By Carl Harris
At last! Some decent racing. It has been a fairly poor week, but we have a bonanza of racing today with no fewer than six meetings, including the last [turf] night racing of the summer. The weekend looks a good one, so it’s full steam ahead now.
The nights are drawing in, it will soon be winter so we need to make the most of this weekend and the next couple of weeks, hopefully we will have a couple of winners today to set up a very nice weekend.
2.35 Thirsk- Corsica, Win
I really like a Mark Johnston juvenile who comes second on their racecourse debut, Corsica (2.35) did just that at Sandown, behind a highly regarded horse of John Gosden’s. This Cape Cross colt will certainly improve for that run and should break his maiden in this modest looking affair.
3.55 Ffos Las- Grand Opera, Win (NAP)
I have not been to Ffos Las, but it looks a very nice course and certainly reports are that the track is excellent. It is a good card with all the big names in attendance, which includes Ruby Walsh who should have a winner with Grand Opera (3.55). The progressive six year-old should continue his winning spell with the stable going well. Gordon Elliott’s runner was useful on the flat and is pretty good over hurdles, as the form shows. I think there is still more to come, particularly over hurdles, and I make Grand Opera my best bet of the day.
Ruby Walsh at Ffos Las
5.50 Newcastle- Theymistim, Win
Theymistim (5.00) was appropriately named on his debut at Beverley. He spoilt a gamble on a horse which was backed from 66/1 to about the 10/1 mark and came late and fast to win very easily. It is a stiff climb at Beverley and I have, in many years of racing there, seen a maiden finish so well. I put Linda Stubbs’ horse straight in the notebook and I am delighted that he is running in a novice contest. I think we will see him win again, and win well.
Good Luck, see you tomorrow.
Carl Harris’s Best Bets for Friday, 28th August
2.35 Thirsk- Corsica, Win
3.55 Ffos Las- Grand Opera, Win
5.50 Newcastle- Theymistim, Win
Live Odds…
