eton Forever was the classic Group horse in a handicap in the Spring Mile at Doncaster on his reappearance last month and he can take the step up to listed company in his stride in the Paradise Stakes at Ascot (15:05). Eton Forever's win at Doncaster was a smart effort in terms of form and he's not fully exposed after just five career starts. Zacinto heads the market for today's race but, with due deference to Sir Michael Stoute, he looked a problem horse in 2010 and is surely worth taking on at the prices, Eton Forever being the standout candidate with whom to do just that.

Even at this early point of the season, it pays to look out for three-year-olds taking on older horses in middle-distance handicaps as the BHA weight-for-age scale favours them to a significant degree according to Timeform's equivalent scale. One who can take advantage of the big weight concession today is the filly Hawaafez in the 16:05 at Pontefract. She marked herself down as one to follow when pulling clear with Art History (has since won a competitive event at Newmarket) in a handicap at Beverley on her reappearance. She has gone up 6 lb from that, but the form looks strong (third has also run well since) and with Marcus Tregoning's horses going well she is well worth backing at current prices.

Grissom was probably unfortunate not to win more than one race upon joining Tim Easterby last season and lady luck again deserted him on his reappearance at Ripon earlier this month when he got shuffled back before finishing strongly in a race won by Lucky Numbers. He takes on a few others who have gone with promise recently at Newcastle this evening (20:10) but Grissom is potentially the best handicapped of the lot and is worth supporting to confirm the positive impression he created at Ripon.

Recommendations
back Eton Forever @ 4.7 Ascot 15:05
back Hawaafez @ 2.28 Pontefract 16:05
back Grissom @ 6.4 Newcastle 20:10

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