Timeform Daily View | Monday preview and tips
By Andrew Asquith
16:10 · MON September 30, 2024
Andrew Asquith provides an overview of the key things to note on the racing front this Monday.
Points of interest
O’Meara unleashes French recruit
David O’Meara has a very good record with horses he acquires from France, and Rajapour looks a very interesting runner on his British debut in the nine-furlong handicap at Hamilton on Monday (15:35).
He has a smart pedigree, and was unbeaten in three starts as a juvenile, notably winning a listed event over a mile at Deauville. He hit the frame in a Group 3 on his return last year, too, but was unable to build on that on his next two starts in pattern company, including the French Derby.
Rajapour has beaten just three rivals home in two starts earlier this year, but he could prove a shrewd purchase for O’Meara at €27,000, given he has a knack of rejuvenating horses who have lost their way. If he can get back close to his two-year-old form he should be very competitive from a mark of 91.
Easterby out to enhance good record in Hamilton handicap
Tim Easterby is looking to win this five-furlong handicap (16:45) for the third time in the last five years and in Stash The Cash he has a very live contender.
He made a winning return and handicap debut over five furlongs in heavy-ground at Catterick in April and he largely held his form well in between when resuming winning ways over this course and distance last week.
Stash The Cash caught the eye with how well he travelled through that contest, making all of the running and winning with more in hand than the one and a half length margin suggests.
There is a chance he’ll get to the lead easy enough in this field and he may prove tough to peg back if doing so under similar ground conditions.
Tip of the Day
Ecclesiastical – 19:30 Wolverhampton
Flag: Horse In Focus
Ecclesiastical doesn’t have a bad record at this track, his last winning coming over six furlongs here just under a year ago, and he has been shaping well in defeat on his last few starts.
He caught the eye on his latest start at Ayr with the headgear discarded, racing in a prominent position but not settling fully, and those exertions seemingly told in the finish.
The return to the all-weather and racing round a bend should help Ecclesiastical and, still on a mark which is 1 lb lower than his last winning one, he remains a horse to be interested in despite a wider than ideal draw.
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