Some Summer Plate Cake for O’Brien

Ropey Guest ran a cracker in the Bunbury Cup last Saturday finding only Bless Him too good. He ended up in front a long way out through no fault of his own whereas Bless Him got a better toe into the race for longer up the near side rail!

We go again this Saturday with a change in code as we target the summer plate over fences at Market Rasen.

Mortlach has won three novice chases easily since May and remains unexposed off his current mark of 130. This 7yo has lots of jumping experience following six runs in Irish points for handler Sean Doyle of Monbeg Stables. He finished second on his first start for current trainer Fergal O’Brien in a maiden hurdle before winning his maiden at Warwick. Fergal didn’t waste any time sending him over fences and he has won three on the bounce. You will notice that on his last two starts he has shown a preference for jumping to his right, on left-handed courses at Bangor and Aintree. Today’s course is right-handed and that will help bring further improvement from Mortlach who has enough experience from points to handle this bigger field and stronger pace. Paddy Brennan rides and he carries 11-5 against mainly exposed chasers handicapped to their max.

Of the rest, Mahler’s Promise was of interest following his impressive win in the trial summer plate race over course and distance last month. The 5lb hike in the ratings might not be enough to stop Mahler’s Promise in a strongly run race.

Market Rasen – 3:14

1 point each way Mortlach 6/1 Skybet 5 places else 13/2 Coral & Unibet, both 4 places.

Compare Odds at https://www.oddschecker.com/horse-racing/market-rasen/15:14/winner

Author: Devon Reynolds