Our expert returns with a trio of selections for Monday's feature card at Nottingham.
18.53 Nottingham - INVINCIA JET (Trap 3)
First up is INVINCIA JET (3) in the first A3 contest. Last time out, he was hindered at a critical moment behind the front-running Penitent Fawn. Had he managed a safer passage, he would’ve won. Today, he should be able to clear the inside pair and turn no worse than second as they head down the back straight. The son of Droopys Sydney has superb middle pace and, with a clear run, should be tough to beat.
19.27 Nottingham - BETTYS JACK (Trap 3)
Next, BETTYS JACK (3) stands out in the ARC Sprint Trophy over 305m. Kevin Boon's early pacer ran in the opening round of the Derby at Towcester last time, showing his early speed to lead last year’s Derby champion Gaytime Nemo up to the third bend before fading. This still looks like strong form in the context of this lesser contest. Dropping back to a long sprint could be the right move for this son of Ballymac Eske.
20.01 Nottingham - ALWAYS WISHING (Trap 5)
Finally, in the Nottingham Dash Trophy Final, ALWAYS WISHING (5) was impressive in last week's heat and looks like a greyhound to follow over these sharper sprint journeys. This feature event is over the rarely used distance of 255m, and Always Wishing clocked the fastest heat time with a smooth performance last week. Previously campaigned over four bends and reaching A1 grade at Perry Barr, dropping back to the sprint has brought significant improvement. He may even go quicker than his time of 15.13s last Monday. A smooth passage seems almost assured, as Headford Hero (4) tends towards the rails/middle and Starcash Best (6) isn’t the fastest of starters.
Best Bets
18.53 Nottingham: INVINCIA JET (Trap 3)
19.27 Nottingham: BETTYS JACK (Trap 3)
20.01 Nottingham: ALWAYS WISHING (Trap 5)