Get Lost In Paris
Epsom has the fastest five-furlong track in the U.K. and Thursday’s card features the Play Blackjack At Totesport.Com Handicap over the minimum trip. A field of ten are set to line up for the dash at 6.40pm and the likely favourite here is the Tim Easterby trained Lost In Paris. This track is almost certain to suit this son of Elusive City, as he possesses plenty of early speed, which is essential for a course such as Epsom.
This was evident on his second start of the season when blasting away from his rivals in a handicap at Catterick, going on to score by three lengths from Caribbean Coral. Suitably impressed by that run the handicapper raised him six pounds. However, following a disappointing effort when only third to Step It Up at Warwick, he bounced back to form in great style, capturing a very good handicap at Musselburgh. Again showing good speed, he battled on well in the closing stages to defeat Ingleby Star by half a length.
He lost nothing in defeat last time at Chester, keeping on well into third behind Ryan Style. Given a poor draw that day, he found it difficult to get a good position at the head of the pack, but should have few problems here. An undoubted bonus is the jockey booking of Ryan Moore as he rides this track better than anyone does. The yard is in good form too with a 20% strike rate in the last fortnight so there are plenty of positives for the market leader.
The main rival in the betting is likely to be Paul D’Arcy’s Brynfa Boy. Although this hold up performer is sure to get the strong pace he likes, Epsom may not be the ideal track as the race could well be over before he can land a blow. He has been quite consistent this season and his run at Ascot last time when sixth to Brandywell Boy is better than it appears. He only finished three lengths off the winner there and met traffic problems along the way. Although he will be running on well at the finish, he is probably worth opposing for win purposes.
The trainer with the best course record here is Simon Dow and Edith’s Boy, who comes here on the back of a good run at Folkestone last time, represents him. Having attempted to make all the running, he only gave best in the final 100 yards, finishing runner-up to Luminous Gold. That was a weak contest though and even with his featherweight, he is sure to find things tougher.
Milton Bradley’s veteran Cape Royal is the only course and distance winner in the race and he seems to be holding his form remarkably well. Another who likes to force the issue, he managed to pick up a small race at Ripon in June, holding on well to beat Wicked Wilma by three parts of a length. He is four pounds higher now, and while he continues to run well, it is probably just enough to stop him winning.
Highland Harvest is an outsider with some sort of chance and Jamie Poulton’s runner is in good heart having won a handicap at Brighton recently. Having travelled strongly throughout, he quickened inside the final furlong to beat Green Velvet by three parts of a length. He is not badly treated either having won off a higher mark than this last season. With promising apprentice Martin Lane claiming three pounds, he could well get into the shake up at big odds. The young jockey is currently riding out of his skin, notching five winners from his last 20 rides.
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