Ballista has dropped to a career-low mark and looks cracking each-way value at 18/1 in the 2.45 Haydock.
Tom Dascombe's gedling only has one win to his name when scoring on his juvenile debut at this track over 5f, but has run some really good races and definitely has the ability to score of his current mark of 86.
He rounded off his two-year-old career when a cracking third to Ladies Are Forever off a mark of 90 in the listed Two-year-old Trophy at Redcar, and shwoed back at Newmarket in June that he retains plenty of ability when a 3/4 length runner-up to Steps off 88.
The son of Majestic Missile has Coues, who went on to land a valuable sprint handicap at Newmarket, a length behind him that day and the form looks solid in the context of today's contest.
It was slightly disappointing the he failed to build on that effort in his next three starts, but he bounced back to form last time out when a promising ffith of 13 to the progressive Zero Money over 5f at this track.
He stayed on well to go third a furlong from home, but then weakend in the closing stages and lost two places late on to be beaten 3 1/2 lengths.
However the form looks good as he finsihed just a head behind subsequent Ayr Gold Cup winner Cheveton and 1 1/2 lengtsh ahead of Secret Millionaire who has since bolted up at Yarmouth.
The handicapper has certainly been kind in dropping Ballista 2lb for that effort to 86, and he also has a good draw in stall 16 to exploit as high numbers tend to have an advanatge when there is a bit of cut in the ground.
At 18/1 with Boylesports he looks way overpriced.
Recommended bet: 2pts each-way Ballista (18/1 Boylesports - BOG)
