Koropick – 1.35 Ayr – 6F Handicap – 25/1 Bet365 – 1 Point Each Way
I put up Koropick last time out, but he didn’t pick up over the 5F. Please see my previous write up that details my reasoning for his selection.
I did say he preferred 6F and I’m really glad today connections have stepped him up to his previous winning trip.
Koropick has another 4lb off his back and is down to just 69 and gets in a class 5 handicap. Considering he has won a Group 3 he really is a massive class dropper.
Cheekpieces have also been applied to help focus and wake him up. If they could just help Koropick take a small step forward in form, he would absolutely bolt up here.
He benefits from the highest draw, which is a considerable advantage, and has the benefit of the speed horse being drawn next to him. Because the stalls are in the centre there will be plenty of room for Koropick to sit in behind the speed and navigate around him in the final furlong
He is currently 25/1 with Bet365 and I’m recommending 1 point each way.
He is still value at 14/1.
Koropick – 3.27 Beverley – 5F Handicap – 33/1 Bet365 – 1.5 Points Each Way
Koropick has a fascinating profile, he is 7 years old and as a younger horse showed himself to be a proper Group Class performer.
As a 2 year old he won his 6F maiden and went on to compete in Group 1, 2 & 3 sprints postmarking a high of 106.
He progressed as a 3 year old and finished 2nd to the mighty Bataash over 5F, postmarking 110. He peaked with a Group 3 success at Newcastle where he postmarked 113.
Koropick was retired to stud for the next 2 years but returned to the track last year and was clearly not fit, finishing last both times in big Saturday Handicaps.
This season he has had two runs, his first be at 300/1 in a handicap where he again finished last, but on his latest start over 5F, going off at 125/1 he took a step forward and travelled well in behind and made a move 2F to challenge, but his run flattened out.
I feel from a fitness and wellbeing angle he is coming to the boil and as a three year old he certainly needed a run or two to hit his peak form.
Koropick’s best form was over 6F and ideally, he would have been stepped up, but he remains at 5F and thankfully he runs at Beverley’s stiff 5F course which is bound to suit him.
Koropick has dropped down the weights from a high of 109, to just 73 today. Now he is fit for the first time since his 3 year old campaign he will find this class 4 handicap the easiest assignment of his whole career and must have a big chance.
At 33/1 with Bet365 he looks a strong bet and I recommend 1.5 points each way.
He is still value at 16/1.
Wild Thunder – 3.55 Ayr – 1m Handicap – 20/1 Bet365 – 1 point each way.
The 4 year old Wild Thunder was originally trained by Richard Hannon and had Arab Owners. He showed some decent form as a two year old, winning his maiden ,postmarking 85 in the process and going on to finish second twice over 1 mile off a mark of 87.
He didn’t seem to train on as a 3 year old and was sold on. He is now trained by Michael and David Easterby, and they have run him three times this season over inadequate trips of 6F and 7F.
Wild Thunder had apprentice jockeys riding and I’m certain these were just cosy runs to strip Wild Thunder fitter and get a few pounds off his back.
Today he now returns to his optimum 1 mile at a time when he is fit, and connections have jocked up Ayr’s leading jockey Paul Mulrennen for the ride.
This all looks like good intent from this shrewd yard and now Wild Thunder is down to a mark of 70 he looks dangerously well handicapped considering he has postmarked 92 in the past.
He sits in the market at 20/1 with Bet365 which look a massive price.
I therefore recommend 1 point each way.
He is still value at 12/1.
