Maloof has not progressed as expected following an eye-catching debut run, but makes his handicap debut from a low mark in the 5.00 Salisbury and looks too big at 9/1.
Roger Varian's well bred colt looked a sure fire future winner when staying on strongly to finish fifth of 15 to Mujrayaat in a strong maiden at Haydock back in June.
However he has been favourite and well beaten in two subsequent starts over 1m and 1m2f, shaping on both occasions as if something was amiss.
To my eyes he is clearly better than what he has shown in those runs, and if coming bcak to the level of form he showed at Haydock he would have to have a major chance in this from an opening mark of 67.
The drop back in trip to 10f this afternoon should suit him, and with the stable enjoying a terrific season it would be no surprise to see him bounce back and leave the form of his last two runs well behind.
Take out the favourite Spanish Pride and this doesn't look the strongest of contests, so at the 9/1 on offer Maloof looks solid each-way material.
Recommended bet: 2pts each-way Maloof (9/1 Ladbrokes, Victor Chandler - BOG)
