Bath Preview: Dandy weighted to deliver

Trainer Andrew Balding has his team in flying form at present, and Dandy can take advantage of a drop in the weights to provide him with another winner in the 1m 2f handicap on this evening’s seven-race card at Bath (18.25)

The gelding was in good form last summer, scoring at Chepstow before following up with a game success over course and distance when beating Echo Brava by a head off a mark of 77.

Dandy has failed to trouble the judge in six subsequent starts on the level, but the handicapper has finally cut him some slack and the son of Nayef is now able to race off 75.

That is 2lb lower than when last successful and gives Dandy a big chance at the weights if bouncing back to anything like his best.

Another plus is that Dandy has the services of Rob Hornby in the saddle, who rode him to his last success and whose claim takes another 5lb off his back.

The quick going will also hold no fears, and this looks a nice opportunity for Dandy to get back on the winning trail for a yard that has a 26 per cent strike rate with it’s runners at the track in the past 12 months.

Eve Johnson Houghton is another trainer in fine form, and her Miss Inga Sock looks a potential improver on her handicap debut in the 1m contest that opens proceedings (16.50).

The filly shaped with plenty of promise in three runs last season, and particularly caught the eye when third of 10 to Disprove in a 6f contest at Lingfield.

Miss Inga Sock raced prominently until getting outpaced two from home before rallying strongly to be beaten 4 1/2 lengths.

The winner is now rated 81, the runner-up Frantical scored next time up to earn an official rating of 68, and the fourth home Clergyman has also gone on to score since and is rated 82.

That is strong form in the context of this low-grade class 6 contest and suggests that Miss Inga Sock could well have got in lightly off an opening mark of just 57.

The step up in trip to a mile is also likely to bring about further improvement, and from a good draw in stall one Miss Inga Sock looks weighted to take all the beating in the hands of John Fahy.

Selections:
16.50: Miss Inga Sock (NB)
17.20: Senor George
17.55: Ower Fly
18.25: Dandy (NAP)
18.55: Master Zephyr
19.25: Ya Hade Ye Delil
19.55: Lorelei