Bop It is improving a a rate of knots and rates great each-way value at 18/1 in the big race of the day at Redcar (4.00).
Bryan Smart's son of Misu Bond opened his account at the third time of asking at Carlisle despite still showing signs of inexperience, and followed up with a runaway 3 1/4 length success on his nursery debut at Hamilton back in July off a mark of 73.
Although the bare form of that win leaves him plenty to find on the ratings with some of today's rivals, you could not fail to be impressed with the manner of his success and he clearly has plenty more to offer.
His shrewed handler has presumably resisted the temptation to run him again to keep him fresh for this valauble prize and I will be suprised if he does not run far better than his odds suggest.
The market is dominated by Mark Johnston's Bannock who has been priced up at a ludicrously short 2/1 for the 23 runner contest, but his presence means that the betting is lobsided and that horses like Bop It are bigger odds than they should be.
I would certainly much rather back Bop It each-way at the 18s on offer with Victor Chandler than take the "bottle" on offer about Bannock, and he looks sure to give us a big run for our money.
Recommended bet: 2pts each-way Bop It (18/1 Victor Chandler)
