Market Rasen Placepot: Sunday April 14

Evan Williams looks to hold the key to leg two

Non-runners abound at Ffos Las and Wincanton, with the situation likely to only get worse, so it's to (relatively) dry Market Rasen for the Placepot.

14:30 - A selling handicap is admittedly a less-than-ideal starting point. The good news is we can afford to take three, as there are some opportunities to bank later on the card. First in has to be Endeavor, whose Timeform squiggle is based on an iffy temperament, though it can't be denied that he's in the groove at the moment, seeking a hat-trick here. Wom is also worthy of inclusion, as he's not had many starts for the Neil King yard and those he has had (with the exception of a heavy-ground affair at Fakenham last time) have been positive. Final spot goes to another squiggle-bearer, Kingdom of Munster, who normally fashions a way to lose but frequently makes the places, so he can hopefully see us through.

15:00 - As I write this, Zarzal is yet to be taken out, but it is expected give he ran at Stratford yesterday, and besides his disappointing run there hardly makes him an ideal type for the Placepot. It looks as though stablemate Bullet Street has always been the one the Evan Williams team fancied running in this race, and he looks a clear second-best on form to Zarzal. We'll bank on Bullet Street and hope that Zarzal does indeed come out, though it's not the end of the world if he doesn't.

15:35 - Although a win bet on Lucky Landing wouldn't be advised given his weak-finishing ways, he's one for the Placepot given the form he's been in of late, which is complemented by his fine course record. Second spot goes to Bunratty, who has essentially held his form this season and may even have a bit more to unlock over this longer trip.

16:10 - Our second banker comes in this novice, the field reduced to five following Rose of The Moon's withdrawal. We're going against Grove Pride, as second-favourite Forgotten Gold looks a more solid proposition. He's taken well to fences, an unlucky unseat (hampered) and a below-par showing in a Cheltenham handicap on his last two starts more than forgivable on his return to more everyday company. 

16:40 - Be My Deputy will have to improve again after going up 6 lb for his third win in four starts last time, but his consistency of late counts for plenty in the Placepot realm and he therefore warrants his place in our perm. Fellow last-time winner Peaks of Fire looks a fair backup option, his overall profile a relatively consistent one, while he took more than well enough to chasing last time to think he can perform well again.

17:10 - This mares' bumper is perhaps a bit more competitive than we might have expected it to be, but that doesn't change the deep impression left by Run Ructions Run when she made a winning debut at Carlisle. Although the lesser test this race presents is a slight concern for this quite stoutly-bred filly, she can go in as a banker, with a place lay always an option should we get this far.

Selections:
14:30 - 3, 4, 5
15:00 - 4
15:35 - 2, 8
16:10 - 3
16:40 - 2, 5
17:10 - 1
= 12 lines