Staying with Man Of Plenty

I was pleased with Encore D’Or last week; indeed, his victory and that of Abe Lincoln, also at Lingfield, showed how profitable it can be to follow Ryan Moore when he is engaged for rides outside the Ballydoyle and Sir Michael Stoute strongholds.

I am not so happy with trying to catch Philip Hobbs as he continues to struggle in a difficult season. Twice this week I have gone for short-priced favourites and both horses have been comfortably outpointed. Indeed, when Westend Story was outspeeded at Sandown on Friday I wondered if there is any point at all in opposing Nicky Henderson at present. His short-priced Cheltenham favourites all have outstanding chances.

You may remember that, a few weeks ago, I tried to catch Sophie Leech’s MAN OF PLENTY each-way in two or three valuable handicap hurdles. He just missed out and I thought 2m 7f was a shade too far for him last time anyway, though he was far from disgraced in seventh. He is 4lb out of the handicap in the Imperial Cup at Sandown on Saturday and, strictly speaking, we cannot say Sean Houlihan’s 5lb allowance balances it up because he is a mite inexperienced. However, I do think that the horse has each-way prospects at a huge price and I hope all 17 stand their ground.

Sometimes it’s impossible to make the Weekend Card, the telephone line and the blog all fit in together. On Wednesday Silver Steak looked quite attractive in the Imperial Cup but Mitchell Bastyan does not ride this time so he is effectively 18lb higher than at Chepstow before Christmas, where he won well. Of course, Tom O’Brien is a fine rider but you would have to say that, on the adjusted terms, Alan King’s Fidux is now very well handicapped with Silver Streak and if you want another string to your bow he makes some appeal. This is not the hottest Imperial Cup of recent years, incidentally, so do not be put off by the prices of the two horses mentioned. For sure, you will not need much each-way on Man Of Plenty and the Tote dividend would pay for next week.

Otherwise, I’m saving a few coins for Mark Johnston’s MASHAM STAR in the Listed seven-furlong race at Wolverhampton, also on Saturday. He was busy enough last term but ran well at Goodwood a couple of times and, although not truly Listed class, he will probably be ready first time up. Johnston is very smart in that respect…..and in most others.