Friday 2nd May 2025
2.10 Musselburgh: Kirkton Controls Ltd Handicap: Kicking things off for me on Friday will be the 2.10 at Musselburgh, and this is a Class 4 handicap which is contested over a distance of five furlongs. I’m going with Abduction here for Jim Goldie and Lauren Young, who takes off seven pounds. He drops down a couple of furlongs here, having been raced over seven as of late; however, he did win over six furlongs back in his novice days, and he’s now ten pounds below his last winning mark, with an extra seven coming off his back via his rider. If he doesn’t get outpaced, he can go well in this. Abduction – 13/2 (Each-Way)
2.35 Goodwood: Racehorse Ownership From £25 At racingclub.com Handicap: Next up for me will be the 2.35 at Goodwood, and this is a Class 2 handicap that’s also ridden over five furlongs. I like Toca Madera in this particular affair for Brian Meehan and Tommie Jakes, who takes off five pounds. He made a very encouraging return to the track at Newmarket last month when finishing a length second of nine, despite pulling hard in the opening stages of the contest. He should naturally come on for that run here, and that makes him a big player for me off the same mark. Toca Madera – 6/1 (Each-Way)
2.55 Newmarket: Betfred “The Classic Bookmaker” Handicap: My third selection of the afternoon comes within the 2.55 at Newmarket, and this is a Class 3 handicap that’s contested over a mile. I’ve come down on Best Rate here for the team of Richard Hannon and Ryan Moore. He finished third of seven on his handicap debut at Kempton in March, and ran on encouragingly in the closing stages despite being slow away in the early stages. He should naturally progress from that run here and can have a big say off the same mark, with the eye-catching booking of Ryan Moore on board. Best Rate – 13/2 (Each-Way)
3.45 Goodwood: Elston Supports UK Financial Advisers Handicap: The 3.45 at Goodwood is where I’ll be heading for my concluding selection of the day, and this is a Class 3 handicap over six furlongs. I’ve sided with Spring Bloom here for Robert Eddery and Mason Paetel who takes off seven pounds. He made a satisfactory return to the track at Newmarket last month when finishing sixth of nine and two and a half lengths behind the winner, perhaps not having the pace over five furlongs on that occasion. A return to six could be what he needs, and he’s dropped to a mark which is just a pound higher than his last winning one, with a further seven being removed via the rider. If he builds on his season opener, he can go well. Spring Bloom – 6/1 (Each-Way) (3 places – Several firms)
