TEMPLEGATE fires into Friday’s racing locked and loaded with a winning set of selections.
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LIPSINK (3.47 Haydock, nap)
Can call the tune in Lancashire. Michael Appleby’s veteran has a habit of winning in the autumn and comes here in fine form after going close at Sandown last time out. It was no coincidence that the ground was testing at the Esher track as this nine-year-old loves to get his toe in. He was up with the pace in what looked a competitive contest and just went down in a head-bobber on the line. He also enjoyed the drop back to the minimum trip which he tries again today. The handicapper has not had time to react to that effort yet so he’s here off the same mark that is 9lb below the highest he’s won off. He may be getting on a bit but he put up a real fight at Sandown and being up with the pace is usually a plus at Haydock, especially when the ground is testing as it is certain to be today. This is just his fourth run of the season so he’s fresh enough and any more rain would only boost his chances under Alistair Rawlinson.
OZAT (4.48 Ascot, nb)
Ran a cracker when third here last time and looks hard to beat. Ian Williams teams up with James Doyle on this son of Kingman who was asked to come from a mile back here last month. That was at the Shergar Cup and he saw out this mile strongly in a race that turned into a bit of a sprint in the closing stages. The handicapper has left his mark alone despite that promising effort and he goes on any ground. He held his own in Listed and Group races when trained in France and he looks well weighted today.
PURE MINT (3.40 Ascot, treble)
Looks a sweet bet in Berkshire. There was a lot to like about the way he got off the mark on debut at Ripon last time. He is related to plenty of winning sprinters and showed all that pace when getting off the mark. Connections have him entered in hotter contests than this later in the season and can build on that excellent start. He has to shoulder a penalty for that success but he did it nicely and there’s a lot more to come.
Templegate’s tips
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