TimeformBlog

We begin at Bath with Johnny Portman's Courtland Avenue, a two-year-old who caught the eye when fifth of 15 to Son du Silence in a maiden at Windsor on his debut a month ago. Whilst the merit of that performance is only modest, the form looks relatively strong, with two next-time-out winners (including Dixie's Dream, who finished just a neck ahead of Courtland Avenue) and three of those who finished behind the selection improving significantly since. Regarding today's race, King's Ciel and likely improver Uncle Roger are undoubtedly big dangers, but the form of the yard (two winners in the last 3 days) and the booking of Harry Bentley, suggest a big run should be expected from Courtland Avenue.

The second advised bet is progressive sprinter York Glory, who goes in the six furlong handicap for three-year-olds at Doncaster this evening. Backing a horse on his second start in blinkers in the hope that they work as well as they did first time is not usually a path to riches; however, an exception must be made in the case of York Glory, a horse benefitting greatly from each racecourse experience. His most recent run, when just touched off by the similarly progressive Cinderkamp, was his best yet and it will be disappointing if his position as clear leader on Timeform ratings doesn't materialise in the race itself.

Half an hour later, the unexposed Gladys' Gal looks a solid bet in the seven furlong fillies' handicap. The form of Gladys' Gal's most recent run, when winning a maiden over tonight's trip at Lingfield, was significantly boosted when both the second and third won next time out. What's more, the fourth home (Arabian Heights, beaten over 9 lengths) has also won his maiden since and was narrowly touched off in a handicap off an official rating of 79 on Monday. With that in mind, Gladys' Gal's opening BHA mark of 85, combined with the fact that trainer Roger Varian is going through yet another purple patch (3 winners from his last 7 runners), point to her having a very strong chance tonight.

Recommendations
Back Courtland Avenue @ 6.0 Bath 16:20
Back York Glory @ 3.1 Doncaster 19:25
Back Gladys' Gal @ 3.4 Doncaster 19:55

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