It’s graded action at Monmore on Thursday night where the track has put on a decent 11-race card. Nine of them are top grade affairs so there is plenty of quality on show.
Meek to Push the Big Red Button
Runner-up in the Shelbourne Juvenile Derby last autumn, Deadly Missile looked a very smart recruit to these shores when a slick 28.13 winner at this track on his UK debut at the end of January.
Things have not gone so smoothly since but he was only a 100/30 chance in his Derby second round heat against the likes of Unlock Unlock and Queen Dolly. He looks the class act in graded company at 20.03 for Jane Meek.
Tommy to Magic up Another Win
Early pace is the key weapon for Tommys Merlin but he has also shown plenty of courage in his wins. He looked for all the world as if he would be swallowed up last week but he just kept kicking off the front and wouldn’t be denied.
Trainer Patricia Cowdrill and connections must get a great buzz from this lad and his attitude can stand him in good stead once more tonight in the 19.24.
Fereday to Strike Gold
There was an excellent return to action from Goldies Symnsy last week when chasing home Tommys Merlin. That was his first race since January so he is fully entitled to be sharper now with the cobwebs blown away.
He will need to tread carefully on the run to the bend with plenty of early pace inside him but both the one and three are vulnerable to a strong stayer if they go head to head from too far out. Christopher Fereday’s charge can stalk them and pounce late at 18.48.
Strong Runner to Take Advantage of A2
The Other Blake is a slightly frustrating type for Brian Thompson. He has smart speed when he times his break right as he showed not only in a 28.40 trial when grading in but also in a seven-length, 28.63 win at this level last month.
He has reverted to slow starts since, including when dropped back to this grade last week. Those early strides will be crucial again but if he can time it right, he’d be very hard to contain.
Cowdrill Youngster could be One to Follow
Patricia Cowdrill could have a nice type to go to war with at 18.33 in the form of Newry Razl. She showed great determination for one of so little experience to run the field down on her A2 debut last week.
A true wide runner, she takes the long route round but her straight line speed is going to keep her in contention down the back. If she is within striking distance when tuning for home, she can overcome the step up in class.