Brighton best bets: Dashing Donkey ready to build on recent progress

15:30 Brighton:  Weatherbys ePassport Handicap  (1 mile)

Early market leader Red Cloud appeared to have trained on well during the winter, judging by his runner-up spot on season debut at this venue 13 days ago, when he ran on strongly to grab second despite having missed the break.

Planet Sport Bet Daily Special: Bet £20+ cash on any runner in the race and if Red Cloud wins by more than 2 lengths, get a £5 Free Bet

Expected to run him closest is Willam Knight’s young filly, Blenheim Star, who stepped her improving form up a significant notch when winning a nine-runner handicap over this distance at Ripon on Thursday with plenty in hand.

She has a six-pound penalty to overcome here, not to mention the quick four-day turnaround, and any doubts about the two betting principals might leave an opening for Dashing Donkey to pounce at a slightly more attractive price. 

Suggested best bet: Dashing Donkey in the 15:30 at Brighton

Having not come within 10 lengths of the winner in any of his first three outings as a colt, he was gelded ahead of his handicap debut in April, and duly came within a short head of claiming his maiden success over this trip when last seen at Yarmouth.

He and the winner finished a good five lengths clear of their nearest rival, and that winner was the re-opposing Amerigo Vespucci, who has failed to live up to the form in three subsequent outings.

Excuses could be made for his ninth place last time out at Doncaster a fortnight ago, when he did not appear to take to a first-time visor and subsequently faded after struggling for room two furlongs out and then being hampered again in the final furlong.

He returns to more familiar cheekpieces here, and with Gina Mangan bringing her useful three-pound claim to the saddle, the Newland-Insole gelding could be ready to give a better account here.

Each-way punt: Amerigo Vespucci in the 15:30 at Brighton

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