Turf Talk: Small field and cut in the ground work in Intellect's favour

Sir Michael Stoute’s runner had looked quite progressive in winning two of his three starts before pitching up for a 19-runner event at York’s Ebor meeting.

The wheels firmly came off that day though, as Intellect was beaten some 46 lengths as he trailed home last after racing pretty keenly through the early stages.

Given he had won his two previous races on soft ground, the quicker conditions may well have been another negative on the Knavesmire and he was facing by far the biggest field he had ever encountered.

Obviously it will take something of a leap of faith to stick with Intellect here, but he is perhaps better judged on his nine-length stroll at Newbury in July, when he made all and found plenty at the finish.

The smaller field should allow him a bit more leeway up front while the likely soft ground can only be another tick in the ‘positives’ column.

Magical Dreamer is another who relishes cut and should be followed in the Wainwright Golden Ale Handicap. James Fanshawe’s decision to drop back to five furlongs at Haydock last time out so nearly paid dividends as she found only Major Pusey a length and a half too good that day. She should be in the mix once again here.

Mohsen is an intriguing contender as he switches spheres in the 188bet.co.uk Handicap at Chepstow.

Out of luck in four maiden starts so far, Marcus Tregoning has opted to embark on the handicap route as this half-brother to Temple Meads seeks that all-important first success.

He is certainly bred to be a decent sprinter and hit the bar on his penultimate start when beaten a length into second at Doncaster.

TURF TALK TIPS

CHEPSTOW: 1.40 Edge Of The World, 2.10 Diagnostic, 2.45 WG Grace, 3.15 Mohsen (next best), 3.50 Nitro, 4.20 Time To Blossom, 4.55 Franny Nisbet, 5.25 Miskin.

NEWCASTLE: 5.40 Monsieur Glory, 6.10 Getgo, 6.40 Bahkit, 7.10 Making Miracles, 7.40 Qafilah, 8.10 Far Dawn, 8.40 Honey Badger, 9.10 Express Lady.

REDCAR: 1.20 Hedonism, 1.50 Placebo Effect, 2.20 Duke Cosimo, 2.55 Manatee Bay, 3.25 Kynren, 4.00 Van Velde, 4.30 Sliver Gleam, 5.05 Insurplus.

YARMOUTH: 2.00 Mutaaqeb, 2.35 Hemingford, 3.05 INTELLECT (NAP), 3.40 Bizet, 4.10 Waqt, 4.45 Blazed, 5.15 Magical Dreamer.