Saturday Gold-ie

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There were nine (4) and (5) graded races, Friday, with seven being successful. Four were won by the clear top rated horse and three by the clear 2nd top rated. Two races were unsuccessful.

Mister Hardy ran exactly how I predicted, Friday, swooping late and running clear. It was enjoyable to watch.

I always say people should restrict their betting on Saturday's such is the competitiveness of most of the races. This Saturday is the same.

There are a number of tempting horses but the one I like is the one I flagged up last time she ran: Bouvardia (2-55 Nottingham). She ran second to Thursday's disappointment, Aakef last time over 5f and her strong finish suggested she would be a likely winner next time she ran over 6f. There are a couple of big dangers in All About You and Servoca, but I think she can hold them off in a driving finish - probably in that order. Her run will be a big hint into Mazzola's chance in the last at Haydock (5-25) who ran just behind her last time and who is also returning to a more suitable trip. Watch the market on that one.

Elsewhere, the Classic trials are run at Lingfield. The Oaks trial is very open and the Derby trial is a very poor turn out, so I'll be side-stepping those. I'll be watching, though, to see if Father Time can give Henry Cecil any encouragement to run Native Ruler in next week's Dante.

Roar Of Applause (4-35 Nottingham) comfortably won a fair handicap at Chepstow on Tuesday and looks primed to win under his penalty. He looks to be progressing very quickly.

For those who like an each way punt on Saturday's you could do far worse than Toshi (1-55 Haydock). This is his time of year and he looks to have improved recently, having easily won a Class 3 handicap last time out. He's gone up 12lbs since but he's a relative novice compared to some in the field and as such he is still capable of improvement. Scottish trainer, Jim Goldie, does well with his hurdlers and he rarely teams up with Mark Bradburne. But when he does, you know the horse is expected to run well. At an overnight forecast of 20/1, he is too tempting to miss.

Whatever their fate, I will enjoy the racing while watching Sky Sports Saturday as the Premiership relegation fight hots up. West Brom, Middlesborough and Hull are my relegation three to the field.

Have a good day.