Monday 24th February 2025
3.15 Plumpton: BetGoodwin Sussex Stayers Handicap Hurdle: The first of my selections on Monday comes at Plumpton and in the 3.15 which is a Class 2 handicap hurdle in the form of the Sussex Stayers Handicap. This is a competitive affair, however, I’ve come down on Gaye Legacy for the team of Tom Symonds and Ben Poste. She’s a strong stayer and returned from nearly a year off the track to finish a fine fourth of thirteen in a competitive Grade 3 handicap hurdle at Sandown earlier this month, which was a very encouraging run. She weakened at the finish that day, which gives the impression that she should strip a lot fitter for this assignment, and I think she has to be considered a huge player on that form alone. Gaye Legacy – 5/1 (Each-Way)
7.30 Wolverhampton: BetMGM: It’s Showtime Handicap: My second selection comes from Wolverhampton and in the 7.30 which is a Class 6 handicap over five furlongs. I’m strong on the chances of Sarafina Mshairi here for Edward Smyth-Osbourne and Jack Doughty who takes off three pounds. She’s been a consistent filly in her short career to date and she ran a very encouraging race on her handicap debut over six furlongs here last month when finishing third of eleven and a length behind the eventual winner. She’ll contest this effectively off three pounds lower than that run with the rider’s claim coming into play here and if she naturally progresses she can have a big say. Sarafina Mshairi – 5/2 (Win)
8.00 Wolverhampton: Gamble Responsibly At BetMGM Handicap: I’m staying at Wolverhampton for my third selection and this comes within the 8.00 which is another Class 6 handicap and this time ridden over a mile and half of a furlong. I’m taking a chance on Ignition in this particular affair who’s another for Edward Smyth-Osbourne and this time ridden by David Probert. He’s yet to win after eight starts, however, ran his best race to date over course and distance on his penultimate outing when finishing third of nine and just a neck behind the winner. He didn’t see the extra distance out last time at Lingfield and dropping back down to the trip here could well see him return to form off a pound lower mark. Ignition – 7/1 (Each-Way)
