Two runners today – Astrodome goes at Fontwell and Hector Spectre runs at Lingfield.
Astrodome is a horse I love, but he still has it to prove. He needed the experience last time, but he looked the part and the race worked out well. In particular he jumped really well – a couple of times he was squeezed or a little unsighted but he took it all in his stride and looked natural at the game.
Today’s race is over further, which will suit. The ground is now good to soft, which is better than the good ground of yesterday. It’s a far far weaker race than the Sandown race. With 16 runners in the race he has a chance of getting a true pace, which is what he will need as he isn’t a speed merchant.
Ermine Sea, who has clearly had problems, was rated over 30lb ahead of Astrodome on the flat and is two years older – he gets a mere 9lb. On the face of it it’s a big ask. I’m extremely positive though – I think he’ll make a nonsense of his flat rating in time. Worth a bet today.
Hector Spectre comes out fairly quickly after his first run. He was well beaten last time and I doubt he’s improved enough to feature today. He looked reasonably professional last time and I think the penny will drop in time – his day should come but I don’t think it will be today.