At the start of the season when we were all discussing the areas we were going to specialise in, I stated nursery handicaps as mine, having enjoyed a little bit of success in them last season (Nizhoni Dancer, Calahonda and Ataabas Allure the main three winners I can remember anyway). Unfortunately, they take a while to get started, as the juveniles need several maiden runs in order to qualify for their opening handicap mark.
I don't know whether it was just coincidence that my best winners last season came in nurseries as I only bet in them for a few months but I will be the first to admit I have struggled this season and I have always had nursery handicaps at the back of my mind as the get out of jail card that would put me back in profit for the season.
Right now, I'd be happy if these were to just break even, then I can look at the staking strategy to try boost profits at a later date.
Bet 1: 6.40 Redcar
A reproduction of her debut 4th would give
Vilnius every chance in this nursery handicap. She was only three quarters of a length off Avon Valley who won a maiden next time out and was rated 83. Crown was a short head back in fifth and has won two novices races since, and was rated 87 when last seen running in the Queen Mary Stakes (Grp 2) at Ascot. She dropped into selling company at Catterick last time out but that run at least proved she handles this sort of ground. As an April foal she is the youngest of the six remaining participants, but she looks handicapped to win races off 58. Inform Paul Hanagan in the saddle is another plus.
4/1
Coral, 1 pt win.