Tim Pitt knows what it takes to train a winner and Emerald Breeze is likely to start a short price for this contest after winning comfortably over course and distance last time out. This bay filly, a daughter of Tagula, looked very well in with a lowly official rating of 46, although clearly mocking her counterparts in a 0-55 rated handicap. It really doesn't get much lower than that level. However, this youngster could well be many punter's idea of a handicap blot. Three runs with Charlie Hills at two saw this February foal show no sign of ability. Considering she is out of a multiple-winning mare and cost £28,000 at the yearling sales connection would have been expecting more. McKeever Bloodstock purchased her for £1,000 at the two-year-old Tattersalls Horses-in-Training Sale. That looks a superb buy. Raised 6lb for that tidy victory only time will tell if that was the worst race every seen! Or that Pitt will have a string of wins out of her before you can shout Cheltenham Festival. Certainly a horse to respect and a horse many will fancy to back a winner with BetBright.
Another horse to have been stable hopping is Rose Buck. This daughter of Acclamation is quite well related. Formerly with Paul Cole, Lee Carter, now Giles Bravery takes charge. This bay filly has been kept busy and although limited a determined horse. That can be worth a lot at this grade and it proved the case when she won at maiden level over 6f at Lingfield. I couldn't help smile, as she hadn't quite managed to win at handicap or plating class. It just shows that there is little competition at times. The day after that win she was sold at Tattersalls February Sale for 7,500gns. Lady luck was looking down on connections because they clearly timed that race with teh sales in mind - the win was a double bonus. Raised just 3lb for that victory, new owner Mrs K Austin could have a live chance. A rather unfurnished filly, she can sit handy and runs doggedly to the line. There is always a slight concern when a horse changes stables, and after a month off course, you have to put your trust in the trainer to have them fit and ready. If odds allow I'd fancy her to be in the first two.
El Duque drops back a furlong after showing some form of late. Bill Turner's charge has risen a few pounds over his last three races but shouldn't be far away.
Coiste Bodhar has gone close a few times and fairly weighed.
Under Approval and Soul Instinct are best watched.
Conclusion: A poor race and where recent form is a plus. As it happens, a few of these have been competing well and connections will be hopeful. Emerald Breeze could be thrown in at these weights and may cruise home. On the other side, you have to worry she won a hopeless race. If a short priced favourite I'd rather take a watching brief. It could be a day where the fairer sex show the boys a thing or two. Rose Buck is tough, for a girl! Make no mistake she has her limitations but you'd go some way to find a more determined soul. If each way odds are available she could prove a tough nut to crack.