The Neighsayers - Racing League Week 2

The racing league arrives at Chepstow this week after commencing at Yarmouth a fortnight ago. Wales and the West are top of the leaderboard and they'll be wanting to improve on that at their home course. Our selection for the series, London and The South are 3rd but have a full allocation of runners this week.

5:30 1M Handicap 3YO+

Unfortunately for our leading team bet, I think the Wales and The West trained YANTARNI can go close to landing the spoils at a relatively decent price. Ian Williams is no stranger to plotting one and I think he's done a very good job of getting this horse handicapped. Showed a decent return to form in week 1 of the racing league over a trip that's too short, so the step up to a mile should suit, having previously won over the mile and placed over 9 furlongs. He likes to be forward enough but doesn't have to lead, so I think with Titian and United Front likely to force the pace, he'll sit behind them and be played late.

The apprentice in the saddle claims 5 here too so effectively we run off 76 and with a return to form highly likely, he should go very close.

Selection - Yantarni each way (14/1 Bet365 4pl, 12/1 General 4pl)

6:00 6F Nursery 2YO Only

CHINESE KNOT should win for the 2nd time in the racing league here. Looks to have been crying out for 6 furlongs on recent runs and just did enough to get up over 5 furlongs at Yarmouth. I think she'll improve again considerably for the extra distance. The market two look likely to set a strong pace, however Eminny does stay further so she may be okay with the pressure but we'll be held up off the pace and played late. Another race which looks to go to Wales.

Selection - Chinese Knot (3/1 General)

6:30 6F Handicap 3YO+

I'm hoping this where London and The South can get on the board for the evening here. BUCCABAY for the Eve Johnson Houghton team. He's been competing in much better handicap's than this one, including last time when 11th in a heritage handicap at York last time and I think a repeat of that would see him home in front. The danger here for me is that Momaer for team Ireland may get clear on the front and make all, hopefully team tactics can come into play... 

I have no doubt that Executive Decision is still improving but I think we're better handicapped at the weights. Snash is being plotted for something, but I think Ayr will more likely be his stomping ground.

Selection - Buccabay (8/1 General)

7:00 1M 2F Handicap 3YO Only

I'm siding with the Paul & Oliver Cole trained SHE'S HOT. He's comeback this year an improved horse and particularly in his last 2 starts. 2 starts back he bumped into Burdett Road who won easily at Royal Ascot next time out and then competed in a Group 3 last time. There's winners from in behind that day too. He then was dropped to a mile and got no sort of run at a crucial time and stuck on once the leaders had gone.

The step back up to 10 furlongs looks certain to suit and he shouldn't bump into anything here that's handicapped like Burdett Road was. Shahbaz was unlucky not to win last time, just beaten by Achillea who we liked that day and Totnes looks an all-weather horse so I'm happy to play at a decent price here.

Selection - She's Hot (15/2 William Hill, 7/1 Bet365, 13/2 General)

7:30 1M 2F Handicap 3YO+

MAJESTIC is the selection here and I just can't see what beats him here. He has much the best form in the race at a much higher level than this. Winning last year's Cambridgeshire and placing 4th in this year's Lincoln. 

There's a few front runners in here what should ensure he has the race set up to suit and at the finish his class should just show. NAP of the card.

Selection - Majestic (7/2 William Hill, 100/30 General)

8:00 5F Handicap 3YO+

A typically trappy handicap sprint, but I think this is another race where the best horse wins. KIMNGRACE will appreciate the softer going (if there's any left by off time tomorrow) but doesn't mind good going neither. The main thing what helps his chances here are the strong pace. Manilla Scouse, Betweenthesticks, Grace Angel, Get it and Just Glamorous all like to go forward, so this could be a proper burn up and we should be right there at the finish to pick up the pieces.

Manilla Scouse is well handicapped after avoiding a penalty for sunday's win, but I'm not a fan of the horse and think he doesn't want to win. So I'm happy to row in with Kimngrace.

Selection - Kimngrace (11/2 Bet365, William Hill)

8:30 7F Handicap 3YO+ 

I'm backing The North to get a win in the night cap at Chepstow. RAMAZAN is weighted nicely here with a 6lb allowance for being a 3 year old. So although he's rated better than the favourite Atrium, he receives 5lb from him which could be key here.

He's versatile ground wise so whatever the weather does tomorrow we will be okay on that front and this is another race there is a load of pace on, mainly from Saxon King, Able Kane and Misty Grey so he should be brought into the race nicely and he stays the 7F well, so he should have his finishing kick.

Selection - Ramazan (6/1 Bet365, 5/1 William Hill, 9/2 Coral/Ladbrokes)

Good luck if you're following and also if you have your own selections. Let's hope we can be profitable like last week.