Zaheeb set to strike

Zaheeb has really hit his stride on the all-weather and should not be too far away in the Carling Handicap at Kempton today.

The Dave Morris-trained is in seriously good form, with two wins at this track punctuated by a good second at Lingfield in December.

Zaheeb’s most recent course-and-distance triumph a couple of weeks ago was particularly impressive as, despite being on a career-high mark, he showed plenty of resolution to defeat Junket by three-quarters of a length.

The four-year-old has gone up another 4lb, but that seems fair enough as he was well on top last time and gave off the impression there is a bit more to come.

Broughtons Bandit can plunder the Coors Light Handicap for the Willie Musson operation.

The five-year-old gelding is clearly no world-beater, hence his rather chequered past in claimers and sellers, yet he does possess quite a bit of staying power for one so limited.

That claim was borne out when he twice occupied the runner-up berth at Lingfield and Southwell as was the fastest finisher on both occasions.

The decision, then, to step up to two miles appears logical, while Musson will be disappointed if he cannot manipulate Broughtons Bandit’s mark of 48.

Sugar Prince, by contrast, should benefit for a drop in trip in the Goffs Ready-To-Run Sale April 3rd Maiden Stakes.

Tim Pitt’s juvenile might be bred to get further than seven furlongs, but that did not translate to the racecourse at Lingfield last month when he looked a little short-paced at the business end.

That said, he still did well enough to finish second, adding to the favourable impression he made on his debut over six furlongs in January.

Pitt reverts to that trip here, which could see him go one place better than last time.

Jamie Spencer’s appointment also has to be of interest.

Southwell has rather become Wicked Wench’s spiritual home, and there is no reason to abandon her for the Free Betting With FreeBetting.co.uk Handicap.