TimeformBlog

The twenty-three-runner Coventry Stakes perhaps isn't the most obvious race to concentrate on with the idea of finding one of the day's best bets, but in Mezmaar (16:25) we have a colt potentially out of the top drawer and he can give the in-form Barry Hills a fourth success in the six-furlong Group 2. Backed into favouritism on his debut at Haydock Park last month, Mezmaar landed the gamble impressively, showing a good turn of foot and looking every inch a Group-race performer in the making. It remains to be seen whether the draw has a significant bearing on things today, but Mezmaar's pitch in stall 1 on the far rail could prove a big positive.

First Bid (13:45) did the business for this column at Yarmouth last month, and given the manner of that victory, we see no reason to desert the Kevin Ryan-trained two-year-old in another seller at Thirsk this afternoon. First Bid became the fourth next-time-out winner to emerge from the Redcar maiden he shaped well in on debut, landing the odds with the minimum of fuss and shaping as though today's step up in trip will suit. Bought back in for 5,800 guineas by his shrewd connections, First Bid can quickly recoup some of that.

There is an interesting three-year-olds handicap at Brighton this evening in which Dark and Dangerous (19:30) could be worth an interest. He's related to some good winners and is by no means the finished article after just four runs, keeping some strong company in maidens last autumn, and shaping encouragingly from a poor position on his handicap debut on his reappearance earlier in the month. The return to turf and the fitting of headgear could see Dark and Dangerous in a different light today.

Recommendations
Back First Bid @ 2.52 Thirsk 13:45
Back Mezmaar @ 6.8 Ascot 16:25
Back Dark and Dangerous @ 5.3 Brighton 19:30

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