FATHSTA was not beaten far in a competitive event at Lingfield last Saturday and is one to keep on the right side as he makes a quick reappearance at Wolverhampton.
David Simcock’s charge did not enjoy the clearest of runs entering the straight at the Surrey track that day, but ran on well to finish just under two lengths behind winner Elna Bright.
He probably would not have won in any case but the victor looked quite smart and his connections have some lofty plans in mind.
Fathsta is evidently a horse in fine heart and may find competing in the slightly easier company of the Bet NFL - Betdaq Handicap to his advantage.
Balcarce Nov can return revitalised from a 90-day break to claim top honours in the Bet Masters Snooker - Betdaq Conditions Stakes.
The five-year-old will be having a first crack on the all-weather in Britain but having raced in his native Argentina as well as Dubai, the surface will hold few surprises for him.
Although Balcarce Nov has shown his best form to date on quick turf, he has won one of four starts on the all-weather, although the dirt track at Nad Al Sheba failed to suit.
The Polytrack is a different proposition altogether and Balcarce Nov has something in hand of his rivals on officials ratings.
The son of Romanov was good enough to finish fifth in Group One company in Argentina but he cut little ice on his debut for Tom Tate at Haydock last July.
A 66-1 win the next time prompted connections to step him back up in company but he seems to fall a little short of Listed and Pattern level here, with a hot Ascot handicap also proving beyond his reach, although he has never really been beaten by far.
This extended mile heat is a nice step back on to the ladder though and with Jamie Spencer booked to ride, Tate is obviously hoping for the best.
Arganil is another who returns after a break in Lingfield’s Golf And Racing Conditions Stakes.
Kevin Ryan’s charge was three times a winner last year, including a Listed event at Dundalk, but each of those victories came over the minimum trip.
He tackles six furlongs here though and while his record over the longer distance is not as good, he is favoured by the conditions of this race.
Arganil has won over six before and after a fair effort in Listed company at the Surrey venue last November, he should appreciate the drop in class.
Sure Fire is the choice in the Bet In Running - Betdaq Maiden Stakes at Southwell.
Trained by the ultra-shrewd Barney Curley, Sure Fire has shown flashes of promise in two all-weather starts to date.
He was not that far off winner Lava Steps on his first try on the Fibresand last month and this gelding is learning with every outing.
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