Hot Spice was given a horror ride last time out and looks worth a bet at 4-1 to bounce back to form in the 7.40 at Newmarket tonight.
John Dunlop's charge had looked a handicapper to keep on the right side when opening his account at Hyadock, and was heavily backed into 7-4 favoruite to follow-up at Pontefract.
But the gelding was never put inbto the race at any stage by Philip Makin despite seemingly travelling well, and after being held up well off the pace got repeatedly hampered before staying on late to finish a never nearer 8th of 15 to betteras Bertie.
He was beaten just over 16 lengths, but given the tactics employed can easily be forgiven that effort and remains potentially very well treated off a mark of 67.
The son of Kodiac is only 3lb higher than when opening his account at Haydock, and could not have been more impressive that day.
After dwelling at the start and being held up off a decent pace he made stealthy headway two from home to take up the running inside the last and stayed on strongly to score by a length from Burza.
The third home Amazing Blue Sky has gone on to score since by four lengths off a mark of 70, and the form has a strong enough look to it in the context of this race.
Hot Spice was also definitely value for more than the wining margin, and the handicapper could have been far more harsh.
There is no doubt in my mind that he is far better than his current mark, and the booking of Johnny Murtagh for tonght's contest certainly catches the eye.
Given a more positive ride he looks sure to take all the beating.
Recommended bet: 3ts win Hot Spice (4-1 Betfred, Boylesports, Paddy Power - BOG)
