Ilzam has an excellent opportunity of making up for an unlucky defeat, and going one better, in the 3-y-o handicap over seven furlongs of Chelmsford polytrack tonight. This Holy Roman Emperor gelding had a similar chance three days ago but trainer Marco Botti withdrew him!
Stepped up to this trip, following three efforts over five furlongs, Ilzam looked certain to prevail at the fourth attempt, when joining issue with North Creek on Lingfield poly a fortnight ago, only to lose out in the final stride, by a nose!
Perhaps a tongue-tie, fitted for the first time, made a difference but it must have been agonising for jockey Salem Golam, desperate to re-establish himself after several years in the wilderness. Don’t forget he dead-heated with Hayley Turner for the 2005 apprentice championship.
The equipment is again declared, Ilzam comes out best-in and on the premise of good, recent, form is napped; sincerely hope Golam has a change of luck!
Earlier Southwell also stages a seven-race card on fibresand and if Rojina and Step On It are able to cope with the unique ‘deep stuff’ we can anticipate another profitable day.
Twice-raced Rojina ticks enough boxes in the eight-runner Maiden Stakes over five furlongs, top-rated, improved form only nine days ago, and mount of rapidly-aspiring female apprentice Josephine Gordon, one winner off losing her 7lbs allowance.
Josephine is dynamite, a real pocket rocket and though Rojina faces four aged rivals they are nigh on useless; it is just a question of Joseph Tuite’s charge replicating anything like her last TH mark.
Luke Morris is booked for Step On It in the six-runner Maiden Stakes over twelve furlongs, if is the operative word again; thrown in on the my time-figures and strongly-fancied to go one better.
If they all run in both maidens a serious each-way double will be a must for thieves!
SELECTIONS
SOUTHWELL,
1.00 ROJINA (e.w);
2.30 STEP ON IT (e.w);
CHELMSFORD
6.10 ILZAM (nap-e.w);