In-Running Week: Chase a bit of value with Midnight

Midnight Chase could put up a bold show in the Argento

Neil Munro is back from Meydan and brings you his latest trading recommendations...

What an experience. Dubai is an amazing place but Meydan makes it really worthwhile for any racing nut. I attended the carnival meeting on Thursday but then enjoyed it so much that I went back on Saturday for more. The Parade Ring lounge gives you a fantastic view of the... ummm... parade ring... as well as  the finishing line. You get to mix with some of the senior players out there and find out how Ian Bartlett likes his coffee! I really would recommend it to anyone who loves their racing.

But all good things come to an end and as I walked onto the plane in Dubai to temperatures of 25 degrees and sunshine I knew what I was going to face when I got home. Even then, the body still has that moment of shock (even with a little padding like me) as you experience -4 degree temperatures and snow blowing in your face. Now where would I rather be?

This week there are just a few more AW horses before we hopefully start finding some interesting National Hunt horses. If you ever see an interesting In-Running horse by all means tweet me @neilmunr.

Horses for the Database

Toga Tiger

Jeremy Gask's six-year-old seemed to lose his way when with Paul Midgley but has now won five times in seven runs for his most recent trainer. When he first joined Gask he was running off a mark in the 40's and has most recently won off 72 so the handicapper could very well have his say soon. But the one thing you have on your side if playing on Toga Tiger is that he keeps finding and surprises the in-running layers. When winning recently at Lingfield he traded at 400 in the run having gone off a BSP of 7.32. Toga Tiger has traded at double his BSP five times from his seven wins. Because he is game he has also traded odds-on 37% of the time.

For his next three runs back Toga Tiger at double the BSP in the run and then lay out double your stake at around evens.

Spifer

The distinctive grey has now been with Marco Botti for three starts since leaving Luca Cumani and with the addition of cheekpieces Botti has managed to give him his second taste of victory. Despite this victory you should remember that so often he has attracted in-running comments such as 'found less', 'found less' and 'weakened final furlong'. It was interesting that Andrea Atzeni was happy for the horse to drift away from his challengers in the finish as I do not think Spifer likes a battle. He travels well and has traded at his BSP in all bar one of his races.

Back Spifer pre-race at BSP. If you fancy him only lay out your stake at BSP and leave it at that. If you don't fancy the horse put up an additional lay at around evens to have the field winning for you.

Shawkantango

Derek Shaw's six-year-old gets a shout because of the time of year. Shawkantango has won seven times, all between January and April with February being a particularly successful month with three victories and a placed effort in six starts. Last time out, despite being slowly away which isn't that unusual, he showed some signs of form and he is certainly close to returning to a winning mark. His best form has come at five furlongs, particularly at Southwell but also at Wolverhampton. Because he does tend to miss the break, and/or held up tactically he has traded at double his BSP in the run for five of his seven victories.

Back Shawkantango until the end of April. Split your stakes backing pre-race at BSP, and the other in the run at double BSP. For runs at Wolverhampton and in January, March and April I would lay out my stake at the matched price. If he is running at Southwell or during February I would just let the bet run.

Something for the weekend

What a card we could have at Cheltenham this weekend. Conditions are looking more positive and I think we all have our fingers crossed.

Argento Chase - You will know I love a bit of value and Midnight Chase, winner of the race last year, loves Cheltenham and could put up a bold bit to repeat last year's heroics. I know his recent form has been poor but let us hope he can get into a rhythm at the front and dictate, giving us a great back-to-lay opportunity. Little Josh might be one of the main challengers for the pace. 

Look out for Brand new features with Timeform Race Passes - In-Play Hints, Running Notes & Warning Horses. Find out more at timeform.com.