Friday tips: Don't give it a Second Thought and get on at Newbury

Having found two selections from Ayr for Friday’s card, perhaps foolishly, the meeting is now off. As is Saturday’s, which is a crying shame.

I thought, given they abandoned the Thursday a few years ago but still raced on the Friday and Saturday, that we would be okay but it was not to be.

Newbury takes centre stage then, but even there I fancied Pacify to successfully step up in trip and Fire Tree to outrun his price but they are both now non-runners!

4.00 Newbury - Second Thought:

The seven-furlong Listed contest at 4.00pm has depth but there is a standout runner on form for me.

Second Thought is a very good horse but his wins have all come on the all-weather and there are perhaps doubts about his proficiency on the turf.

Having said that, his first run on grass came on debut over five furlongs at Sandown.

He was beaten by Richard Hannon’s Repton, who benefitted from a previous run.

Cue four wins on the all weather before running into a certain Harry Angel back on the turf last time. No disgrace in being beaten by the sprint star of the season. It’s the best form in the race, he clearly goes well fresh and is already a winner at the trip. He was 3-1 last night and the standout 85-40 with BetVictor only just disappeared.

5.05 Newbury - Bedouin:

Bedouin runs in first-time cheekpieces and I am not surprised they have changed the head gear. He can be slowly away and, particularly if they do not go quickly, that can cost him.

There is a fair bit of pace on (and you can see this from the new Racing UK pacemaps on the racecard), which will help his cause.

So, too, will the booking of Pat Cosgrave who was aboard for his last win and the Luca Cumani yard is bang in form.

Tom Stanley's Friday tips: (Prices correct at 10am):

4.00 Newbury: Second Thought at a generally available 2-1

5.05 Newbury: Bedouin at 13-2 with Betbright, Ladbrokes and Sky Bet