Dave Nevison Thursday tips: Smasher can make impact

Apart from one poor run under an inexperienced 7lb claimer, Smasher has been running consistently and looks to have an ideal set up here. 

He was beaten only a length when fifth last time and previously had not been out of the first two in four starts, and there are not many of these low-grade rivals in similar form. 

Six furlongs is his trip and a strong pace suits him ideally, and he should get both here. 

Merrimack is a straightforward ride and is regularly ridden by apprentices, so it is no negative that he is ridden by another 7lb claimer here. 

Harry Vigors’ task is clear; he just needs to keep this prominent sprinter going until the line. 

He seems sure to be in the thick of the action from the outset and given his recent good form (narrowly beaten into third place last time over 6f) and decent draw in stall 5, I believe he has every opportunity to win this, especially now that he is dropped down to the minimum trip. 

Silkies Sib has improved with each of his three runs for James Owen, which is no surprise, and he was clearly felt ready to win last time when backed down to 13-8 favourite and getting home by a nose. 

He has been raised just 2lb, which is fair, and his mark of 55 is still 7lb lower than he has won off in the past. 

It seems highly likely that Owen will get him back to his best form given how new inmates usually improve for the yard, and Silkies Sub looks to have good prospects of following up in another basement handicap.