Thought I'd get back to having a look at some of the highlights of the week and the handicappers ups and downs !
First up is Stratton Banker who won a Class 4 Handicap at Kempton over 5f on 12th January 2011 by 2 lengths from Feelin Foxy(won his previous 2 races) and as a result was put up 7lb to 81. It was an impressive win and he looked to have plenty in hand over the rest of the field in what was a decent time and he looks sure to be of interest wherever he runs next. He is rated 75 on turf and having only had 13 runs to date he is one to keep on side.
Garstang won the Class 5 Handicap at Lingfield over 5f on the same day by 1/2 length from Picansort(won next time out off a 2lb higher mark) and as a result he has been raised 3lb's by the handicapper to 73. Having had two wind operations last year he looks to be back on track having previously had a progressive profile. John Balding is in the form of his life and no doubt he will be found another winning opportunity in the coming weeks. Rated just 60 on turf he can also be of interest when he returns to that sphere. He has an excellent record at Lingfield and this was his first win over 5f at the track.
On Thursday 13th January Under Review won the Class 6 Handicap at Kempton over 6f by a length from Divinsky and as a result was raised 5lb to 63, the second was raised 3lb to 66 and the 3rd Super Frank 1lb to 66. The winner was only 0.52 outside standard for the track and he was able to win his race from the front and he should have no trouble following up in a similar event. He was heavily backed on his last visist to these shore at Wolverhampton but on that day he was never in it.
