TimeformBlog

Ad Vitam (16:00) returned to form at Wolverhampton earlier this month on his most recent start and, in a race in which few make much appeal, he looks to be the answer in the mile handicap. Admittedly, his two wins have come on the all-weather, but his turf form in the spring looks solid enough and the visor that seemingly sparked his return to form last time is applied once more. Ad Vitam's official rating has been dropping all season (currrently 50) and, if building upon, or even repeating, that Wolverhampton effort he has to go close.

At first glance, Brighton's 16:30 would appear to be a fairly competitive handicap but Olney Lass stands out at a course where she has a 100% record from three starts. Olney Lass defied a 5 lb rise to gain her latest victory here last month and the manner of her success suggested she'll be able to win again despite a further 6lb hike in the handicap. As a two year-old, she was officially rated 71 (10 lb higher than her current mark), so she could still be well in on her attempt to bring up the hat-trick.

Billy Red won three times at up to six furlongs last year and is at his best when able to dominate, as was the case when runner-up over course and distance in May. His latest second at Lingfield, where two of today's opponents finished behind, was his best recent effort and, with one of his three wins last season came off a mark of 84, 14 lb higher than his current official rating, it's clear he's favourably treated. As a front-runner, the wide draw is a slight disadvantage, but the positives outweigh that negative and Billy Red looks an attractive betting proposition.

Back Ad Vitam @ 5.2 in the 16:00 at Brighton
Back Olney Lass @ 6.2 in the 16:30 at Brighton
Back Billy Red @ 6.2 in the 17:00 at Brighton

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