Count Of Anjou is selected to retrieve recent losses and go one better in division two of the Maiden Stakes, over seven furlongs at Warwick today. Eleven days ago, Richard Hannon's charge didn't reproduce his best form on polytrack and I'm banking on him to 'do the biz' on a 'good' surface. On my time-handicap Count Of Anjou is way-superior to 13 rivals. Hannon's horses continue to oblige and son-in-law, Richard Hughes is one of the best jockeys on this planet.
Division one is weaker, well within the considerable scope of twice-raced Touch Tone, trained by Barry Hills, whose Farringdon yard is now firing. Ironically, 'Mr Chester' didn't score on the Roodeye last week but hit the goalposts several times. It's difficult to win at these major meetings but Barry�has had two winners since and one of them, Prime Defender, goes again in the group two, Duke Of York on the Knavesmire this Thursday.�Watch out for the 'Bird' at Southwell tonight!
Once-raced, Widow Bird shaped well five weeks ago, when runner-up to Staff Sergeant, over course and distance. What significance? Form on fibresand is so vital. Although one or two others come out marginally better, none has experience of the 'deep stuff' and trainer Hughie�Morrison has enjoyed�considerable success at this all-weather Nottinghamshire track, aided and abetted by Steve Drowne.
This is my idea of the 'A-Team' and many other serious-minded backers are fully aware of it. Expect Widow Bird to improve and�go one better, in�a race that looks well within�her capabilities. A good bet.
SELECTIONS
R15 (14) TOUCH TONE
R17 (7) DANCE EAST
R18 (5) COUNT OF ANJOU (nap)
R25 (7) WIDOW BIRD
