ATHMAD can return to winning ways in the Spreadex Sport Get £50 In Bonuses Handicap (6.30) at Southwell today.
The Ruth Carr-saddled seven-year-old marked his first visit to Rolleston with a course-and-distance score at the start of last month, following up under a penalty at Wolverhampton three days later.
The hat-trick bid came up short as Athmad went under by a head to Double Time at Dunstall Park a week ago – but that doesn’t mean the handicapper has caught up with the son of Olympic Glory.
Paul Mulrennan’s mount was the only one of the first four home to make his ground from the back, and was also forced to make his challenge to the outside of his six opponents.
In the circumstances, that run needs marking up, and Athmad is fancied to defy a 2lb rise in the weights to defend his unbeaten record at the track.
At Chelmsford City, veterarn MURHIB is capable of building on a return to winning form at Lingfield Park last month by beating six rivals for the Fairwood Brasserie Handicap (3.55).
Lydia Richards’ 11-year-old went up 3lb as a result of a half-length beating of Be Fair, but his revised mark of 65 is still 8lb shy of the rating from which he scored over course and distance in April 2021.
Thursday's selections
HEREFORD
1.50 GOLD CLERMONT
2.25 ANOTHER DAY OUT
3.00 YELLOW JACKET
3.35 I GIORNI
4.10 JUST GO FOR IT
4.45 PLAY BY THE RULES
5.15 LUMP SUM
WETHERBY
2.00 HASTY BROOK
2.35 RESPLENDENT GREY
3.10 CAPTAIN JACK
3.45 OSCARS LEADER
4.20 JOANNA I’M FINE
4.55 GENTLEMAN DE MEE
5.25 SUPPORT ACT
5.55 LIGHT SENTENCE
CHELMSFORD CITY
2.10 GALILEO GLASS
2.45 PUNTARELLE
3.20 LETMELIVEMYLIFE
3.55 MURHIB (NB)
4.30 BOASTY
5.05 CORPORATE RAIDER
5.40 LIVA
SOUTHWELL
5.30 THE TRON
6.00 SWEET WILLIAM
6.30 ATHMAD (NAP)
7.00 URBAN DECADE
7.30 CRÈME DE CACAO
8.00 USTATH
8.30 KISS MY FACE
DOUBLE: ATHMAD and MURHIB
