Morning all,

Unfortunately, I had a few technical problems with Microsoft Office yesterday which meant I had to reinstall the software. Of course, this meant I couldn’t produce Tuesday’s article. Well, I’m back on track today. Albeit a day late with Tracker Tuesday becoming ‘Tracker Wednesday’ and my look ahead to Saturday’s big race action. Plus, I will be looking at the Thyestes Handicap Case in Thursday column. This means there won’t be a ‘Path To Cheltenham’ piece this week.

The WIFI down here in Wiltshire is better that at home which is a big positive. Anyway, I have three horses for the tracker. Plus, I have a selection from today’s teatime meeting at Kempton.

Tracker Time

This week’s eyecatchers are from Haydock’s Peter Marsh Chase Day and Lingfield on Sunday.

The Brimming Water – Sam Drinkwater

The Brimming Water had won a Wetherby handicap hurdle on just his second start in handicap company last time.  The 7-year-old was making his first start at 3m at Haydock ion Saturday. Given how strongly he saw out his race at Wetherby. The step up in distance looked worth a try. He seemed to be travelling as well as any when making a mistake two out before eventually finishing a 5 ¼ length 3^rd of 8.  Might not have seen out the trip on what was very holding ground but is lightly raced enough to think he could still be capable of better.

Shaman Du Berlais – Kerry Lee

Shaman Du Berlais returned from a very long layoff to make an impressive chase debut at Stratford in May. Was far too keen on his seasonal return, going well clear of field before finishing a 5 ¾ length 3^rd of 12 at Chepstow last month. The lightly raced 9-year-old put in a career best on RPR’s when a 3 ½ length 4^th of 7 at Haydock on Saturday. He was sent off a well backed 13/8 favourite on Saturday. Was in front when making a bad mistake at the 7^th but possibly found the drop back to 2m even on testing ground a bit too much of speed test. Finished his race off well enough, despite being slightly hampered by a faller at the last. There should be more to come from him and can win again over fences.

Laskalin – Venetia Williams

Laskalin a winner up to 3m when trained in France. The 7-year-old hadn’t reached the level of his French form on his first three starts since joining Venetia Williams. A good 2^nd of 9 at Exeter last time. The market expected him to improve for the step up to 3m 5f, returned 6/1, for Sunday’s Surrey National at Lingfield. He travelled well for a long way but found his stamina running out when a 15-length 5^th of 15 on Sunday. There should be other day’s for him off his present mark when returned to slightly shorter and his best form in France was on testing ground.

Wednesday Racing

Two jumps meeting this afternoon at Wincanton and Catterick and all-weather cards at Lingfield and under the lights at Kempton.  

Kempton

6:00 – Hold Fast hasn’t been at her best on her last three starts but did shape with a bit more promise than her 8-length 4^th of 9 over C&D 18-days ago. She’s 3-9 here at Kempton, including two over C&D. Now 1lb below her last winning mark and is handicapped to win if bouncing back to the best of last years form.

Monday Selection:

Hold Fast

Good luck with Wednesday’s bets.

John