Ladbrokes August Festival 630m.
The Monmore Gold Cup semi finals take centre stage this afternoon in betting shops, but the supporting competitions get under way today and we can hope to bag another ante post success with Jimmy Wright's England Expects available at 11/2 with VC. He is drawn in trap 3 in the third heat and can book a place in Friday's final. He has pace on his inside in the shape of Glenard Rocket, but if showing his customary early zip, England Expects can open up on the final circuit and repel all challengers. He looked to have a great chance if turning up for the Champion Stakes at Romford, but was ear-marked for this by connections. Take the hint! Anfi Gem will be in the shake up, but is drawn outside the selection in trap 4.
Ladbrokes August Festival 416m.
This short run to the bend is all about the break, and again we will side with Scot Jimmy Wright's runner in the form of Magna Buddy. He possesses great early pace and is drawn in trap 6 as the sole middle seed. Another plus is the drop back in trip which will be right up his street. Being odds on to land the heat makes the 7/2 with Coral for outright honours good value. The puppy competition warrants only a watching brief today.
Romford - Coral On TV Stayers Trophy 575m.
Heat 1 - 7.26.
I attended Tuesday's trial session, and was impressed by Baran Pimlico's 36.21 on a track rated -40. Lorraine Sam's runner ran the track well for a first look, and a big improvement can be expected. He took well to the tight track, but as with most dogs, I am sure he will run the bends even better after that sighter. He has the early paced Murlens Fantasy on his inner who is in good form, but should move in towards the middle on the run up, giving plenty of room for the selection to get into gear on the outside.
Heat 2 - 7.58.
A few weeks back I said we would look out for Ballymac Rumble over an easy six bend trip, and tonight is the night. After performing well in the Sussex Cup at Hove this 575m could work the oracle. Trainer Chris Allsopp may be eyeing a tilt at The Champion Stakes if he does the business here. He will need to don the trapping boots from the coffin box in 4, but a decent break should see him show superior middle pace. Paul Young is in good form and Bubbly Verdasco is a danger, but stick with this class runner who we have been waiting to see over this trip.
Heat 3 8.28
In the afore mentioned trial session Centurion Enry led at the first bend in a six bend trial, and as you would expect this strong runner proceeded to draw right away from sole rival Bubbly Rambo. That shows that the dog is keen after a lay off, and although he is prone to missing the kick, it could just be that he could follow Indian Valley around the first two turns and then assert over the final two bends. Swift Tinto, in trap 2, is back here after romping home on his last visit. He has a chance of grabbing the rails from slow starting San Marco, but Centurion Enry will do for me.
