Love in the North

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The Speed Ratings have become a lucrative addition to our handicaps and both are currently showing a combined top three percentage strike rate of well over 65%. Thursday's figure was 82% following Wednesday's figure of 75%, Tuesday's figure of 71%, Monday's figure of 73% and Sunday's 75% - a week's average so far of over 75%. If a horse wasn't in the top three rated of the handicaps or the speed ratings, then it was highly likely it didn't win. When including the fourth top rated of each service the figure was well into the 80s%. You can see an explanation of the Speed Ratings HERE. They are an addition to the handicaps at no extra cost and you can subscribe HERE. There has never been a better time to join us.

There were ten (4) and (5) UK graded races, Thursday. Six were won by the clear top rated horse and three were won by the 2nd top rated - two of them joint 2nd top. The remaining race was unsuccessful.

Bin End wasn't outstayed by the winner as one pundit seemed to claim - nor is he ungenuine. It was more a case of the pace not being suitable to him. They sprinted from the 2f marker - which explains why Jamie Spencer took it up that early. Because of the slow early pace he took it up hoping to outstay his rivals on the run to the line. It was a gallant attempt but he is not a early race strolling, final two furlong sprinter. He needs a strong pace throughout - and I am surprised that Jamie Spencer didn't take up the running to ensure that, instead of posing (very nicely, I might add) in the rear. I will be looking for front running and prominent racing rivals when assessing the next time he runs. It is surprising how many 3-Y-O middle distance races are run so serenely in the early stages. It makes for some very unusual results - though not in this case because the winner is a talented horse.

Leocorno won in the way expected. It was visually impressive and a good education for her. Okay, she only beat average handicappers but the way she won suggests there are a massive amounts of improvement in her from this run. She might not win the Oaks but she should be a force over 10f.

Kimberley Bay was a non runner due to being lame.

Barry Hills is always worth seriously considering when he sends a fancied handicapper up to my local course. There was a lot to like about how Full Of Love (8-00 Pontefract) pulled clear last time at Wolverhampton (one of my least favourite courses). The form can't be taken too literally because it was a very different surface to the likely yielding Pontefract. But previous winners of this race have been similar progressive sorts and she can continue her progression by winning this race.

I have to say I'm surprised that Ziggy Lee (2-30) has been sent to the quirky Brighton track. But he is in such good form relative to his rivals, it is hard to deny he has an excellent chance to recover from his his disqualification at Newmarket last week - a race I am still convinced he would have won had he not jinked so badly in the final furlong.

Have a good day