I've selected a few obscure runners for the black book in the hope of striking some nice prices when they next step out.
PATROCITY
I thought this maiden galloper's effort to finish runner-up was excellent. A Hec McLaren-trained gelding, Patrocity is still a maiden after four starts but has done enough in two starts back from a spell to suggest his turn will come soon. In a slowly-run race the son of Patronize was back last before peeling widest into the straight, rattling off the best closing 600-metre sectional to get within a length of odds-on favourite Money Maher near the line. Suited by a rise to 1400 metres and will be much harder to hold out with better speed on up front.
Career record (4:0-2-0)
Race to look for – 3YO or maiden 1400m
AGACHAR CRUZ
Here's one we can sink our teeth into at likely good odds next time he steps out. This otherwise reliable gelding hadn't done much this time in work although it can be argued he also has not had much go his way. Stepping out for new trainer Ashley Maley on Saturday, Agachar Cruz ended up back last on the rail contrary to his usual racing pattern. Seeking inside runs on the turn as the leaders skipped away, Agachar Cruz caught the eye making good ground late over the short course. I'm expecting the trainer to have learned plenty about his new charge after that run and it won't surprise to see the gelding camp right on the speed next time around. With those seemingly poor results to his name the price should be right.
Career record (30:7-3-1)
Race to look for – Benchmark 72+ 1000-1200m
UNIVERSAL LAW
This Peters-owned, Durrant-trained gelding might be getting back into winning form after a much better effort on the weekend. Terrible in two starts since resuming but the trainer tinkered with gear leading into Saturday's assignment and it appeared to do the trick, with Universal Law working home solidly against the pattern to finish sixth in a leader-dominated race. He should now be rock-hard fit fourth-up and it can't be ignored that a jockey by the name of William Pike has been up top for all five of his career victories with all but one coming at the spacious Belmont circuit. I'll be loading up if The Wizard jumps back aboard in the coming weeks.
Career record (21:5-3-4)
Race to look for – Benchmark 72+ 1600m
