Beaver set to snare Supreme prize
Trainer Eve Johnson Houghton has had the step up in class slightly forced upon her by the six-year-old’s steady rise up the weights but he appeals as a likely winner of what is a weak-looking event.
Beaver Patrol has certainly earned a crack at this seven-furlong heat after finishing second in the Wokingham, before claiming a not-too-distant third behind the useful Paco Boy at Group Two level last time.
That placing resulted in yet another jump up the ratings but Beaver Patrol is a tough and consistent performer and it would not be a surprise if he were to raise his game again.
Arctic Freedom failed to continue a family tradition of racecourse debut wins at Newmarket but she can redeem herself in the EBF Compton Median Auction Maiden Fillies’ Stakes.
Three of her half-brothers and sisters scored on their first racecourse outing and Arctic Freedom just lost out by a neck as she tried to increase that tally.
There was much to like about that run and although the winner has not exactly franked the form since,
Arctic Freedom boasts some big late-season entries and must be respected.
Elusive Hawk is unlikely to ever reach the same lofty heights as his half-brother Red Clubs but he is smart enough to defy a huge jump in the weights at Southwell.
The Noverre gelding cost a massive 170,000 guineas as a yearling but obviously failed to live up to expectations and was snapped up for a paltry 12,000gns at the autumn sales last year.
Although out of luck for his current connections on his first two outings, he finally broke his maiden at this track in February before following up in a handicap at the same venue in July.
That impressive two-and-a-half-length victory inspired the handicapper to raise Elusive Hawk by 9lb but that might not be enough to stop him in the Free Sports Bets @ freebets.co.uk Handicap.
Choral Festival came close to breaking her duck for Sir Mark Prescott at Beverley last time but she can go one place better in the Free Casino Chips @ freebets.co.uk Maiden Stakes.
It has taken a while for David Pipe to figure out the ideal running style for Leo’s Lucky Star but now the trainer has employed waiting tactics, the gelding could be difficult to beat.
Twice a winner on the level, Leo’s Lucky Star had been racing keenly in the early stages on his first couple of starts over hurdles but once a more patient approach was adopted, he began to come good.
The six-year-old is now seeking a hat-trick after victories at Newton Abbot and Stratford in June and July and the second division of Sedgefield’s Jewson Novices’ Hurdle looks another good opportunity.
