VIKING CASTLE ( 16's into 12's ) won nicely, but NR got going way too late for 4th. Sticking with South Africa for their last -
4.00 Vaal - RAIN SHADOW - Kanonkop ( price ) and Scare tactics / Umthetho ( car par draws ) are reluctantly left alone, so expect big runs from that trio. RS has been hit and miss lately, but every chance on penultimate effort and can excuse last time as it was over further. Did get dropped a bit for that run, so not all bad and for me a decent EW shout at 25's in this 18 runner handicap
RAIN SHADOW came from way off the pace to finish a massively frustrating 2nd. Have had a look at the domestic cards and gone with the following tonight -
5.45 Wolverhampton - MISS LILLIE - Arguably better than her record of 3 form 32 and did win off this mark in February. Was a bit quiet after that, but decent 3rd last time and return to tapeta not a problem.
6.30 Southwell - ROYAL PLAZA - Showed definite ability in all runs to date and bred for the longer trip, so hoping this brings about the needed improvement.
7.50 Wetherby - INNOCENT TOUCH - Did win over hurdles back in November and recent flat efforts all OK. Dropped 3lbs and money around so looks to hold a fair shout at 5's.
8.35 Southwell - ARCTIC LADY - Irish Point winner who only weakened late when making Rules / stable debut. Should come on for that run and stable remains in good nick. TREACLE TART is a cheap purchase, but is not all that badly bred so cannot discount at 11's for a stable that does well in this sphere.
Minor honours for all 4 evening picks, but sadly no winners. Did get a winner from 3 goes , in the 3.25 and the place accumulator, including the Vaal's 4:00 paid well ( places at 9/2,6/1/8/1,12/1 and 25/1 ). Royal Plaza got the trip and should be more prominent in future races and I feel the Southwell Bumper could be a race worth following.