Best Bets: Monday 4 March

Inca Chieftain (Trap 6) - 14:47 Sheffield

Inca Chieftain (Trap 6, 14.47) went very close to adding further success to his tally 7 days ago, showing his customary early dash and only succumbing to a very strong-running sort late in the day. On expected final time he rates the likeliest leader once more and, with potential for scrimmaging on the inner, we’re hopeful he can gain a sizeable advantage and have enough in reserve to hold the challengers.

Knockra Tom (Trap 1) - 16:46 Sheffield

Knockra Tom (Trap 1, 16.46) is always a hostage to fortune given his style of running, a slow away type who ultimately needs luck-in-running when making his challenge late in the day. However, the grader has, this afternoon relinquished his grip on the back of some fairly-stiff assignments of late. There rates a distinct possibility of pace burn up and we’re hopeful, granted the breaks, he can be seen in a much better light.

Honour Goldikova (Trap 2) - 20:08 Nottingham

Over at Nottingham, Honour Goldikova (Trap 2, 20.08) has made a rapid rise through the graded ranks, establishing herself as an A1 performer to be reckoned with judged on his facile 5 ¾ length success 3 starts back. Early crowding did him no favours over the standard 500 metre distance on his most recent outing, yet there is a suspicion this less taxing 480 metre distance will see her in a better light longer-term. She is fancied to hold the corner and have enough in reserve, from Sheffield raider Geelo Whiskey, who rates a likely improver.