Betting: Master Of Finance the best of Johnston’s treble investment
Just like last year, Middleham trainer Mark Johnston throws three darts at Friday’s Investec Wealth & Investment Handicap (2.35pm) at Epsom.
In fact, it’s the exact same trio of Fire Fighting, MASTER OF FINANCE and Sennockian Star that tried their luck last year.
Fire Fighting performed best of the three to finish runner-up 12 months ago, but there’s good reason to believe stablemate Master Of Finance, who was back in third, can turn the tables today.
The former is up a hefty 6lbs from last year and would have to improve considerably on his recent efforts to trouble the judge.
Sennockian Star lurks off a mark of 90, 4lb lower than last year, but hasn’t shown much in any of his three starts this campaign.
Master Of Finance is just 1lb worse off and looked in good form when second at Newmarket last time out.
Johnston is likely to go close with Sea Of Snow in the opening Investec Woodcote Stakes (2.00pm) too.
She’s two from two and could well be progressive enough to bolster her handler’s 22 per cent strike-rate with juveniles this season.
Ed Dunlop’s TIBR just about edges it for me, though. He comfortably landed a maiden at Lingfield last month and should come on plenty for that.
I like the fact he’s got experience of an undulating track and Dunlop’s juveniles have been running really well this term.
He was reportedly working very well prior to his debut and was backed as if defeat was out of the question.
The ground is an unknown, but let’s hope he can continue his progression with Ryan Moore in the saddle this time.
HAALICK will be happy with the little bit of cut in the ground and should go well in the Investec Surrey Stakes (5.15pm).
He was a touch unlucky when second by half-a-length at Goodwood last time and was denied a clear run at Lingfield when finishing third the time before that. Take the 7/4 with Betway.
Pointers Friday
Tibr 2.00pm Epsom
Master Of Finance e/w 2.35pm Epsom
Haalick 5.15pm Epsom
Rickie Fowler e/w 33/1 with Betway