The Inside Track

Thursday 5^th July

Yarmouth

4.40 – Rufus Stone 1pt win 25/1 generally

Quite a speculative selection, as Rufus Stone is yet to show any worthwhile form, but last time at Newmarket he stayed on well over 8 furlongs, having suffered quite bad interference around 1 furlong out.  Although this form is nowhere good enough for him to win today, he is open to plenty of improvement, having had just the 4 career starts and now encountering quicker ground for the first time.

His half-brother, Mr Irons, has recorded his 2 victories on decent ground, and Rufus Stone’s sire is yet to have a winner on ground softer than good.  Today’s race is competitive, but at 25/1 Rufus Stone looks worth a small investment.

Epsom

7.10 – Swiss Cross 1pt win 10/1 generally

Swiss Cross is certainly a quirky individual, but seems well suited to the unique nature of this Epsom course. His 2 visits to the course have resulted in 1 victory, and a 4^th place finish.  The 4^th place finish was in the competitive 6 furlong handicap on Derby day, when he did well to finish as close as he did from a bad draw.  He hung left that day, so a low draw this evening should help.

I’m happy to take on the 2 market leaders, Sohraab and Baldemar.   Sohraab is an 8 year old who has always shown his best form over 5 furlongs, and Baldemar is a 7 year old who needs to be better than ever to take this.

2nd

7.45 – Henry Allingham 2pt win 7/2

Henry Allingham showed that he handles a downhill undulating course, when scoring at Folkestone last time.  He needs to step up on that effort now venturing into a handicap for the first time, but there is every reason to think he can, as he comes from a late maturing family, which includes Henry Patch, who the stable did well with a couple of seasons ago.

From stall 5 I would expect Neil Callan to track April Fool early, before taking it up in the final furlong.  This doesn’t look the hottest handicap, and I would expect Henry Allingham to prove a cut above today’s opposition.

2nd