Federstar was disappointing yesterday and ran no race at all, as he eventually pulled up a fair way from home after losing touch with the main group. His trainer had suggested that he'd come on for the run and I'd say he was out for a spin more than anything. No real improvement seemed to be there in the jumping department either and avoiding him in the future looks like the best idea to me, although he's on such a tempting mark at the moment for a horse who does have ability.

This was an awful run but at least I was correct to oppose the market leaders, as both fell - although Rockabilly had the race at his mercy when doing so. Got the right race to oppose the short priced market leaders (which is half the battle) but it's a pity that I got the completely wrong horse. That's how she goes.

-2.00pts on the day.

Another day in which I can only find one selection (which is no bad thing I suppose) and it's another that comes with plenty of risk. Regardless, he's a good price at current odds of around 6/1 and should run his race. Whether it'll be good enough to win is another thing but I'm hopeful of a good showing at the very least. Hopefully he could do the business and best of luck if you play.

I just wish I could find something decent to advise but such is the current modest level of the cards, I can't get anything solid at all. Frustrating, but patience should reward us.

1:25 Southwell - Piceno - 2pts @ 6/1 (Powers)

Scott Dixon can do no wrong since joining the training ranks and Piceno could give him yet another winner if he isn't  unsuited by the likelihood that he's going to be taken on for the lead from the off. Dropping this speedy front-runner back to 7f looks like a great idea in my eyes and with Ryan Powell hopping up for the first time, to take off a valuable 5lbs, this 4-year-old looks capable of getting involved off what is effectively a mark of 70. The inclusion of some similar free-going front-runners has to be a worry but this fellow has the speed to cope with them, even over this trip, and looks overpriced to do so at 6/1.

Piceno comes here on the back of a decent run over a mile at this track and on that occasion, Dixon's charge got taken on for the lead throughout and just wasn't able to give his best. He stuck to the task very gamely when headed coming into the straight and it was an effort that suggests that his turn isn't too far away. The handicapper has also eased him 1lb in the weights and as a result, he's now dropping back in grade to contest a weaker race. That's sure to help, as this looks to be his level and the only time he lined out in a C5 contest at this track, he ran out a fairly easy winner over a furlong further. Including jockey claims, he's just 1lb higher than that win and looks sure to put in a bold bid.

The yard are in cracking form with 5 winners from 15 runners since Scott Dixon got motoring and that's sure to be a plus. They also had a decent priced winner with Powell booked at Kempton yesterday and I'd be hopeful that he's on board Piceno in order to leave him on a very nice handicap mark in this company. That 5lb could prove invaluable here and there is plenty to suggest that Dixon's charge is going to play a big hand in proceedings. I'm worried about the other pace angles ruining his chances of winning but the price makes it a risk worth taking and personally, I'd have him no bigger than 7/2-4/1. Small/medium win stakes will suffice and hopefully the race plays out in this fellows favour, as he's weighted to strike and overpriced to do so.

Result - 2nd @ 13/8; Ran very well, no complaints.