Brighton preview: Krafty the One to beat for Michael Scudamore

Krafty One ran well when finishing as runner-up last time out, and can go one better to make a winning debut for trainer Michael Scudamore in the 1m handicap on today’s seven-race card at Brighton (16.45).

The filly hinted at ability in maidens when under the care of John Gosden, most notably when sixth of 12 to the now 96-rated Wordcraft in a decent 7f contest at Newmarket.

Krafty One was allotted an opening handicap mark of 61 on the back of that effort, and ran well off it when an eye-catching fifth of 14 to Bakt A Rawan over 1m at Nottingham.

The three-year-old kept on nicely under tender handling after being slowly-away, and duly took another step forward when posting a career-best effort to chase home Sampera in a 1m 2f contest at Beverley when last seen in action.

Krafty One led entering the final furlong before weakening to be beaten four lengths, and the drop back in trip looks sure to suit.

The daughter of Mastercraftsman also remains unexposed and open to further improvement after just five starts, and Scudamore is a shrewd operator who looks to have found Krafty One a glorious opportunity to open her account.

Trainer David Simcock does well with his runners at the seaside venue, and Ainslie looks a worthy favourite to provide him with another success in the 1m 2f handicap (16.15).

The gelding showed improved form when making a winning handicap debut in first time cheekpieces at Leicester, travelling strongly off the pace until being produced to lead inside the final furlong and scooting clear to win by 3 1/4 lengths on rain softened ground.

Ainslie then lost little in defeat when turned out quickly under a 6lb penalty and going down by just a neck to Sand Chorus at Wolverhampton.

The three-year-old was given far too much to do by apprentice Cam Hardie, and allowed the winner first run before flying home to be gaining hand over first at the finish.

It was an ill-judged ride, and to my mind there is little doubt that Ainslie should have won.

However, it showed that Ainslie remained in top form and the son of Mastercraftsman remains unexposed and on an upward curve.

The soft ground will also hold no fears judged on Ainslie’s win at Leicester, and it will be disappointing if he isn’t up to winning this weak class 5 contest off a mark of 70.

Selections:
14.15: Commanding Role
14.45: Posh Bounty
15.15: Bergholt
15.45: Voice Control
16.15: Ainslie (NB)
16.45: Krafty One (NAP)
17.15: Allegra Royale