Alan King’s horses are in fine fettle at the moment and The Unit should go close in the 4:10 at Taunton.
A head winner at Doncaster in November under Tom Bellamy, the six-year-old son of Gold Well followed that up with another success at Taunton over Thursday’s course and distance. That was an impressive performance with King’s charge impressing with the way he jumped and travelled before he put the race to bed with a potent turn of foot.
At Taunton last time, the Irish-bred gelding finished a creditable two and a half-length second to Air Horse One. Harry Fry’s charge has subsequently won a big-field handicap at Ascot impressively in what looked a decent contest which gives a strong boost to the form.
King has saddled five winners in the last two weeks and The Unit remains unexposed over today’s trip.
Volpone Jelois due deep to win a maiden hurdle here in December but the form of that races looks pretty ordinary whilst Dan Skelton’s Zarib returns to hurdling after falling over fences last time out.
However, I think The Unit will be hard to beat.
I also fancy Atalante in the 6:25 at Chelmsford. Jeremy Noseda’s filly ran four times last year for Andrew Balding and now switched to Noseda’s Newmarket yard, the daughter of Cape Cross should win this contest. It’s interesting that Noseda decides to keep her in maiden company and he must think she is up to winning an event like this. She is well bred and with Ryan Moore on board, she rates a strong selection.
Selections
The Unit 2/1 4:10: Taunton
Atalante Evens 6:25: Chelmsford
