TimeformBlog

Richard Hannon's Producer (14:10, Epsom) shaped well on his racecourse debut in what has subsequently proved a hot maiden at Newbury. Three next time out winners have since emerged from that race, Producer included, with our selection winning over today's course and distance. Epsom can prove a tricky course to handle, especially for juveniles, but he stuck to the task well and asserted inside the closing stages to win by an impressive four lengths. Producer makes his nursery debut this afternoon and looks on a very fair mark, particularly as he is open to further improvement.

Miracle Play is a handicapper to be on the right side of for now and can get back to winning ways in a modest contest at Epsom this afternoon (16:55). This lightly-raced, David Evans trained three-year-old won on handicap debut just two starts ago, admittedly getting first run on the field but nevertheless holding off a late challenge from Ride The Wind to go on to score by a short head. Her one and only subsequent start resulted in an unlucky third when meeting trouble in-running and losing momentum at a crucial stage. She carried a 6 lb penalty on that occasion but now races off a 2 lb lower mark and is definitely one going in the right direction.

The well-bred Ampleforth can round off our day by breaking his maiden at the second time of asking in what admittedly looks an open race at Southwell (17:40) this evening. He was quite well backed when third of twelve at this track on debut and should improve for that outing given the way he was getting the hang of things late having shown greenness early on. That, combined with the extra furlong today should bring about sufficient improvement for Ampleforth to go close.

Recommendations
Back Producer @ 2.54 in the 14:10 at Epsom
Back Miracle Play @ 4.0 in the 16:50 at Epsom
Back Ampleforth @ 5.3 in the 17:40 at Southwell

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