Saturday 16th May

Newbury
1.30 Sam Sharp 1pt win - WON 5/1
3.10 Eastern Aria 0.25pt E/W - 9th
3.45 Main Aim 1.5pt win - WON 2/1
Nightjar 0.25pt E/W - 3rd 16/1 (adv)

Newmarket
2.20 Priti Fabulous 0.25pt E/W - 4th 25/1
3.30 Victoria Montoya 0.5pt win - WON 11/1 (adv) - 15p R4
5.15 Onceaponatime 0.5pt E/W - 3rd 10/1 (adv)

(+12.98pts)

All bets proofed to the Racing Post.

The most profitable day since The Prophet line has been in operation, after some recent misfortune it was fully deserved.

Despite drifting alarmingly beforehand Sam Sharp never looked like getting beat in the Newbury opener. I've never seen a horse trade so short in-running so far from home, it was clear to all he had the race sown up half a mile from home. He was allowed to coast home to record a length and a quarter victory. Plenty of good work late on from those in behind, including several debutantes, this race could work out well.

I thought perhaps the 3.10 was a little warm for Eastern Aria but at the price I was willing to take a small chance. She was restrained out the back was never looked like getting into contention. Relatively speaking she wasn't disgraced, although she was clearly out of her depth. There will be more to come in the right grade.

Main Aim is high on my list of horses to follow this season and he looked to hold a massive chance in this Class 2 event off a mark of 100. There was nothing in this field with his potential and on ground similar to that he won on last season he destroyed his rivals by 7l. His handicap does are over. Nightjar has held his form well over the past few months and I thought he was weighted to run well on ground that was sure to suit. He came from way back to snatch 3rd and was perhaps value for a couple of lengths more.

Glen Molly was an unlucky loser in the 4.20, improving for her seasonal debut. If the handicapper doesn't clobber her too much for this she will gain compensation soon enough.

As I mentioned previously on this blog, Priti Fabulous ran a lot better than her finishing position suggested on her seasonal debut at Ascot and as a result over priced for the 2.20 at Newmarket. She ran a fine race and just missed out on the place money. This run will put her spot on and she must go close in similar company next time out.

Victoria Montoya had some very decent handicap form last season and despite some negative trainer comments she was very well backed for her seasonal reappearance. She travelled best for despite struggling against a strong cross wind she stayed on well to score.

In the 4.05, Without Prejudice ran much better than his finishing position of 11th suggests. He was short of room halfway and lost his position, he kept on fairly well after that however and with the handicapper likely to cut him some slack, he could be of interest in the near future.

Onceaponatime ran another solid race in the last at Newmarket. He is holding his form well, and although not easy to win with, is well handicapped on pieces of form and could get his head in front if given an easier task.

Leonid Glow showed her form for the first time this season when 3rd in the 7.40 at Doncaster. She is coming to hand.