Ladbrokes Mallard Handicap & Supporting Races 10th September 2010 - St Ledger Festival Day 2

Ladbrokes Mallard Handicap (Class 2) (3YO plus) (2.05) - Mount Athos would have won the Melrose Stakes a lot easier if he hadn’t hung so badly (a trait which may well cost him here) but ZUIDER ZEE (each/way) does enjoy a hefty 11lbs pull and can definitely get competitive off bottom weight for the inform Buick/Gosden team, assuming he gets given less to do than when fourth last time. Tactian also ran well, but at the weights he has a very tough task, having gone up 8lbs for a rather flattering second. MAXIM GORKY (each/way) enjoyed getting his toe in when beating market leader Plymouth Rock over 1m 7f at Newmarket last time and showed a good attitude, suggesting he has more in hand, An 8lbs rise might be ok for him and with rain liely to help, he gets the second vote. Hanoverian Baron Took another step forward behind Forte Dei Marmi at Sandown last time and bound to go well if staying 1¾m at first attempt, but this is no easier and he does have to prove he stays on a stiff galloping track, which coincidentally should suit Jedi, a solid handicapper who Ryan Moore picked over Maxim Gorky. You can write off Fortuni’s last run as he was sick after bolting in at Epsom and he had no chance on the far side, Whether he can cope with his mark is another thing. A good work is thrown in for Precision Break, who is on a very lenient mark and should go well with Jamie Spencer on board. 20/1 is too big.

Brakes Fresh Ideas Handicap (Class 2) (3YO plus) (3.50) - A total minefield for punters and a stiff gallop over 6f on rain-softened ground could be just fine for CIRTUS STAR (each/way), considering that he was smart enough to defy his low draw at Glorious Goodwood last time. Another horse who could be suited by conditions is MEDICAN MAN (each/way), who should like a slow ground/strong gallop race and is very useful if judged on his Ascot win earlier this year. He’s had excuses since and a visor may just do the trick. Irish Heartbeat hasn’t been at his best since winning at the Lincoln meeting first time out this year but he will appreciate cut and has a good claimer on board in Lee Topliss. Kaptain Kirkup could be well handicapped seeing as he was bolting up off an 8lbs lower mark earlier this year and has been given stuff assignment. Damika only went up 4lbs for landing a pretty hefty pot in the Great St Wilfrid and rates a threat, while Hoof It’s progression may not have stalled based on his last 3 runs and he should be kept onside. Good words are thrown in for Pastoral Player (classsy but own worst enemy), Damien (Smart at best but proving very hard to place) and especially Mr David, who is stepping down in class after showing some very smart from last year and may well be up to a mark of 104 considering that he should be much fitter now then when running at York last time.

Universal Recycling Classified Stakes (Class 3) (3YO plus) (4.55) - 3-y-os scored a 1-2 in this last year and WILLING FOE (win) looked like he could take a race like this when scoring readily from a subsequent winner in C&D maiden in July. There’s a fair chance he has a good deal more to offer and he's a likely sort. Opera Gal and the Witch Doctor should provide the biggest threats.