Sportsblogger

 On Easter Saturday I'll be having an interest in the 7.00 at Wolverhampton. ELIGIBLE has been a busy boy, winning Class Five and Class Four races at Southwell, before a couple of runs in 0-90+ company. The last run, drawn down on the unfavoured inside, was notable, beaten less than 3 lengths. Dipping into 0-77 Class Five now, is against a group of horses in inconsistent or modest form. A specialist at 7 furlongs, the selection has only run here once, a perfectly satisfactory 3rd of 10. Stall 2 of 7 would not be a negative either, and as long as this isn't a run too many, 5/1 freely available at the time of typing, with 3 places available with several layers, looks a steal.  Of the rivals, Asadjumeirah ran well in January in a good race behind Brazen Bolt and went close in this grade last time, so probably rates the danger, but tries yet another new combination of headgear and may not be the most straightforward. Two other arrivals are returning from winter breaks, while Okean...

 Our first runner was STRIKE ALLIANCE last week, who overcame stall 11 of 11 at 9/2 when winning a 10.5 furlongs 0-60 at Wolverhampton. Pushed up early, and eventually keeping on powerfully in the final furlong. Looked as though appreciated every yard of the trip and could improve again for further. Should surely be up to winning again off the revised mark of 63, in C6 and hopefully will continue to progress in higher grades. One to keep onside. A very different story for BURGLAR, who had impressed on debut, but did everything wrong when turned over in a Kempton novice at odds-on. Was fitted with a hood to post, keen in the hands of William Buick and although raced prominently didn't really handle the bend, and had an awkward head carriage too. This was a step back and I'd tread warily. A gelding operation might straighten this lad out, BUT I WON'T BE BACKING HIM UNLESS that happens, and given that he is a valuable colt, it's not a given that it will be done. I will try...