Best Bets: Thursday 5 September

Mata Hari in the 14:47 at Sheffield

MATA HARI's (Trap 4) inconsistency at the boxes has proved something of a hurdle, particularly given it is difficult to make up ground over the 280-metre sprint trip. However, when getting it right the daughter of Holden Spy has highlighted her capabilities, (landed back-to-back D2 contests in July). Things haven't gone to plan since, yet this afternoon's contest isn't exactly packed full of natural sprinters and we're hopeful she can show today's rivals a clean pair of heels.

Droopys Diety in the 16:27 at Sheffield

DROOPYS DEITY (Trap 3) never really kicked on from his opening promise earlier in the year, yet 2 of her 3 starts of late have suggested a return to winning ways not be far away and we're siding with Lisa Stephenson's charge to strike. One of her better breaks from the boxes should see the daughter of Azza Azza Azza turn handy and she can turn the screw from halfway.

Hollylake Fly in the 18.39 at Newcastle

Over at Newcastle the claims of HOLLYLAKE FLY (Trap 1) look solid when Angela Harrison's charge lines up in A2 class. A recent spell in open company has proved unsuccessful but she's a force to be reckoned in graded company. This evening's affair isn't overly strong and she can come fast and late to add to the tally.