Northerner poised to plunder Southwell spoils
The Mark Of Esteem colt showed a glimmer of ability in maidens for John Norton before improving for stepping up in trip on his handicap debut.
But it was only as spring turned to summer that he began to bloom.
His final two starts of the year saw him run a close second to the progressive Juniper Girl before taking third behind Bollin Derek, who won his final start of the year off 71.
He has changed yards since then but looks very well handicapped on a mark of just 56.
The booking of David Allan suggests a big run is expected in the Coral Supporting Children 1st Handicap.
In contrast, Jamie Osborne could hardly be in better form at present and is represented by Baizically in the Coral Supporting The NSPCC Handicap.
He will need further than this in time but a mile should provide an adequate test for his return to action. The appointment of Jamie Spencer is also a big plus.
The Galileo colt showed plenty of promise in a warm Newbury maiden before landing an uncompetitive contest at Hamilton on his second start.
He failed to justify favouritism on good to firm ground at Leicester last time, but the first two home did their bit for the form and time could tell that he is far better served by a slower surface.
He may also have needed time to mature and should prove capable of going onto bigger things this season.
Spencer also partners Machinate in the opening Coral And Talksport Supporting Children 1st Handicap and the pair look capable of getting the day off to a winning start.
The gelding’s sole success came on his only previous start over seven furlongs and the return to this trip can see him gain his second success.
He is well handicapped on the pick of his form and his two runs last month showed he is on the way back.
Bannister Lane looks worthy of support in the totesport.com Devon National Handicap over a marathon three miles, six furlongs at Exeter.
Donald McCain jnr’s charge had not won for a year before emerging victorious at Uttoxeter last month when stepped up to three miles, two furlongs.
He was one of only two to finish in the bottomless ground that day, staying on strongly despite the terrible conditions.
And with a similar surface to contend with here and a further step up in distance sure to suit, he looks capable of following up.
