Wednesday 27th April

Some understatement to say that Minella Indo was a disappointment, pulling up a way out after drifting out to 9/1 (from 9/2). We might never find out the reason for the market weakness and the no show in the race. This season, Henry De Bromhead’s runners seem to be either brilliant or dreadful. He has already had a few this week, particularly Bob Olinger. That is not to detract from what was an awesome performance from Allaho and the form looks sound as the next four home filled the first four places in last year’s renewal.

Thursday 28th April

Nothing at Punchestown on what looks the weakest card of the week.

I’m surprised that Musselburgh hasn’t attracted more runners as it seems to be the only track that doesn’t have “firm” in the going description. Colinton has to be of interest in the middle-distance handicap (4:00) he stretched his record over 1m 4f this year to three from three when proving equally effective on turf when winning at Catterick last week. He has a 5lbs penalty but looks capable of rating higher than his future mark:

Musselburgh 4:00 - COLINTON – 1 point win @ 9/4 (Bet365; 2/1 Hills)

I’m surprised that Roudemental is not favourite for the mile three-year-old handicap at Redcar (4:25) on his debut for Hugo Palmer. He looks to have a lenient opening mark [73] based on his last turf start at Thirsk, in what looks an above average novice stakes. The three ahead of him that day were: Mythical Dancer [87], Tuscan [105] and Sharvara [79]. Roudemental backed that up with a decent second at Wolverhampton in November and, with a middle-distance pedigree, a step up to a mile is expected to suit: