John Balding’s 7-year-old Showboating
made short work of Miniskirt and eight other rivals at Southwell ten
days ago, winning by 6 lengths, eased down. Unfortunately, that fact
won’t have escaped the bookmakers but, back over the same course
and distance, in the same grade, the Shamardal gelding is hard to
oppose under a 6lb penalty in the Mansfield Town Raceday 2nd
September (7.00) at Southwell on Thursday.
All his previous seven career wins had
come over 6 and 7 furlongs, but he clearly relished the extra furlong
on a course where his previous form figures read 3411. He’s never
won off a mark this high, but seems sure to go up by more than 6lb
once the handicapper has his say, so it’s easy to see why
connections are keen to strike again while the iron is hot.
Apprentice Joe Doyle takes over from
Shane Gray, who’s ridden him to his two most recent victories but,
with a 3-8 (38%) strike rate on synthetic surfaces this season, his
presence in the saddle is hardly a negative.
Selection: Southwell 7.00
Showboating to win
