The first horse to catch my eye today is Kleitomachos, who runs in the 3.35 at Nottingham for Stuart Kittow and Liam Keniry. Watching the racing at Nottingham last night it was obvious to see the ground had turned very soft. With more showers forecast after racing last night it is very doubtful that the ground has improved, and it is for this reason I can see Kleitomachos running a big race today. Both his wins have come on soft/heavy ground (12.5f and 16f) and today will be the first day he has had those conditions back on the flat since his last victory, back in 2012. He ran off a mark of 77 that day and is 4lb lower today. Another encouraging sign is his run over c and d last April, beaten only 3l on ground plenty quick enough again off a mark of 77. That shows that he should be fine on the course, and with major doubts about the majority of his opponents handling the underfoot conditions Kleitomachos looks well worth supporting each way at the generous odds of 8/1.
The other horse I like goes at Hexham for one of my favourite trainers, Sandy Thompson. This horse has been badly out of form this year, but there is reason to be optimistic today. Firstly his mark has dropped to 78, 3lb below his last winning mark. Secondly the ground and trip should be perfect for him today, and he has already tasted victory at the track. Thirdly the booking of Brian Hughes is another plus, he won on the horse on his only previous ride. And finally, and perhaps most importantly, the horse has won three times in his career, a point to point and two races under rules. These three wins all came in late April and May, which suggests that this horse comes to hand around this time of year. The small field will be fine, as this horse can make the running, and hopefully this hardy little grey can do a job on his rivals today.
Selections: 3.35 Nott Kleitomachos e/w 8/1
4.25 Hex The Shrimp 7/2
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