Best Bets: Thursday 5 May

Hitthelids Joe (Trap 3) - 14.07 Crayford

Crayford’s 14.07 features our first selection and HITTHELIDS JOE (Trap 3) is fancied to end a losing run stretching back to early February. Largely consistent at the boxes, his recent exploits have been hampered by trouble-in-running, but the balance of his form reads well in the context of this afternoon’s race, and with sound claims of leading those to his inside, we’re hopeful he can hold that middle position on the run up and deservedly regain the winning thread.

Ratchies Hen (Trap 3) - 17.22 Newcastle

We head to Newcastle for our second selection at 17.22 and RATCHIES HEN (Trap 3) on the back of an encouraging second in A3 class 8 days ago, could well be ready to resume winning ways. Drawn in trap 2 on that occasion, the move to the white jacket rates an advantageous one (33% strike rate from this draw) and with obvious claims of being at least up with the pace from lid rise, we’re hopeful she can put it all together and come out on top. Crown Me (Trap 6) can emerge as the forecast play.

Forever Autumn (Trap 3) - 19.26 Sunderland

Despite some indifferent trapping/trouble-in-running FOREVER AUTUMN (Trap 3, 19.26) hasn’t been faring all that badly on the clock following his switch to Sunderland. Unable to figure having stumbled early behind a prolific A1 winner last time, the grader’s mercy has very much been noted this evening and with a clear run, he really ought to be playing a lead role.