James Owen horse to follow wins @ 25/1

Readers of Ahead On The Flat can't say they weren't told - James Owen commented on page 106 re Pellitory: "A very nice horse who worked with Wimbledon Hawkeye last year and we think a lot of him. Still weak as a juvenile, he has developed and strengthened during the winter and will be suited by seven furlongs or a mile this season. He likes cut in the ground and the plan is for him to reappear in a seven furlongs conditions race at Newmarket's Craven meeting (17th April)." James selected the son of Sergei Prokofiev as his horse to follow, too, and he duly won the above event by half a length on the Rowley Mile on Thursday at the rewarding odds of 25/1. Judging by the emails received immediately afterwards, plenty of clients took the advice and supported him. The interview with James was in mid February and it proved a well hatched plan. Such information is priceless. 

William Haggas' interview also unearthed 6/1 scorer Bullet Point in the one mile handicap at Newmarket. Twice successful last Autumn, including over C&D in November, the four year old defied a mark of 89 winning by three and a quarter lengths under Tom Marquand. The head of Somerville Lodge remarked on page 88 of AOTF: "A big scopey horse who is still improving and is very solid. A mile is his trip, although he would handle a stiff seven furlongs. He could develop into a contender for either the Royal Hunt Cup or Buckingham Palace Handicap at Royal Ascot." Stablemate Power Fizz (5/2) completed a double on the card for the yard when staying on strongly to win on his handicap debut off a mark of 79 in division one of the seven furlongs handicap. 

Finally, the David O'Meara trained Criminal Shore (11/1) provided the icing on the cake when leading close home on his handicap debut over a mile at Ripon. Prevailing by a short head off an opening rating of 71, his trainer commented on page 102: "Still raw last year, he had two nice runs on the all-weather at Southwell and Newcastle. The type to do well as a three year old, he should be progressive in handicaps. We are likely to give him another run over seven furlongs before stepping up in trip. I think a mile will be ideal." 

If you haven't ordered your copy of Ahead On The Flat and the Updates, please head to the Publications section of the site. Happy Easter to all clients and contributors.